Kristel sketches art
USING her emotions to fuel her sketches, Kristel Nikita Shukla portrays art which expresses feelings in diverse perception.
Kristel, 25, finds her inspiration from Italian renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci especially his work with the Mona Lisa, but it was her father who noticed she had a knack for drawing.
“My father was a sign-writer and he made a living by making signboards for stores in Lautoka,” she said.
“Seeing him draw I simply learned the basics of drawing but then I quickly developed the skills myself and it improved over the years.
“Then I had a phone with internet at my disposal so I often asked questions on Google about drawing and did a lot of research on it too and so I was able to do better sketches of people.
“My father and I used to paint at home and used colouring books and later school friends and teachers started recognising my work.
“I was given an opportunity to paint in school, the Natabua High School gallery with scenes and signs to keep the environment clean.
“Friends recognised me as an artist because I’m constantly sketching, colouring or drawing in my free time. People sort of noticed my talent because I always kept it visible.”
She said her dedication to art started when her name was submitted by a friend for an APCO painting competition.
“My father taught me principles of painting, colour mixing and keeping a paint brush clean after painting which is vital for an artist. I kept practising each day and have never stopped learning,” she said.
She said her work was always her own and was never really for exhibitions.
“However, one of my paintings was featured in an exhibition alongside other renowned local artists in 2014 in an art gallery in Toorak and that is one of my treasured memories of being featured,” she said.
“When it comes to painting, I’m always using my emotions and I remind myself of my journey and the work I have done so far. When I sketch someone based on their request I give my 100 per cent effort so that it will turn out good.
“It is nerve-recking to draw people and I have to make sure that I capture the right image of people when I’m doing sketches.”
Kristel wants to inspire everybody around her through her art and encourages people to never be afraid of doing what they love.