While uncovering our vulnerability as sentient beings, there is a vast universe of anecdotes and metaphors betwixt our most reified self (creation) and its less materialized self (art). Albeit for this reason, in spite of the prevailing impression that everything has been said and done, we yield and manifest art.
Art can and sporadically does entail far more than and lead on with a subjective notion. Sometimes the need to create art seems compelled, which could be overwhelming at times; but for some, it is the ‘Way of Life’.
And it is that ‘Way of Life’, that kept Saket Arbhi ‘eluded’ since his childhood. Even his becoming of ‘Marketing guy’ processed amidst the curveballs of life, but his ‘Artiste’ instinct didn’t churn out beneath. Nurturing into the realms, and to our great ‘luck’, we got to get our souls to immerse in his story as a “Passionate painter”-
Tell us a bit about your passion for painting and what style do you prefer?
As a kid, I always loved to draw. In school, everything eluded me except art. Life kept throwing surprises and before I knew it, I had become a Marketing guy. But deep down somewhere this itch to take a pencil in my hand remained unfulfilled. I am a self-taught artist based in India. I create handmade hyper-realistic artworks from color pencils, graphite, and charcoal. I love the dry mediums and the precision I can achieve with pencils. I have a compulsive need for detailing and hyper-realism. The hours and hours I put into creating detailed sketches are like therapy to me. I’m myself when I’m immersed in art.
How do you balance professional commitments and yet take time out to follow your passion?
I like to say that I am both – an Artist as well as a Marketing professional. Both give me joy as both are creative, immersive, and stimulating. I have been lucky in working for a company that encourages my passion for art. Even my colleagues keep encouraging this passion of mine. I work in my spare time. Usually, weekends and late nights are dedicated to my sketching. When you love something so much, you will always find time for it.
Tell us a bit about your experience at the exhibition…what art form did you display and how was the audience’s response?
Mumbai Art Fair 2022 was my first Art exhibition. It was a terrific experience. From working in a silo at home to finally immersing in the art community. Almost 300 artists were displayed there and the general atmosphere was very creative and inspiring. I met some really amazing artists, and I was over-awed by their art. I displayed 10 pencil artworks/sketches. The audience response was overwhelming. Everyone kept stopping at my booth and kept admiring my sketches. There was praise overall for the detailing and hyper-realism achieved through just pencils and this has acted as a tremendous encouragement for me to continue striving for better. I got a lot of inquiries and managed to sell a couple of my art pieces. Some of the best compliments I got were –
“We thought this was a photography booth, but these are sketches, and it’s mind-blowing”. “Your color pencils work is beyond incredible. We thought it was acrylic paints, but now we are stunned knowing it’s pencils”. “The detailing in the eyes is incredible. The glassy effect. So real and life-like”
Any artist/s you look up to in real life?
There are many artists I follow throughout. But there are two artists that I really look up to as inspiration – Jono Dry from South Africa for black and white graphite and charcoal sketches. CJ Hendry from NYC for color pencils.
Art for you is…
My joy, my passion, my escape, and my therapy.
Any dream painting or masterpiece you would like to attempt?
There are many ideas floating in my mind. Will soon be narrowing down on a few. But from a masterpiece perspective, it will definitely be an original concept of mine and it will surely be very big.
What next in your painting career?
I have always taken milestones each year. In my two-year art journey, there have always been milestones that I have religiously chased. From big art-works to my own website to taking part in my own exhibition. I think the next milestone for me will be having a solo exhibition. I know I have a lot to prepare. But this exhibition was definitely a stepping stone and provided me with the much-needed encouragement and confidence that my art is worthy of a bigger stage now.
You can find more about Saket’s art on https://www.saketarbhi.com/.
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