Artist Interview: Meet Udaya
Who are you?
Hey! I am Udaya, a Software Engineer by profession and an Artist by passion. I am self-taught and currently evolving my artistic style.
Where are you from?
I am an Indian born artist from Toronto, Canada.
What is your medium(s) of choice?
I love experimenting with different mediums. I consider myself as someone who just began their art journey but not necessarily an amateur. I enjoy working with resin which results in beautiful realistic beachscapes and glow in the dark pigments which brings out of the worlds fantasies into reality. I also love working with traditional acrylic mediums.
How did you get started in your craft?
It all started during Christmas holidays in 2018. From my childhood days, I always had a challenging academic schedule and then hectic work schedule which never gave me an opportunity to pursue my interest in art. It was for the first time in 2018, that I got an entire 2 weeks of vacation to spend all by myself at home. I initially started making polymer clay charms and figurines in the holiday spirit. Since I was always drawn towards painting, I later began painting with Acrylics and started experimenting with different mediums. I never stopped ever since!
If you could give one piece of advice to all up-and-coming artists, what would it be?
I believe that it is important to make draft versions of your ideas rather than just picturing it in your mind. That way you never miss on your awesome ideas and always have something to refer to when you are stuck in a limbo.
Never stop experimenting -be it new mediums or a new style of work.
Always enjoy the process more than the result.
Who are your biggest influences?
I have quite a few as I credit my learning to my social media artists who generously share their work which is very inspiring. I can say Cristoforo Scorpiniti is my favorite as he is one of the best glow artists out there. I also love Jenni Chapman who is an excellent resin artist. There are many more!
What’s one thing you absolutely could not live without (in your studio or in general)?
F.R.I.E.N.D.S playing in the background - I watch it all the time, it a stress buster!
What inspires your creativity?
Nature. Its boundless and I get carried away by the sheer beauty of it. My favorite of all is watching the Clouds and Night Sky.
Do you ever feel discouraged? How do you work through slumps in creativity?
Yes, sometimes I feel lost and struggle to focus on what to do next. I then usually take a break from art and watch Netflix or read about current affairs. It helps clear my mind and even help me pick up a new idea or theme to work.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated on a daily basis?
I always go spend time in my “art” room which is just a corner space in my living area. I get excited looking at all the paints and it keeps me motivated to start off with something.
What is the most memorable response(s) you’ve gotten about your work?
“It’s even more beautiful than in pictures”, said one beautiful soul about my glow painting.
What is the best advice that you’ve ever been given?
To Do is better than To Think.
What is your dream project?
It keeps changing. Every day a new dream.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Iceland, but with shorter winters :D
What would you say is the best part about being an artist? What about the most difficult?
Conveying your emotions through the painting. It is the best and also most difficult part as there is no rule or formula to get it right.
"I would like to thank my lovely husband who is my rock support. He always encourages me to deliver my best be it as an artist or as an engineer. He is also my biggest critic and I wouldn’t be half good as I am today without his support." -Udaya
