Dr. Mankush Srivastava is a name that resonates with passion, perseverance, and artistic excellence. Her journey from a young schoolgirl winning national art contests to becoming a celebrated artist in Dubai is truly inspiring. This blog explores her story, creative process, sources of inspiration, challenges, and future aspirations.
Early Beginnings and Rediscovery
Mankush’s love affair with art began in grade 8 when she won the Camel contest, a national-level competition in India. This early recognition sparked a lifelong fascination with art. However, life’s demands, including raising a family, led her to put her passion on hold.
Rediscovering Art Through Her Daughter
Years later, as she helped her daughter with school art projects, Dr. Mankush found her way back to art. Her daughter’s success, notably winning the bookmark competition at the Emirates Literature Festival, reignited her artistic flame. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a passionate artist.
The World of Inspiration
Mankush finds inspiration from a variety of areas, including nature and architecture. She sees beauty in the ordinary, such as damaged walls and rusting doors. These components, paired with her love of symmetry, inspire her creativity.
Music plays a significant role in her creative process, influencing her work’s texture and design. Additionally, the emotional ups and downs of her life serve as a profound source of inspiration, infusing her art with depth and meaning.
The Creative Process
Dr. Mankush’s creative approach starts with considerable study. She explores many concepts and inspirations to develop a strong theme for her artwork. This early step is critical in determining the direction and distinctness of her creations.
After conceptualizing, she adds her personal touch, which she refers to as the “extra tadka” or the “wow moment” This involves experimenting with different techniques and materials to bring her vision to life.
Personal Growth and Satisfaction
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist, according to Mankush, is witnessing her growth. Each piece of art represents a step forward in her artistic journey, providing a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and accomplishment.
Witnessing your own growth as an artist is one of the most rewarding part of being an artist. As an artist you are never at a loss for inspiration
Art as Therapy
Creating art is therapeutic for her, helping reduce stress, build self-confidence, and improve problem-solving skills. It makes her feel more human, enriching her life and providing a fulfilling activity.
Life’s Ups and Downs
Mankush finds unexpected inspiration in her own heart and the countless life experiences she has encountered. These personal journeys, with their highs and lows, profoundly influence her artistic vision.
The Impact of Jodhpur on Her Artistic Vision
Despite her travels throughout the world, Dr. Mankush holds a particular place in her heart for her birthplace of Jodhpur. Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City, has a rich culture, bright walls, and breathtaking desert sunsets that are profoundly ingrained in her artistic vision.
Her art is influenced by the city’s rich past and vibrant fabrics, which provide layers of cultural meaning and historical background. The vivid landscape of Jodhpur continues to inspire and influence her creative approach.
Advice to Aspiring Women Artists
Stand for your work and rest assured that it will have the space , lighting and the context it needs. Work hard , think hard , do not get satisfied easily , set your own goals , be very clear and make your dreams come true.
Mankush stated that being an artist is not a sprint . It’s a marathon. Give yourself time , be patient . Maintain commitment and critical engagement in your practice . Work hard and even harder when you are not satisfied.
The Conversation Between Calligraphy and Painting
If calligraphy and painting could talk, Dr. Mankush imagines they’d talk about their various disciplines and the norms that govern their modes of expression. Calligraphy, with its emphasis on methodical strokes, and painting, with its larger range of expression, would have something in common: a desire to communicate visually.
Overcoming Challenges in Art
Every artist, regardless of skill, experience, or recognition, goes through internal conflicts. Mankush acknowledges the various hurdles that artists face, ranging from financial difficulties to creative blocks and self-doubt.
As a well-known personality in the Dubai art world, she has benefited from a friendly climate and extensive networking. She still struggles with creative blocks, which she overcomes via inner enthusiasm and drive.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Dr. Mankush’s future goals include growing and evolving as an artist and exhibiting her work globally. She aspires to cross boundaries and showcase her art to a wider audience.
Another significant goal is to open an art academy in her father’s name. This academy would serve as a platform to give back to society, offering art classes to children and senior citizens, and fostering the next generation of artists.
Giving Back Through Art
For Dr. Mankush, creating meaningful art is paramount. She believes that art has the power to bring happiness and peace to people’s lives. By giving back through her work, she hopes to make a positive impact on society.
Dr. Mankush Srivastava’s journey is a source of inspiration. It tells us that it is never too late to return to what we enjoy, and that with effort, ingenuity, and devotion, we can achieve our goals.
Follow her on Instagram @artbymankush to support her journey!
