FAA Spotlight An Artist interview with Ramesh Nair

Fine Art America Spotlight is an opportunity to get to know some of the fantastic people creating and sharing artwork within this community. As artists, we must support each other. Each of us possess an intimate understanding of the creative process. It is this intimate understanding that allows us to truly appreciate the work of our fellow artists. I have taken it upon myself to interview some of my personal favorites here at FAA. I am deeply honored to present these interviews as they occur. Having said that, I am very excited to present my interview with another deeply talented artist: Ramesh Nair! Ramesh joined our community in 2020 and is already showing how deeply talented and devoted he is as an artist. His artwork is thought provoking and intellectual. Please feel free to leave comments. Without further ado:

Question: In your own words, how would you describe your art?

Ramesh: An artist’s personality is reflected in the way the art is expressed. As an artist, I personally believe in a touch of creative and distinctive input in the artistic expression. I have always been dedicated to my art and followed the thought process in continuously shaping a style of my own. Being born in the traditionally rich state of Kerala, India, I have been really close to nature, Indian mythology, spiritual aspect of our country and people. My art explores our connection to nature while living in a world that constantly attempts to sever us from it. These observations and learnings have a great influence in the creative aspect of my line artworks and paintings. I have exuded the idea of deconstructing physical spaces, playing the role of a bricoleur, finding beauty and recreating it through the technique of Cubism. This series of paintings focuses on different kinds of architectural spaces in an unconventional manner, finding aesthetic essence in their deconstruction.
A continuous passion towards artistic fantasies, observation and learning regulates my thought process in transformation of creativity.

Question: As an artist, what inspires you to create? How does your creative process work?

Ramesh: I have been passionate about art from a really young age, habitual to scribbling portraits back then, inculcated a certain thought process of continuously observing, deriving meaning to those peculiarities in creation of art. Being passionate about the process kept me going and seamlessly integrate and enhance my art. My creative process starts with a mere thought or idea which comes through different spaces of my observations and analysis. With different variations of nature and people around, such thoughts are often processed through various such analogies. I then spend my time in studying and reading about the deep aspects of the topic and immerse myself into it till I get a powerful blueprint of my creation. The studying process goes on with my work to grab every thought of enhancement. As an artist, there are days you get completely stuck and be out of the process. In such times I do take a break from the artwork on that date and start the next day with a fresh mind. I have been lucky enough to have always got answers over my stuck thoughts on the next day!

Question: Can you share a few of your favorite artists? What is it about their work that draws you to them?

Ramesh: One of my favorite artists is Ram Kumar, he has an incredibly unique way of creating a fine mix of representational landscape and abstract. The tones and textures are quiet exquisite. Another favorite is S.H. Raza. This form of art has been always beyond comprehension and is soothing at the same time. His artworks have a catchy color dispersion and beautiful texture and strokes.

Question: What are your favorite mediums for creating artwork?

Ramesh: I have worked with almost all the mediums. Personally, the most preferred and favorite mediums would be pen& ink and acrylic. Most of my artworks are in the same medium. I also love experimenting with mixture of various mediums in my paintings. I believe the accuracy in the mixture of medium can do wonders to the complexion and the color aspect of the artworks.

Question: How long have you been an artist?

Ramesh: I have been passionate about art since a young age. I started drawing when I was in 7th grade. It all started with constant scribbling of portraits and natural figures that I used to observe. Gradually I started studying various forms of paintings and artworks. I completed my diploma in fine art in 1987. My learning process is still going on. In my journey, I have learned a lot about art from renowned artists and creators and put all my persistence and knowledge in creation of my art form. Now it’s been almost 39 years I have dedicated to my form of art.

Question: Have you displayed your work elsewhere? If so, where?

Ramesh: I have displayed my works in group exhibitions nationally & internationally, conducted in various cities. Few of them are “Revived Emotions” An International Art Exhibition, at Ratchademnoen Contemporary Art Center, Bangkok organized by S C Foundation India & Ministry of Culture, Thailand; The Art Society of India, 99th All India Annual Art Exhibiltion, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai; “Amalgamation 2” Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai; “Kerala state exhibition”, Durbar Hall Art Center, Cochin.

Question: Aside from artwork, what are you passionate about?

Ramesh: I am passionate about my art and my life revolves around it. In my professional career, I’m an Art Director in an advertising agency, which is also closely related to art. Apart from these aspects of my life, I like teaching. I conduct weekend drawing classes for young kids which keeps me motivated and reliefs professional stress. It allows me to interact with young kids and its quiet fun and refreshing.

Question: Do friends and family show support for your creative endeavors? Who is your primary supporter when it comes to your artwork?

Ramesh: Yes, my family and friends have been supportive of my art. They have always been supportive and encouraging in my artistic career. One thing I have been blessed with is having great and supportive teachers throughout my young student life. It is because of them that I have been able to be where I am today. I am still in touch with them and share a beautiful mentor student relationship, they are my primary supporters of my career as an artist. I appreciate all the efforts they took in my upbringing as an artist. My art school friends are equally inspirational. We have a similar upbringing and have been together in throughout this journey by encouraging and motivating each other to bring out the best form of ourselves. I’m also a part of various art groups and art societies, which assisted me in connecting to like-minded and dedicated artists. It helped me explore new ideologies, art forms and enhance my space of thinking.

Question: What do you get out of art? Can you describe what art means to you?

Ramesh: I have been associated with art all my life. I find solace in art in such a way that all my works are an expression of myself and what I feel.

End of Interview

Please click the link below to visit the remarkable gallery of Ramesh. Also, feel free to leave your thoughts on the interview in the comments sections. Show Ramesh your support by leaving comments on his amazing artwork! Thank you Ramesh for the interview, and thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to read this.