Art is life! Komal Ullal from Mumbai, is an internationally recognized artist. The awards and recognitions achieved by her are splendid. Her passion for art has helped her seek an entry into the Limca Book of Records, 2007, as the youngest to win maximum number of awards in drawing and painting competitions. She shares her acquired expertise with aspiring artists , as she thinks that art is a form of expression, anybody, at any age can pursue it. Her inspiration comes from several great masters of the renaissance and popular Indian modern artists.

Team imd1 is glad to have such a great talent as an Expert for imd1 Art courses. Know the story of this exceptionally gifted Artist.

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

First few steps of any journey require Hand Holding! When I was a kid, my parents identified my creativity and skills. They provided me a lot of exposure to explore my passion. And yes, my journey began there. At the age of 4, my dad recognized my talent for drawing, and he enrolled me to a class to pursue the art. Long back then, pursuing a non-academic course was presumed as a child’s inefficiency in studies. But my parents didn’t think the stereotype and without any pressure allowed me to pursue my education in the field of Art. Till the time I realized what was happening, I was already an Artist.

Know me Beyond Drawing

What's your success mantra?

Be a student for life! If you once think that you are successful, you’re learning stops there itself. Then there is no new learning or the acceptance of new things which hinders your creativity and eventually growth in the expertise.

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

Yes, in every journey there are hardships and hurdles, but I took them as challenges and excelled. I always tried to find my own way through it. The challenges were in the form of competitions and managing studies along with Art. But with supportive school and parents, it seemed to be less difficult to pursue my passion. Initially it was very difficult, but it was overcome with perseverance. I used to struggle with time. You can not just set a timer while doing an Art. It is a time taking process. But my love for Art, always made me work with delight and eventually my life was sorted.

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

Setbacks usually teach life lessons, especially the things which you should not do. Without setback there will never be a feeling of achievement. They help me to explore the alternatives and select the correct way through it. Afterall you must enjoy what you are doing, the process gives you immense joy and there after you achieve success.

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

Yes, of course. Having a hobby in your life lets you express yourself freely. You need Art in your life.It is not always important to understand the technicalities, but to embrace the moment and feel the delight. It allows you to have your own time. Art is a form of expression and self-expression helps you to know yourself better. It works in a therapeutic and a recreational way. Any of the artform should be a part of your routine.

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

The positivity around inspires me a lot. I am always keen to learn and meet people who are motivated by Art. On the other hand, my school and tuition teachers always influenced me to be the strong woman and pass on the knowledge. In this huge world of Artists, Leonardo da Vinci, a complete definition of Art has revolutionized the Art and gave it a meaning. He was the one who has created a great impact on all the artists.

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

I was invited to the President’s house for the National Balashree Honour and the award ceremony was about to begin in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, that was the most overwhelming moment. When they announced my name for the award, I realized that they considered me ‘I Am The 1’. It made me overjoyed. Instead of you realizing, someone else appreciating and believing thatyou are the one is the biggest achievement.

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

Formal Training is as important as a self-learning experience. I have completed my master’s degree in painting from JJ School of Arts, and at the same time I have undergone the trainingsfrom various Art gurus and Masters. My professor taught me various cultures, interiors and photography. Formal training helps you groom your creativity and skills. It basically teaches you the techniques accurately.

Could you reflect on the importance of systematic training in Drawing?

It’s best to lay the foundation with systematic training. It helps everyone to improvise and enhance the art piece. Many a times peoplewho don’t know the importance and benefit of Art think that it won’t be useful. But it teaches you a lot of new things.

What are the pre-coaching essentials e.g. right age, mindset or anything else?

In this art form, there is no Age barrier. I started at 4 myself. So, it’s all about passion. Anyone can start this at any age. For the overall growth and development of a child, Art should be involved in the curriculum by the time they are toddlers. They should be given the freedom to express themselves and share their own imagination. Even a retired person, can start drawing. It helps them express themselves and live life in content.

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

Art is a work of passion and not technology. Technology helps us with ease of work. So mindfully we need to decide how the technology can benefit the field of ART. Hobbyist will still prefer the Old School. No matter how much the technology comes in, the essence of Art will always be the Old school training. Professionally, to get the work done faster technology is an aid.

What qualities must one look for in a 'Guru' for training in Drawing?

Gurus try to bring out the best of a student’s ability whereas the Teacher is an expert of the syllabus. In today’s time both are equally important. So, we require a subject matter expert and a skillful hand. Gurus should never be discouraging. They must always provide you with a good platform and motivate you to excel in the field of your choice. They should always be passionate about the work and share the knowledge to their students. A guru should have a free-flowing attitude, sharing knowledge to a greater extent without any barrier.

If you were to bring one big change in the way people get trained in Drawing, what would that be?

Firstly, I regret saying Art is not a subject in the curriculum. Art is givenleast preference over academics.This needs to be changed, considering Art equivalent to Academics. In the imd1 drawing course, we are teaching kids technicalities right from the beginning. We let them explore the nature around them and create an awareness about the Art. If you give kids right training, they will be in a better position to decide about their career.

What do you suggest for better accessibility of Drawing training in remote parts of India?

Art is all about the colors and creativity. So,may be they can just make a brush with a feather, various colors can be made of turmeric, different flowers, etc. Materials can be made available from the surroundings, in case of techniques there should be a proper mentor or at least an internet connection so that they can do the online training with the guru.

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

There is not much awareness about Art and Design. Schools should have an art subject where they conduct the workshops and seminars, not only for the students but also for the parents so that they know the importance of co-curricular activities and treat them equally important as academics. Of course, academics is important, but these activities also add up to the holistic development of a child.

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

I think I should have started the classes for underprivileged students a little earlier in my career. If I had done that during my college days, it would have established well by now.

How can one identify & encourage talent in the family?

If you feel your child is inclined towards any of the activities, devoting time and proactively indulging don’t just ignore them. Act upon it by appreciating every little effort that the child makes towards it. Show interest in their passion and be vocal that you care and admire them for it. Encourage them by enrolling in classes, participating in competitions, etc. and be genuinely supportive about their career choices.

Any other thoughts you want to share…

Everyone should have passion and love for what they do! There are a lot of distractions; however, pursuit of excellence is the only success that matters. Your actions should be the cornerstone of inspiration for generations to come. Believe in yourself and function at your highest potential.