#NTPeople: Somya Sharma
While my interaction with Somya has been brief, she left an impact. She was showcasing her beautiful artworks at a gallery, and when an audience member asked about her works – she simply stated – “I paint when I can”. That is a very powerful statement; the fact that she puts no pressure on herself to paint with deadlines, and does not look at her creative pieces as ‘work’. It’s a passion that she follows. Accompanying her was her beautiful young daughter and husband – both at whom Somya kept smiling at with pride, love and joy. I was instantly attracted by her poise, confidence and nonchalance at the abundance of praise and compliments she was receiving. Her pieces depicted womanhood, the beauty of the female body and her interpretations of it. Motherhood plays a big role in her artworks, and her experiences seem to translate vividly onto canvas. While art is her life and passion, I sensed an inner strength and maternal force that really made me ask questions.
I wanted to know more about her, her inspirations and of course, her self-care routine. Her answers prove, once again, strength and beauty lies in simplicity.
Here’s our conversation:
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time, especially with being a new mum?
I truly feel, our skin is about what we eat and how we feel. No cosmetic can surpass the importance of healthy diet and good thought process. I prefer oils and homemade ghee to use on my skin as compared to lotions and creams. Since my skincare routine is quite simple and easy, not much difference has been felt in it after having a baby in my life.
What’s your typical morning and evening skincare routine?
My mornings begin with 3 glasses of water at room temperature, a quick workout like a set of 5 Tibetan Rites, taking the stairs to the 10th floor, or cycling for 45 minutes. Since we don’t breathe deeply while we are sleeping, I integrate regular deep breaths in the morning to get bountiful of fresh air. Apart from the above, I say few ‘good’ things in my head daily in the morning, expressing my gratitude towards everything and the fact that we are nothing but just a ‘dot’ in the ever-expanding cosmos. This routine is definitely directly affecting my outermost layer called skin.
My evening skincare routine is done between dinner and bedtime – starting with drinking a mug of hot water which drains off toxins from my body, a few yoga asanas, especially Vajrasan,
What is one beauty advice you would give to your daughter?
It takes real courage to be happy, and nothing can make you feel and look more beautiful than a sheer state of absolute happiness.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I wake up by around 7:00am. The first thing that I do after waking up is take deep breaths. I visit my studio space and just keep on looking at the artwork I am currently working on.
What’s your daily morning beverage and breakfast?
3 glasses of water is my daily morning beverage, followed by 2 bananas after around 30 minutes. Fruits are usually then followed by a mug of hot tea.
What does art mean to you?
Everything. Art has the power to ‘SAVE US ALL’. I personally feel, art (like any other stream) should serve a cause. It should have a contributory affect towards the planet.
Was the journey into art a smooth transition? Was it always your aspiration?
My journey towards art had never been smooth. It took me a lot to be ‘HERE’. I was compelled to make various other career choices wherein I had never felt that ‘sense of belongingness’. So, yes, it was always my aspiration.
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
The very ‘act of balance’ is in our minds only. I try to pour in as much ‘love’ as possible in my work life as well as in my personal life. Nothing else really matters than!
How often can you carve out your ‘me time’ and what does it entail?
My ‘me time’ is all about creating art. I create when my daughter goes to school in the morning and when she sleeps at night.
Who or what inspires you in your art works?
The very idea that when in our ‘death bed’, the only thing that would matter to us would be how much did we love and were loved; this inspires me today and will forever.
How has motherhood influenced your work?
After becoming a mother, I have started having a little bit of better understanding of life. It has helped me ‘OWN’ myself a bit more firmly. And this has definitely influenced my work.
How do you deal with setbacks in/at work?
Setbacks in and at work are definitely difficult to handle. As mentioned above as well, I constantly remind myself that we are nothing but just a ‘don’t in the ever-expanding cosmos. Nothing really matters! The cosmos is ever-evolving. Nothing is static.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Pursue and create art as if it is a form of prayer.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2020/the year?
By the end of 2020, I hope to have a better body of artworks.
REACH OUT:
Follow Somya Sharma and her brand, Red Lotus Stories, to capture more of her art stories:
Instagram: @redlotusstories
Facebook: @redlotusstories