Rishika is a freelancer, a self taught artist who hails from the Pink city of India - Jaipur. Right from her childhood she has explored the women's life and different cultures. She has got a clear vision and aim not only as an artist but also as a human being. Through her paintings, she decided to make the canvas a platform to introduce the most untouched section of our society.

She has been appreciated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Mr Ashok Gehlot, Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Vasundhara Raje, Alia Bhatt, Mr Amitabh Bachchan, Tiger Shroff, Sonam Kapoor, Sonu Nigam, Sonakshi Sinha, Ameesha Patel and many other celebrities and politicians. She has displayed her artwork in many National and International Art Exhibitions. Honoured with numerous State and National Awards, one of her painting has also been certified in the India Book Of Records.

She represents the nation and its culture through her artworks. Rishika believes that art creates a huge impact on society as it has no language barriers. We are really glad to interview such a young and talented Artist. Team imd1 wishes Rishika All the best and success for her future endeavours.

We are really keen to know how did your journey begin?

I have been drawing since childhood, I do not even remember when I made my first printing. But according to my mom , I started when I was in 1st or 2nd standard . Sketching used to be my hobby and eventually it became my passion. My father used to scold me that why do you keep pulling lines on paper? Pay attention to your studies. Actually my father wanted me to be doctor. But I used to think that the medical field is not made for me. Even if I become something in this field, I might not be able to do justice to my work. After school I picked up my hobby of sketching once again in my 2nd year of graduation . I was a science student, but still I had a lot of passion for painting. Talents are not those natural abilities we’re born with. To bring out any talent, it’s important to reinforce the hard work, determination, and perseverance it takes to develop a skill. I used to make sketches of my friends and my teachers. I started developing my skills in the past five years. At the beginning, the results were very immature. When comparing with others still my drawings are far away professionalism but I’m proud that I have learnt this skill myself, I was always fascinated by diverse facial expressions and how they reflect countless emotions. So I particularly focused on portrait sketching. I struggled with them for at least 7-8 hours each. It was so hard to draw realistic facial features when you need to view all the contrast values from a different perspective. Later, I started making paintings on some serious social issues, I developed my imagination and turned my fantasies into reality. I started working in all mediums like graphite/charcoal pencil, oil painting and acrylics. From my experience I can tell one thing, practice is the Key, you don’t have to born with some extraordinary talent to master this art. This is how my journey began.

What's your success mantra?

The primary success factor is knowing how to learn from your mistakes and rely on yourself. Don't think about success too much. It is all about enjoying the process and enhancing your potential each day. Don't just dream about your life, live your dreams.

Know me Beyond Sketching

What were the hardships / hurdles you have encountered during your journey? How did you overcome them?

I have faced several challenges on my way here. Have experienced disappointments many times, but each one of them has only strengthened me to make me the person I am today. I used to work 8-12 hours a day with my studies . People used to demand free sketches, as if the artist's hand is a printing machine. Some people did not even pay for an ordered paintings or sketches. I looked forward by thinking that they have kept only a painting , not my talent. Why people fail to understand that it takes an immense talent, time and expensive raw materials to create a masterpiece. We can't have growth without some failures and setbacks along the way. I accepted the challenges, and pursued my passion.

Success is incomplete without its share of setbacks. What advice do you give to others about handling the setbacks?

I believe that failures and setbacks are only temporary as long as you never give up. I would like to advice all begginner artists that never allow a setback to give you an excuse to sit back. Strengthen yourself and continue to look forward.

Do you think Sketching and its learnings can be helpful in life even if one does not want to consider it as a career goal?

Definitely, Sketching helps to nurture different areas of your brain. It helps to develop your ability to focus and pay attention. Art encourages an endless thinking and boosts creativity. There are no rules and no one telling you what to do, you can just draw whatever you want. Skills you learn through sketching can be applied variedly in your life.

Who has been the main influencers in your journey & how?

I can't really say that only one person influenced my life a lot, I’ve learnt from my parents, their experiences, from my teachers to my friends.My biggest influencer is my Sweetest Mum. She taught me many values that defines who am I today — the values like honesty, integrity and sincerity; the benefits of hard work and the importance of striving for excellence. She taught me how to be patient and resilient in times of hardships and difficulties.Her love for our family is unconditional —it’s a gift that has left an indelible impression on me as an aspiring Artist.My brother Apoorv, who is six years younger than me but he has taught me a lot and always supported me. My childhood friend Gaurav, has been an important part of my journey, whenever I was disappointed or frustrated, he always helped and encouraged me to do my best to achieve my goals, and be strong enough and not lose hope on my dreams.He has always supported me in my good and bad times. I am influenced by Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel. She is the most beautiful, wisest, generous and positive person I have ever known . She always encouraged me to fulfill my dreams. I came as a fan in her life but she treats her fans like family. She has a golden heart with beautiful soul and I am truly blessed to have someone like her in my life.

Which was "that" moment when you considered yourself as "I Am The 1"?

I don't think that moment has come, yet I am thankful to all of it. The highs, the lows, the blessings, the lessons and the setbacks, everything. There are a lot of things about sketching that I have learnt with time and yet there are much more things that I am yet to learn to become a better artist.

Did you get any formal training in Sketching? Kindly tell us about it…

I didn't go through any formal training. Being a self taught artist helps you to try out your own thing, use your way to sketch your creativity on the paper. It gives you an opportunity to explore and more chances to learn from the mistakes. You get to learn many things with each sketch you make. The flaws in your work help you make a better one the next time. No offence to any artists who are learning it professionally. I have equal respect for both. So maybe it would be better to say my learning has been self-directed rather than saying self-taught.

Technology is changing the way people get trained in Sketching. What's your take?

The technology process has changed today’s world, Artist has better tools and resources to engage in their artistic process. Fast access to information helps artist with idea, research and inspirational topics. Technology helps artist to improve the quality of work and speed up the timing process (finding material supplies, cost effectiveness balance and etc.) , as well as spreading the artistic message into the world via internet access, social and digital media channels, finding and establishing professional network and communication and attracting attention to your art. But if my opinion is asked about digital painting and handmade painting, then I would say that nothing beats a real handmade painting.

Your piece of advice to parents especially when some people are skeptical about career in extra curriculum…

Sometimes parents hope that our children will follow in our footsteps, choosing some of the same activities and aspirations that they did when they were young. There is nothing wrong with having big dreams for your child. However, what is bad is when these are forced on your child, like to engage in an activity that he or she has no passion for. This can lead to catastrophic outcomes such as poor academic grades, anti-social behaviour or depression. Therefore, allow your child to freely choose his or her area of interest and provide support where necessary.Not only is their world today different from the one they grew up in, but the children have their own unique interests and passions. Let them explore the world.

One thing which you feel you want to change from the past while you walk down the memory lane…

Not to change anything though because everything that happened in the past, either good or bad was a lesson. I believe that everyone gets what he/she deserves. Everyone gets something less or something more and its always for the best so why to change it.

How can one identify & encourage talent in the family?

When most of us think about our talents, we often attracted towards what we think of as our own natural abilities. Some of us are naturally more athletic, better in maths, art, or maybe inclined to Music. What we don’t often think about is the fact that talent is built, not born. What we can’t see when we watch our favorite musicians perform on TV is the sheer number of hours of hard work and practice that was put in before that person became a celebrity. Likewise, when it comes to children, Parents should observe the talent they posses and encourage them to embrace those skills.One key step in identifying and nurturing your child’s talent is by setting him or her free. Sometimes, parents put too much pressure on their kids and load them with multiple activities; this can be very stressful. The ideal method to discover their talent is to allow them to have the freedom and time to simply explore.

Any other thoughts you want to share…

I am really grateful and thankful to imd1 for providing me this opportunity and having me for this amazing interview. I hope my thoughts and comments really inspire imd1’s readers to take up what they love and achieve the same like no one else. Thank you!