Interview
Stuti Gupta Thomas
Stuti, an artist fueled by a lifelong passion for drawing and painting, has always stood out for her exceptional talent. Despite a family background rooted in science, her artistic abilities shone brightly, captivating everyone around her. In 2022, Stuti decided to fully embrace her bond with art, a connection so profound that it is integral to her very being. She committed herself entirely to her craft, drawing profound inspiration from the natural world. The intricate dance of flora and fauna, and the rich tapestry of nature, serve as consistent sources of inspiration for her. Stuti's work is an exploration of the delicate balance found in nature, captured through her skillful brushstrokes. Each painting she creates is a reflection of her own journey towards understanding and expressing the complex interplay of human experience. Her art is not just a visual treat, but a gateway to introspection and deeper connection with the world around us. In embracing her artistic journey, Stuti has managed to illuminate the canvas of life, inspiring us all to see the world through her colourful and expressive lens. Stuti's story is just beginning, and the art world eagerly anticipates her next masterpiece.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“From an early age, I had an affinity for drawing and painting, and these forms of expression became an integral part of my life. However, societal norms guided me towards career in the sciences, specifically as a respiratory therapist. This path allowed me to help others, but I always felt a persistent pull towards my artistic roots. During the challenging times of the pandemic, I found solace in art. I utilized my spare time to dive back into the art world, attending online workshops and classes to refine my skills and find my artistic voice. This period of exploration and learning was transformative for me, so much so that in 2022, I decided to transition into practicing art full time. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, but I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to dedicate myself fully to my craft. I believe that my unique background, combining the precision of science and the creativity of art, allows me to bring a fresh perspective to my work and the art world in general.”
What inspires you?
“I'm deeply inspired by the world around me; the sprawling landscapes, the diverse wildlife and the intricate balance of our environment. My passion for preserving our planet and safeguarding the creatures that inhabit it is a significant driving force behind my work. I believe art has the power to transform, educate and inspire change. Through my work, I strive to highlight the beauty of our surroundings, hoping to inspire others to cherish and protect it. In addition, I'm deeply fascinated by the realm of fantasy. I love juxtaposing elements of fantasy with natural scenery, creating a unique synthesis that showcase the world's mysterious ways. This blend of reality and imagination allows me to explore and present familiar landscapes in an entirely new light, adding an extra layer of depth and intrigue to my work.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my art, I consistently pursue themes of unity, harmony and environmental preservation. These are subjects that I feel very passionately about and believe are essential to address in today's world. My art is a reflection of these convictions and serves as a visual exploration of these complex, multifaceted issues. Central to my work is the idea of interconnectedness. I strive to depict how everything in this world, from us humans to the farthest galaxies, planets and stars are intrinsically linked. This unity, I believe, is a powerful force that, if recognized and harnessed, can propel us to reach our highest potential. Moreover, I firmly believe that our natural resources are not just commodities but powerful tools for discovery and exploration. If we can learn to respect and preserve our environment, we can unlock a world of possibilities that extend far beyond our current understanding of the world.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work primarily falls under the genre of symbolic realism, a style that allows me to infuse my art with layers of meaning beyond the immediately visible. I deeply enjoy incorporating elements of symbolism and metaphor into my compositions, which often prompts the viewer to look beyond the surface and engage with the artwork on a deeper level. A distinctive characteristic of my work is the rich, layered texture that I achieve through a meticulous process of building up the paint. I begin with thin washes of water-based paints, creating a foundation of colours and shapes. I then gradually add layers of oil paint, culminating in luscious layers that brim with depth and texture. This technique not only results in visual richness but also invites the viewer to experiences the tactile qualities of my work, making them feel part of the artwork itself. I believe that art should be more than a visual experience, it should engage multiple senses and evoke a wide range of emotions.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My artistic influences are diverse, spanning different periods and styles. I have always been drawn to the works of the old masters, with artists like Sandro Botticelli standing out for their incredible attention to detail and mastery of form. Botticelli's ability to bring mythological subjects to life has had a significant impact on how I approach my own work. Similarly, Gustav Klimt has been a major influence, particularly his unique style that blended symbolic, and allegorical subjects. In the realm of more contemporary art, Walt Disney has been a tremendous inspiration. His ability to create fantastical worlds that captivate audience of all ages has greatly influenced my own desire to blend fantasy and reality in my work. Likewise, the works of Frank Frazetta and James Gurney, with their incredible ability to incorporate fantasy element into their art, have significantly shaped my artistic vision. Their mastery of colour, light and narrative has guided my exploration of similar themes in my artwork.”
“In my art, I consistently pursue themes of unity, harmony and environmental preservation.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is quite methodical yet fluid. It begins with a great deal of planning aimed at determining the best way to express the message I want to convey. This involves choosing the most suitable imagery that aligns with both the message and my personal artistic vision. Once I have a clear concept in mind, I begin the process of transforming my vision into reality. I start with thin layers of water-based paint materials, such as spray paints, inks and acrylic washes, gradually building up the piece layer by layer. At times, I incorporate collage elements into my work to add an interesting tactile texture and to introduce symbolic elements that subtly reveal themselves through subsequent layers. The final step in my process is to create luscious layers of oil paint that add a sense of depth and richness to the artwork. This intricate layering process results in a finished piece that is not only visually appealing but also conveys a deeper message to the viewer.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists play a crucial role in society as catalysts for change and transformation. Their work often reflects the reality and truth of the world around us, serving as a mirror that encourages introspection and understanding. As artists, we ground ourselves in reality and express it in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. Our work can inspire others to explore perspectives and viewpoints different from their own, promoting empathy, tolerance and open-mindedness. This ability to inspire and provoke thought is perhaps the most powerful tool at an artist's disposal. Looking to the future, I see the artist's role evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. As we grapple with issues like climate change, social inequality and technological advancement, artists will be at the forefront, using their creative talents to inspire action, foster understanding, and envision new possibilities.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I've had the privilege to showcase my work at various local art fairs, exhibitions and group shows. The positive reception and feedback from these experiences have been incredibly encouraging and rewarding. One of the most exciting upcoming events is an online solo exhibition that will be hosted by the Light & Space art gallery. This is a wonderful opportunity to present my work to a broader audience and I'm really looking forward to it. While these experiences have been significant, I believe I'm just at the beginning of my journey. There are many more exhibitions and opportunities on the horizon, and I'm excited to continue sharing my art with the world. I'm truly grateful for the opportunities I've had so far and am eager to see where this journey takes me next.”
