By From teaching to art: Shoma Banerjee on etching a new career path
On a warm June afternoon, artist Shoma Banerjee, is busy outlining a canvas, inside her home studio in Dubai. With bold brushstrokes, she paints tapered limbs and pointed faces of women, recreating an iconic Kalighat painting, The artist says, she has been steadily honing her skills in the traditional folk-art technique that traces its origins to 19th century Bengal, India, also her homeland.
Two years ago, Shoma couldn’t have imagined such a restful weekday afternoon. Back then she led a hectic life as a middle school teacher caught in a never-ending web of lesson plans, school assignments and projects. As an educator for 24-years, she had often felt stifled in a career that no longer made her feel fulfilled. All along art had been that creative outlet that let her unwind from her work life stress. It was in 2022 that she finally made the transition, bidding adieu to teaching and flowing along with her passion to create art. The decision paid off well. Today Shoma specializes in mixed media, abstract, Indian tribal and folk art. She has exhibited at various local and international events including at World Art Dubai, Queen Elizabeth II Hotel, Dubai, Dubai International Art Center, Reem Gallery, Chaka Art Community among other venues. She has also co-founded CreaSHions, an art venture promoting sustainable handicrafts.
In this interview with Middle East Masala, Shoma shares the challenges and learnings along her journey of pursuing an art career:
What inspires you to create art?
I get inspired from random sources – an emotion, a colour, a roadside scene that tugs at my heart. Women have been a recurring theme in my art. Most of my paintings are also part of a series, for instance “Celebrating womanhood” is a collection of 16 abstract paintings that I created.
How did you transition from teaching to art?
I was a teacher for 24 years. I have taught all age groups, from primary, middle, to high school. Notebooks, question papers and answer scripts were my life for several years. Even then somehow art remained my passion. I used to find at least 30 minutes every day to sketch and paint. As the years went by, I realized that my interest in teaching was waning out and I was feeling overwhelmed by the complex education policies. I also had certain personal priorities that I wanted to give more time to. So, I decided to quit teaching and become a full-time artist.
What were the challenges and learnings during this shift?
Creating art is arduous but surviving as an artist in the is the real acid test. I found the biggest challenge is to sell your art. Over the last two years since I stepped into this industry, I have been continuously learning to evolve as a professional artist, to introduce my art to collectors, gallerists, and art enthusiasts. Along the way I learnt that it is important to network, to have a valuable web of connections with people from various industries. From gallery events to LinkedIn and social media, artists have many opportunities to reach out to potential customers.
I believe an artist needs to explore the full potential of their creativity and be ready to take risks. You should be persistent, keep practicing and perfecting your craft, share your process online so that more people can enjoy and support you. Create a portfolio, that can showcase your work.
What are your earliest memories of creating art?
My earliest memories of creating art are embedded in my school days, when my art teacher in Delhi Public School, Noida, India would encourage me to participate in various national and interschool events. As I won several awards and accolades, I felt more connected to creating art.
How did you develop your artistic skills?
It is a continuous process. I paint, sketch and create every single day, whether I am in Dubai or traveling. Every day I learn by experimenting with new mediums. Sometimes I succeed, at times I fail, but I am always at it.
What is your forte?
Though I like to paint a variety of themes on all mediums, my forte is Indian tribal and folk art, especially from Bengal, that connects me to my roots.
Tell us your favourite medium to create art.
When it comes to art mediums, I have experimented extensively with several mediums, but gradually I have gravitated towards acrylics. They are easier to work with, give almost the same finish but in a shorter time and produce less odour compared to oil paints. I can create some great layering effects with acrylics, that can be used both on paper as well as on canvas.
How did your teaching career help you in your art journey?
Teaching a wide range of students in all age groups over the years, I got an opportunity to understand that art is integral to everyone’s life. I realised what the great Pablo Picasso meant when he said, ‘Every child is an artist’. No matter what art they produce it’s important to recognise their creativity in school. As a social studies teacher in middle school I used to bring art into my classroom every day.
Describe a day in your studio.
Once I finish my morning errands, I am at my studio by 10 am. I listen to music and hear podcasts while I work. I can paint for hours as I enjoy what I do, taking a few breaks in between to eat lunch, pick my daughter from school and then I am back in the studio. It is quite a fulfilling time for me.
How is art a part of your life?
Art is at the very core of my being, besides my artwork you can see it in my home décor, my fashion, my garden. I try to find art everywhere as it helps me to flow in life with ease.
insta@soulartistshoma