The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

My art seed was sown 15 years before. When I was doing my post secondary studies, the first thing I do in the morning is to check what cartoon came out in the HINDU daily by Legendary Cartoonist and my Art Guru “Keshav Venkataraghavan”?  Exposure to the work of famous artist is a part of learning and developing any form of art, artistically. Some artists have inevitably resonated more strongly than others, and been more influential in directing my artistic journey.

Every person has some art within himself. Some trigger is required to activate it. Like for many others, Mr. Keshav is my Art Trigger. He is a Class Cartoonist by nature and I always want to follow his path in sketching and cartooning. He is the reason why I love Cartooning. He has been my inspiration.

When my first sketch was published in The Hindu, I am so thrilled and I wrote an email to my guru, Mr.Keshav Venkataraghavan, for the inspiration seeds he sown in my heart.

This is what he say about him. Cartooning is serious business and a great art form. Keshav belongs to that ilk whose cartoons evoke collective realization. Not many people see the aesthetics in cartooning. Every cartoon is a discovery of the unknown; a reflection of what the lay public feels. It is a visual attempt to echo their thoughts and perhaps go a step further. Maybe you will find a reason to laugh – and laugh out loud.

This is the best thing that I can do for him. I spoke to him and requested to give an interview to www.sridar.com, so that he can inspire younger generation to start sketching. He accepted immediately with great and kind art. I asked my son to put together few questions, that he wants to ask the Master.

I am a “Krishna” Lover !!! My wife named my Son as “Krish” because we love Krishna so much. Kesav’s krishna series is a life time collection. (http://kamadenu.blogspot.ca/) – ( Krishnafortoday).

 

 

This is my Interview with Mr.Keshav Venkataraghavan: (Sr. Dy. Editor/cartoonist at The Hindu)

1. Where were you born and how you started you Career? What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Born in Bangalore. Schooling in Hyderabad. Settled in Chennai. Always drawing- from chalk on the floor and pencil on walls – to watercolor on paper. This was my childhood. After coming to chennai in 1978, finished my graduation and started contributing to Ananda Vikatan. First it was an experience in direct sketching from live music concerts. Was working in a bank. When I got an opportunity to work for The Hindu, quit the Bank and joined Hindu as a full time cartoonist in 1987.

2. How long have you been doing fine arts? What’s the first artwork?
Ever since childhood I used to draw. Do not remember my first work. Used to participate in art competitions even when in school.

3. How you became the Cartoonist for Hindu? How do you feel about your journey with Hindu as Editor/Cartoonist?
While contributing to Vikatan, I got an opportunity to participate in the Hindustan Times cartoon contest in 1986. I got three prizes in various categories. During the awards ceremony met the major cartoonists who where judges like Abu Abraham, Ranga, Kutty, Mickey Patel, Sudhir Dhar etc, who encouraged me and inspired me. That was when I sent my samples to The Hindu and they were interested. Eventually I joined them in 1987 June. The journey was one of learning. I learnt everything from the Hindu. I have been under great editors over time. It has been a wealth of learning.

4. Where are you finding ideas for your work these days?
By reading newspapers and watching news channels and keeping track of news stories. These are necessary to form an idea for the cartoon. As it has to be backed by facts. The ideas may come from anywhere. We do not know.

5. What is an artistic outlook on life?
We are observers. From Nature. From people and events. The ideas help us to see things in perspective and we don’t get much involved in politics. We always try to be objective.

6. Are artistic skills are inborn or learnt in your opinion?
The inborn skills cannot grow on its own. It has to be polished and we have aim for excellence. So the more one practices the more one grows. It is ( as they say, 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration )

7. What and who inspired your works? Who’s your favorite artist?
Many have inspired. British artists from Punch, American artists from Mad, Mali, Raju, Gopulu, Sridar and Madhan from Ananda Vikatan and a lot of cartoonists and artists from all over the world. There are thousands. David Low was the best in cartoons.

8. How much time do you spend everyday sketching?
Sketching is a small part of the work in cartooning. The major part is thinking up an idea. Sketching may be between 20-40 minutes ( not including coloring, which is done digitally. ) However I draw and paint, which may take 2-3 hours daily.

9. Whats about your opinion about digital world and digital artists?
There are lot of opportunities in the internet sites/blogs and in the field of animation- for digital artists. There are some very talented youngsters in that field too.

10. Do you use any digital software or tools? Whats the advantage and disadvantage you see in this new form?
I use Digital tools like Photoshop only to color. Drawing is by hand only. I prefer hand drawing to the digital medium. It is a personal preference.

11.What type of pieces of art do you like?
I like all forms of art which is skillful and has an idea. I keep learning from new ideas from artists and cartoonists all over the world, daily.

12. What is special about Lord Krishna? I see a lot of Lord Krishna in your collections? ( Krishnafortoday).
I draw a lot of subjects from mythology. Krishna has been a favorite because he lends himself to various experimentation — with various techniques and postures. And you can take a lot of liberties with him.

13. Do you have a gallery/museum-going routine?
No. Whenever I go to a place I do try to catch up with various artworks from that place. In a museum or gallery.

14. What’s the first artwork you have sold?
During my first art show ‘Krishna Leela’ on 2006. The topic was ‘ Govinda pattabhishekam. ‘

15. What would you call your style of art?
Indian art.

16. What’s the best thing about being an artist?
Creativity is a challenge and fulfilling. It helps you find peace with oneself.

17. What’s the worst thing about being an artist?
When one does not get an idea.

 18. Is there a purpose to your artwork in social media ? and what do you gain and what do you loose?
To share my work with people. There is immediate feedback, favorable or not. I lose nothing.

19. How do you feel when people interpret your artwork differently?
It is a personal opinion of the viewer. Everyone cannot think in the same way as the artist

20. Did you ever feel like giving up?
No. As far as painting and drawing is concerned.

21. What are your hobbies? Or do you have anything special things to share to the readers apart from art?
I read books and listen to music. Any music.

22. What is your favorite food? Why?
Not particular about food. Maybe chocolates and ice cream.

23. What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Have patience. Practice. Observe life around you. Respect nature.

 

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I thank Keshav  for the time and the privilege of having an interview for www.sridar.com. The interview served to reinforce strong interest among art lovers to take-up Art as a profession.

Sincerely,
Sridar Elumalai