How do you describe what you do?
What I do is still work-in-progress. I feel I am still on the path to where I want it to be. Most of my personal projects have been about documenting everyday life and experiences. My drawings mostly tend to be realistic and not abstract leaning towards the genre of visual journalism. I use hand lettering and illustrations in various ways to tell the stories that excite me.
How did you start in art / design?
I started drawing as a kid, encouraged by the fifty paise that my grandfather used to give me for every drawing I would show him after returning from school. I would treat myself to laddus (an Indian sweet). After a long hiatus through school and my obsession with cricket I finally rediscovered drawing when I joined my design school. I am still catching up on all those years of missed practice.
What would your top tips be for anyone considering taking up art/design?
I am not the best person to advise on a career but creatively I would suggest, just keep your eyes and senses peeled at all times and engage with life. It is the best source of inspiration. Keep practicing and learn to be patient.
When you have the dreaded creative block, where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?
Creative blocks, I guess, usually occur when you decide to sit and make something. But if you are always reading, looking, thinking, noting, scribbling then you may find that there are always endless ideas and inspirations around you and in your kitty. I also find walking and being in nature a very good way to stimulate my mind.
What piece of work or project are you most proud of?
In a way it was part of my non-existent bucketlist. I still sometimes cannot believe that a story I wrote and illustrated got published on the Guardian's website. I wanted to convey that, though very ancient, how unique Kolkata's Metro (Underground) train stations are compared to the several new and fancy ones coming up across different Indian cities. The fact that I went back to Kolkata (where I was born) to research for the project and wove it with a personal experience of travelling in the Metro trains growing up made it really special to me.
Any books on your shelf or exhibitions and events coming up you can recommend?
I guess, Journalism by Joe Sacco because I haven't read it yet and really want to.
Why is Colchester Makerspace important to you/or and your work?
Colchester Makespace has been the best part of our new life here in the UK. We googled for something like it even before we moved here and were thrilled to find it. We came to look for it possibly on our second or third day itself in the UK. Like I said earlier, Anisha and I managed to finally collaborate after years of procrastination and I feel it has something to do with us both being members here and the space and people it affords us. It can only get better from hereon.
Dwarka’s work will be on display and available to buy for the month of July at Patch in front of the Makerspace at Trinity Works.