When did your interest in art begin?
“Art has always been a predominant part of my life. Even as a young kid, I always found myself drawing. But I really got serious about it around the age of 12.”
Sachi Shah hard at work on one of her paintings.
How did you know you had a talent? And what inspired you to pursue it?
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time drawing with an aunt of mine who was a big inspiration to me. Thereafter I pursued my own passion, occasionally taking classes. Many times I turned to YouTube to learn certain techniques and read loads of books on art in addition to finding inspiration all around me.
Sachi with one of her masterpieces. She says, “At the Nokor Tep Gala Dinner where I auctioned my piece off live for 2000 dollars to help raise money for a woman’s hospital in Cambodia”
“Other artists inspire me as well. I am part of the tumblr community, which is an interactive blogging website, and I get feedback on my work from other artists and that’s quite encouraging. I also find inspiration in areas of study like literature and history.”
Do you have any formal training?
“Although I never took any long-term art courses, I did take a class when I was in 4th grade and I am taking another class now, but for the most part, I’m self-taught.”
What is your style of art?
“Rising From the Tonle Sap”
“Painting for an art competition against various schools. The theme is helping Cambodia. The work was auctioned live and sold for 2000 dollars. All the money raised is to fund the Nokor Tep Woman’s Hospital in Cambodia. My painting depicts a young Cambodian girl emerging from the murky waters of the Tonle Sap lake in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.”
“I do quite a bit of mixed-media painting. Mixed media meaning, I use an array of mediums like ink, colour pencils, etc. all in one piece of work. I also find myself getting into illustration a lot, doing detailed work with pen and ink. I feel it gives the painting dimension. In my drawings you will see a lot of motifs and whimsical and surrealistic figures.”
What do your parents feel about your ‘hobby’?
“My parents always encourage my passion for art but never pressure me to attend classes. They’ve always accepted the fact that it was my hobby and never put me in a position to feel pressurised [sic]. With art in particular it is hard to be creative under pressure as you need to be inspired to do it.
“I went through about four micron pens, spilled ink on my bed, and cramped up my hand three times to complete this. I’m beyond exhilarated that I did. I’ll be making prints soon”
“My parents always offered me art classes if I wanted them, but let it be my choice and supported whatever decision I made.”
“They also help me by showing my work to their friends, which is very encouraging to me. I have sold a few pieces this way to family and friends!”
The motif detail of the above painting, an Ink drawing on wood
What advice can you give kids out there about pursuing their passions in life?
“Don’t limit yourself when it comes to hobbies and passions.”
“When I was small I always thought I only liked to draw, and not paint. But one rainy day, I took to painting and haven’t looked back since.”
“Even if you choose art, don’t restrict yourself to just one medium. Although I have experimented with only a few mediums I am still in the process of learning and experimenting.”
” I made this for my mum for Christmas. It’s yet to be titled”
“Don’t feel like there [is only] one definite path you have to follow. It is ok to make mistakes and change your interests as you go.”
“I have a great group of friends who are very supportive of me, so I feel it is important to surround yourself with people who are a positive influence to you.”
How do you balance your studies with art?
“I have always been on top of things academically, and have always taken my studies seriously but not to the extent of adding too much pressure on myself. So I guess you need to strike a good balance between your studies and other interests.”
“Another one of my untitled pieces”
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
“I’m going to keep practicing and I hope to go to art school like the Rhode Island School of Design and one day hopefully become an independent artist.
“I am not limiting my options though, there are a lot of areas art can be used in, like graphic design and book cover design. So I just want to master what I’m doing and find my own distinctive style.”
One of Sachi Shah’s paintings on wood
Where can folks view your work?
“All my creations can be viewed on my blog.”
A mixed media painting on wood
Now parents, we’d like to know: If your kid had a talent like Sachi Shah, what would you do? How would you support him or her? Come share by leaving a comment!