Success….
What is the definition of success? Is it achieving wealth, respect or fame? Does it mean getting the job you wanted? or does it mean shedding a few surplus pounds from your weight?
This word means many things. It manifests in various forms and in various situations. There are people, who seek success in money and material possessions, while others seek it in inner peace and self improvement. Remember, success is not only achieving something spectacular. It also manifests in the small affairs of daily life.*
Today’s guest artist, is someone who is as generous and down to earth person having similar opinions about success. Meeting of this beautiful lady was a pleasant happenstance. When I first shouted out on Instagram, it suggested her me to follow. I didn’t know the algorithms behind suggestion of IG at that time, but when I looked through her profile, I came noticed many touch points with her. SPD and Bonnie Christine, Indian and motherhood. She is such a modest, selfless and always ready to help. Let’s a warm welcome to listen her creative journey in her own words.
Gargi Datta Banik
Regina, Canada
Surface Pattern Designer
“I am a Surface Pattern Designer. I am freelancing since 2019. Through my artworks I want to capture the essence of Nature, Her dwellers and the bounties provided by Her. All of the motifs in my designs are either hand drawn or painted which is why you might find a painted leaf or a painted floral in my patterns. I always endeavour to give the person who is viewing my work a little slice of the place I have visited. I try my level best to create a sense of nostalgia if I am working from my memory. Through my works I wish to leave a piece of me even when I am long gone!”
A lil bit of her Journey
“After graduating with an Honors in English from the University of Calcutta, I was wondering as to what should my next level of studies be? I wanted to venture new paths and didn’t want to go through the nerdy route of being a scholar in English! Guess my professors would quite not be happy with my decision! Ha..ha..ha!
Anyway, I entered the world of multimedia by enrolling myself in an institute named, Arena Multimedia without having any prior knowledge of computers! I didn’t know what multimedia was but thought it would be fun to learn new things and boy, it was really a beautiful world where you could nourish your creativity!
Then after some years I came across Bonnie Christine’s Immersion course. My old love for Illustrator and design strengthened and bloomed! 🙂 I got to meet (well, virtually) so many like minded creative souls whom I cherish from the bottom of my heart. 🙂
A snapshot of her Art Gallery
While talking heart to heart with Gargi, I was eager to know her thoughts about motherhood. Being a creative mamma, I always wondered how other mammas manage their passion and personal life. And I blown away with the words she wrote as I felt I am expressing my emotions. (Already expressed myself in my initial post)
Balance between Motherhood and passion
As Bonnie Christine would say ” find time in nooks and crannies”, I abide by that line thoroughly :). At times it becomes a little bit difficult to juggle between “what” (my creative process) I love and “whom” (my family) I love because, hello, we are all human beings, right? We all have our flaws. But having a very very supportive husband who knows and understands your passion is really a boon in life! He gives me the freedom to chase my dreams while constantly being attentive of our 5 year old daughter. I might also add here that whenever I am stuck in my creative process, I seek his opinion !
Sometimes when I am watching any class on Skillshare my daughter would join me too. Also, if when we are out and I am clicking some photographs for my inspiration she would come running with a leaf that she has found and would say excitedly, “Maa, look what I have found for you? You can use this in your design!” and my heart would just melt. So, I would say I am not balancing my passion and personal life, my family is doing that for me for which I will be forever grateful to them! 🙂
Proud Moments and Goal
“I have participated in a few art challenges. They have helped me to hone my skills which in turn help me to create in collections.“
“It would be my dream to collaborate with fabric companies like Art Gallery Fabrics, Moda, Windham Fabrics, etc. and wallpaper companies like Sandberg Wallpapers, Chasing Paper etc. There is also a mini dream of having my own fabric or home decor line someday.“
Advice to novices
I would always say it is a journey worth exploring. It might feel a bit overwhelming and daunting at times. But stay focused. Work hard and you would get there. Remember, success doesn’t come overnight. It needs determination and persistence. Personal satisfaction is the most important ingredient of success. So,
“Focus On The Journey, Not The Destination. Joy Is Found Not In Finishing An Activity But In Doing It.”
Lastly, I would say, please don’t stop DREAMING and please don’t stop BELIEVING IN YOURSELF. Your moment to shine will come. Just don’t lose hope! Sending love your way! 🙂
You can find her
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/creative.pine/?hl=en
