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Renuka Sondhi

"Hello, my name is Renuka Sondhi and I come from the majestic city of Pathankot in Punjab, where I lived until I got married. I completed my college living in a hostel, and I think those were some of the best days of my life. I got to meet a lot of friends from different parts of the country, and got the chance to know and learn about their culture.

"My romance with colors, paints and brushes began when I was just a little child. Since school, I was interested in painting and took part in drawing competitions in school and college. In 9th grade I won a calligraphy competition. I have won many awards in poster competitions as well as other creative fields in college. This interest led me to study fine arts in college and during my final year, I got married to my husband on Valentine's Day. It was an arranged marriage, but of course love followed and I couldn't have been happier.

"Since my husband was from Haryana, I had to move there. After my graduation, I studied for a Bachelor of Education degree and later took up a diploma course in textile designing from National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD). I started painting at home and everyone who drops by my house really appreciated my work. My husband was my biggest fan and always encouraged and motivated me, which led me to improve my skills. I got commissions from many hotels and started selling my paintings to friends and neighbors.

"But fate took a different turn in 2002, when my husband died in a car crash. I was devastated and suddenly life seemed meaningless. It was difficult to carry on with life. My family became my source of inspiration, I took solace in my work and continued painting. I regained control of my life, and life came back to normal. I had to live for my two children. I moved once again, to where my parents are, and enrolled in Triveni art school.

"The main theme in my paintings revolves around women. Nature also inspires me. In fact, my first exhibition was about a series of paintings called 'Elements in Space,' which was exhibited in Triveni and the response was good. Red and white are my favorite colors, as they signify power and happiness.

"I have shown my work in collective as well as in individual exhibits, such as in Poorva Sanskriti Kendra, an important region-based Cultural Center. Some of my paintings were selected for exhibition by the All India Fine Arts Society (AIFACS), which is well-known nationally and regarded by us artists as an honor to have our work selected by them. I received the Puraskar Award in 2000 from Korasala's Wonder Art World, International, as well as a Gold Medal in Agnipath during a National Competition and Exhibition, sponsored by the famous Lalit Kala Academy in 2005, and a Bronze Medal in Travancore Art Gallery in 2006."