Artist Interview | Sandeep Kumar Mishra
Introducing Sandeep Kumar Mishra, a self-taught artist based in India.
When it comes to your writing, explain what you do.
I create art that speaks to the human experience, exploring emotions, memories, and the beauty of nature. My work is a blend of realism and abstraction, often incorporating vibrant colors and intricate details to evoke a sense of wonder and reflection. Through various mediums, including painting, photography, and digital art, I strive to capture moments that resonate with viewers, inviting them to see the world from a different perspective. My art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling, connecting with people on a deeper level, and inspiring a dialogue about life and the world around us.
What project are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on a series titled Whispers of the Wild, which explores the connection between humans and nature. This project involves mixed media, combining traditional painting with digital enhancements to create ethereal landscapes that highlight the delicate balance of our ecosystem. I’m also collaborating with a writer to bring this series to life in a children’s book, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility and love for nature in young readers.
Why do you do what you do?
Art is my way of understanding and expressing the world around me. It’s a language that transcends barriers and allows me to connect with others on an emotional level. I create because it fulfills a deep-seated need to explore, question, and celebrate life’s complexities. Through art, I can communicate ideas and emotions that words sometimes fail to capture. It’s also my way of contributing to society by inspiring thought, provoking discussion, and bringing beauty into the world.
How has your practice changed over time?
My practice has evolved from purely representational work to more abstract and conceptual art. Initially, I focused on mastering techniques and replicating reality, but over time, I’ve grown more interested in experimenting with forms, colours, and mixed media to express deeper themes. This shift reflects my personal growth and a desire to push the boundaries of my creativity. I’ve also embraced digital tools, expanding my ability to merge traditional and modern elements, resulting in a richer and more diverse body of work.
What is your strongest childhood memory?
One of my strongest childhood memories is of sitting under a large banyan tree in my village, sketching the world around me. I was fascinated by the way sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting intricate patterns on the ground. This early connection with nature and the peace I found in those moments laid the foundation for my artistic journey. It was under that tree that I first realized the power of observation and the joy of translating what I saw onto paper.
What is your scariest experience?
One of my scariest experiences was getting lost in a dense forest during a solo trek. The disorientation and sense of vulnerability I felt were overwhelming. As night fell, the sounds of the forest became more intense, and I realized how fragile our existence is in the face of nature’s immense power. This experience deeply influenced my work, reminding me of the thin line between fear and awe, and how important it is to respect and coexist with nature.
Describe a real-life experience that inspired you.
A visit to the Himalayas profoundly inspired me. Standing amidst towering peaks, I felt both insignificant and deeply connected to something greater than myself. The sheer scale and majesty of the mountains made me rethink my approach to art. It inspired me to explore themes of solitude, resilience, and the raw beauty of the natural world in my work. This experience also reinforced my commitment to environmental conservation, which now plays a significant role in my artistic practice.
What superpower would you like to have and why?
I would love to have the ability to communicate with animals. Animals are incredibly intuitive and often have a profound understanding of their environment. Being able to converse with them would open up new perspectives and insights into the natural world, enriching my art and helping me advocate more effectively for conservation. It would also fulfill a lifelong curiosity about the thoughts and emotions of the creatures we share our planet with.
What is your pet peeve about the art world?
One of my biggest pet peeves about the art world is the commercialization that often overshadows genuine creativity. The pressure to conform to market trends can stifle artistic expression, reducing art to a commodity rather than a form of self-expression or social commentary. I believe that art should be about exploration and pushing boundaries, not just about what sells. The emphasis on financial success can detract from the authenticity and soul of an artist’s work.
What is your dream creative project?
My dream creative project is to create a large-scale interactive installation that immerses viewers in the beauty and fragility of nature. It would combine visual art, soundscapes, and tactile elements to create a multi-sensory experience. The goal would be to evoke a profound emotional response, encouraging people to reflect on their relationship with the environment and inspiring action to protect our planet. This project would travel to different locations, adapting to each unique setting and involving local communities in its creation.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to embrace failure as part of the creative process. I was afraid of making mistakes early in my career, but I’ve learned that failure often leads to unexpected discoveries and growth. Being open to experimentation and willing to take risks has allowed me to push my boundaries and develop my unique style. It’s through failure that I’ve found my voice as an artist.
Which place in the world do you find to be the most inspiring?
The most inspiring place for me is the Himalayan region. The mountains, with their majestic peaks and serene valleys, have an unparalleled ability to evoke a sense of awe and introspection. The landscape’s raw beauty, combined with the spiritual atmosphere, provides endless inspiration for my work. Every visit to the Himalayas deepens my connection to nature and fuels my creativity, reminding me of the importance of preserving these sacred spaces.
What’s the most indispensable item in your studio/practice?
The most indispensable item in my studio is my sketchbook. It’s where all my ideas begin, from quick doodles to detailed plans for larger projects. My sketchbook is a safe space for experimentation and a constant companion that helps me capture fleeting thoughts and inspirations. It also serves as a visual diary, documenting my creative process and evolution. Without it, I’d feel lost in my practice.
What are your hobbies?
Aside from creating art, I enjoy hiking, photography, and gardening. Hiking allows me to reconnect with nature and find inspiration in the landscapes I encounter. Photography complements my art practice by helping me capture and study light, composition, and texture in the world around me. Gardening is a meditative hobby that teaches me patience and the beauty of nurturing life, which is often reflected in my artwork.
Creatively, where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself expanding my artistic practice to include more large-scale installations and public art projects. I want to continue exploring the intersection of art and environmental advocacy, using my work to raise awareness about ecological issues. I also hope to collaborate with other artists and communities globally, creating art that transcends cultural boundaries. Ultimately, I aim to inspire positive change and leave a lasting impact through my creative endeavours.
Thank you, Sandeep Kumar Mishra, for letting us peer into your creative journey.
Sandeep Kumar Mishra
Sujangarh, Rajasthan, India
https://www.sandeepkumarmishra.com/
