If we walked through your garden right now, what would you show us - the butterflies, the books, or your sketchbook? Why?
Oh, butterflies for sure! My old garden was full of them: Blue Mormons, Tailed Jays, Common Mormons, Bluebottles, and Angle Castors, all fluttering about. During the COVID lockdown, sitting there and watching their metamorphosis taught me to slow down and stay present. It felt like a quiet lesson in resilience and change. That’s why I would show you the butterflies first, because before diving into books or sketching, I believe you need to observe and take everything in. Only then can you truly create something meaningful.
You’ve combined nature, dance, and illustration so well. Do you think creativity thrives on multiple passions?
Absolutely! I believe creativity flourishes when diverse interests nurture it. For me, dance, nature, and illustration intertwine beautifully. Dance has taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of details, which I apply in my illustration research. Nature ignites my curiosity, and rather than pulling me in different directions, these passions complement each other, enriching my creative process.
Looking back, what first pulled you into the world of storytelling?
I’m new to storytelling, having done a few sessions for my picture books. My background in Bharatanatyam helps me perform with expressions and bring characters to life. Even as a child, I loved sharing stories with my teachers, showing my passion for captivating an audience.
Of course, I know I have a long way to go; there are so many amazing storytellers out there. But this truly feels like my first step. What I love about storytelling is that it is very similar to performing. It requires practice, presence, and spontaneity. This blend, along with my passion for stories and characters, keeps me excited to continue growing on this journey.
Many young creatives feel pressured to “specialise” quickly. What has having multiple creative anchors (illustration, dance, gardening) taught you about shaping a long-term creative career?
We are not meant to remain the same. Every year, we change, and our thoughts evolve. I have decided to embrace this change and commit to personal growth. To me, specialisation is a lifelong journey. While it’s easy to claim expertise on paper, true mastery comes only through years of practice and dedication. It doesn’t matter how skilled or inexperienced you were when you began; I prefer to view it as a journey rather than a destination. Since each person is unique, the most important step is to understand what works best for you and to pursue your path with patience and conviction.
Read the full article & much more in the Print Edition of Issue 69