“A painting is never finished…”
Paul Zimmerman in conversation with Meetu Garg
Paul Zimmerman: You are decidedly a figurative artist. How do you select your subjects?
Meetu Garg: My subjects have always been based and evolved with my own state of being. Its our inner world that decides the things or beings we are drawn to and for me ultimately that is what flows on the canvas too.
PZ: How did you develop interest in art?
MG: As far as my memory goes, ART has always been my constant companion. I perceive the world mostly through my sense of vision, in terms of shape, size and colors. That ultimately became my language, my way of expression.
PZ: What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
MG: In any creative field, one has to be a good human being to be able to produce good work. So, I constantly, consciously work on staying in the purest state of being, so that my paintings could carry the energy of peace, love and compassion that I feel so deeply within me. Rest all follows.
PZ: What is your artistic process? How do you create your paintings?
MG: I meditate to allow the creative energy flow unhindered through me. Once that basic work is done, there is no shortage of inspiration. The world seems to be loaded with beautiful things and beings. I just pick one subject that appeals to me most at that time and portray my version of it onto the canvas. I haven’t restricted myself in terms of subject, style, media or technique. Afterall, creativity is all about trusting the process and allowing it to happen.
PZ: How do you know when the painting is finished?
MG: I believe, technically, a painting is never finished. There is always scope for improvement. However, once the painting emanates and at the same time provokes the emotions that I wished, the purpose is solved and I call it complete.
PZ: Have your practices changed overtime?
MG: Yes, definitely, both the intention and the attitude towards painting have changed. I now paint, not for name, fame and money, I paint to satiate my soul, I paint to spread love and light.
I now do not start with a preconceived idea of how the painting will look like in the end. I patiently allow it to take its own form instead. As I always say “I do not paint…, the painting happens to me !!!”
PZ: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
MG: I am in no comparison or competition with any other artist and I have no idea of standing as an artist. I only focus on staying true to my work and giving my best each and every single time.
PZ: Which artists influenced you?
MG: There is so much to learn from so many artists. I am totally awed by not just their skills, but their qualities and strengths as human beings.
Artists like Marco Grassi, Sarah McKendry, Renato Muccillo, Akiane Karmarick, to name a few, are the ones who really inspire me.
PZ: What is “ART”?
MG: “ART” is an Expression. This is how the universe converses with some people (called artists) and others get the pleasure of enjoying that universal language.
PZ: How did pandemic influence your work and sensibility?
MG: This pandemic was actually a boon in disguise. It gave human race a break from the mundane routine and time to reflect on things that really matter. I now have a clearer vision of who I am now and the person I would want to be. I now value the present moment and the people in my life more than ever. I focus on living life to the snuff while playing the role of a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend and an artist. I am in deepest gratitude for being granted this invaluable life. This hopefully, will all reflect in my latest collection to be showcased at World Art Dubai Exhibition (April 2021, Dubai).