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Suman Sonthalia and Aakriti Arts Creations

"Hailing from a conservative Marwari family, I was born in Calcutta on November 5, 1969. For the last ten years I have been engaged in painting Warli-style art, a fine art tradition from rural Maharastra reflective of the daily life of village folks. While cities are stress points of change, villages still retain their original spirit of changelessness that interests me forever. Of course that has rapidly changed the course of this art, making it portable on handmade paper when traditionally it was drawn only on massive clay tablets.

"Even though I was born in a metropolis, the first fifteen years of my life were spent in a village of neighboring Bihar, where I had first hand exposure to all aspects of village life. From my childhood, I had a keen interest in drawing and used to sketch the facets of village life in my drawing book. At the conclusion of those fifteen years, I returned to the bustle of Calcutta again but my inspiration had taken too strong a hold to leave me.

"I have lived now in the vicinity of another metropolis - New Delhi - for the last ten years, that is, from the time I was married. The muse of my formative years refused to leave me and I continued to paint for my own happiness. I come from a conservative Marwari family where girls don't enjoy the freedom of purpose they deserve. But my husband, Mr. B. B. Sonthalia, took deep interest in my art and encouraged me to pursue it. Here, in New Delhi's Crafts Museum I had the opportunity to see Maharastrian Warli art that was originally executed with wet powder of crushed rice on massive clay tablets. I learnt this art from a national awardee for excellence in handicrafts (without first knowing the person really was that) named Jivya Somamasa. I went to Maharasta to explore into the depths of this art. To my surprise I found it a dying discipline with the new generation not interested in it. The expert artists of this field do work only on commission. I have tried to release the art form into newer horizons by painting with natural/vegetable dyes on lightweight handmade paper that can be mounted on the wall. I also use crushed rice to fill the figures in several of my paintings. My paintings are thus highly affordable and are expositions of simplicity in human life and belief.

"Apart from my very cooperative husband, I have two children. I can easily manage between eight and ten hours everyday to devote to my art form. Drawing a piece takes nearly four to six hours. It is only for the last three years that I have stepped out as a professional artist.

"I have organized several girls, some of whom are orphans, under the banner of the Aakriti Arts Creations. I have taught them this art form and purvey them work to paint on broad designs sketched out by me. I again furbish them with finishing touches and convey them their fair share of profit.

"No, I have not received any award as yet, nor has my art been on solo display. In the future I want to teach this art to many other interested persons and popularize its patronage. I am happy in associating with an organization like Novica that is trying to popularize indigenous art in overseas markets. I would feel my labor rewarded if discerning customers in America like them, as they like it when they come here.

"I feel there is no limit to learning any kind of art. Art itself is so amazing, I cannot resist it. Hence, over the times, I have learned many art forms like Madhubani from Bihar, Mandana from Rajasthan, tribal art of Gujarat etc., and now I am trying my skill on Kalam kari art, from Andhra Pradesh.

"Ever since I joined the realm of handcrafts, I have been constantly looking into new mediums through which to expand my ideas and creativity. Not very long ago, I teamed up with some artisans and started an organization to help and fund artisans who are economically deprived. When I am not busy with my paintings, I work with these artisans develping new ways in which to create original and unique pieces. I have about 30 artisans working with me and they specialize in different fields, including wood, terracotta and brass sculptures, as well as a variety of other art forms. Most of my artisans come from rural areas who have a rich artistic potential but are unable to utilize their talents due to personal or economic circumstances. My work is to guide them through their creativ processes. This way I believe I also help in reviving our rich culture"