What is ART N HEART

After a long individual journey as an Artist I was satisfied with whatever I achieved or earned……

Now I want to do something for my co Artists and upcoming Artists. Seeking platform and survival. With this intension I made a group. This group has introduced and established lot of Artists. Many shows are exhibited and many are on the way. my aim to promote the Art and the Artists is having shape…..and I am still on this path…

Very soon I realized that I should evolve my happiness and pleasure by sharing it with those who are living without smiles …….

It hurts me a lot when I see a child with dry eyes, without any dream, without ambitions. I firmly believe that I have to do something for them,. I need for it some like minded Artists and some sensitive people whose hearts beat like mine. Now the group “Art N Heart” has taken proper shape. This group is strongly committed to humanity but specially to the children. We work for those children who lack their education and health. We help them financially only by using the earnings of Art, and also provide them guidance that leads towards the right path.

Art N Heart is not only a group or an organization it is not only a Gallery or an online Art gallery but it is a mission it is a meaningful aim of some Artists… if you feel same like us …do join the group…

Photo gallery of events by Art N Heart

Art N Heart- 'A Meaningful stroke by an Artist' ( Pradeep Kanik )

From the very beginning of my life, I had an unrecognized desire for creation, which made me jittery but inspired as well. This may be the reason than even after completing my education with commerce and law I preferred working in my father’s furniture shop. As I found furniture making more happening than accounting and practicing law. But very soon I realized it was not what I was searching for. My thirst was nowhere quenched and this took me to the “Fine Arts College”, where I spent 7 years (1983 to1990.) Learning Art nowhere calmed me, but enhanced my restlessness .Along with all my desires I left my home town Indore in 1990, reached Mumbai and started learning more about Art. For first few years I worked for refining my skills and struggled to establish my identity as an artist. In the mean while I worked in the chemould Art gallery I enjoyed that job. It was a nice experience to deal with Art and Artists. But this was not the aim that inspired me much and my inner turbulence made me quit this job and I started to paint, along with a heavenly dream to exhibit my paintings at “Jehangir Art Gallery” Mumbai.

By the time I got the Gallery and held my first exhibition in mid 1992 I was hugely appreciated by the viewers, buyers and critics. A little success of the event made me confident and boosted me up. I carried my journey with all my passion and frequently held exhibitions. This gave me some recognition in the art world, and along with this the thought that filled me with pleasure was that “I paid to Art and Art paid back to me a lot “

Now I want to do something for my co Artists and upcoming Artists. Seeking platform and survival. With this intension I made a group Art n Heart. This group has introduced and established lot of Artists. Many shows are exhibited and many are on the way.

Very soon I realized that I should evolve my happiness and pleasure by sharing it with those who are living without smiles. Working as an Artist for last 20 years made me Very soon I realized that I should evolve my happiness and pleasure by sharing it with realize that God is one and the only creator and an incredible Artist as well. Everything that we imagine has already been created by him. When we try to create something, it is nothing but a way to express our eternal love towards the him. And so we feel utmost pleasure while creating something. “our creation keeps us closer to the divine”. When one starts to think this way round, he starts loving each and every creature of the universe. Everything seems lovable & adorable. And as mankind is one of the greatest creations of God, so efforts should be made at individual level for the enrichment of humanity. And with this thought I started doing the same.

It hurts me a lot when I see a child with dry eyes, without any dream, without ambitions. I firmly believe that I have to do something for them, and so I decided to make a group. A group of some like minded Artists and some sensitive people whose hearts beat like mine. Now the group “Art N Heart” has taken proper shape and this group is strongly committed to humanity but specially to the children. We work for those children who lack their education and health. We help them financially by using the earnings of Art, and also provide them guidance that leads towards the right path. I want to see colorful dreams in their dreamless eyes. Till now I have filled colors only in my paintings but now I want to color some lives. And if I succeed this time, it would be a meaningful success of my life.

Some bitter incidents which inspired me positively for my journey of Art and emotions - from the Founder, President and Painter Pradeep Kanik’s life

1. In 1983 I got admission in the Arts college. Soon in 1985 a conversation with the principal of institute Mr. Shrenik Jain made me obstinate. In fierce words he said “ You are not meant to be an Artist, don’t waste your time on the name of Art”. With all the aggression, passion and frustration I said myself “ All I am going to do in my life is Art, just Art nothing else, whatever the consequence may be”. And the journey still persists. And I am living on my words, all thanks to Sir Shrenik Jain……
2. Along with all my dreams I left for Bombay in the end of 1990. The search for work took me to the renowned Film Art Director Mr. Manzoor, learning and working with Mr.Manzoor was an experience itself. But his inner conflicts kept him in a constant state of agitation. He carried the anguish of not being identified as a painter, at times he used to get highly annoyed. And once in a fragile moment he said “ Its because of me that you survive in this city, I made you travel this distance”. It really hurt, and I replied “ Its an individual’s journey, Koi Kisi Ki Vajah Se Kahin Nahi Pohochta Sir”. I packed my bag and left for a new struggle, I just wanted to be a painter, but on my own. I decided I’ll do what I want to do, and I did. Thank you Manzoor Sahab…….

3. After splitting with Mr. Manzoor in 1991 I was struggling to establish myself as an Artist. And during that time one of my senior Artist Mr. Akhilesh Verma approached me for a group show in Jehangir Art Gallery Mumbai and asked for a contribution amount of 1000/-. At that time of immense struggle 1000/- was a big deal for me, but the show meant even more. So I agreed for the exhibition and started painting with all my enthusiasm. I was really excited about the show. . . “ Akhilesh” came up with the show ,and my name was nowhere seen. I asked the reason and he had no answer. He consolidated me for the next exhibition which was to be held in Bajaj Art Gallery. I waited , time came and even this time I was not included. And again he was unable to answer or explain the reason. I was distressed, that was a crucial time for me. I really needed a platform to express my Art. But that opportunity was taken away from me by my friend and contemporary Artist Mr. Akhilesh.

   But soon in May 1992 I got Jehangir Art gallery to exhibit my solo show. This show was an outcome of my continuous and honest efforts, this enhanced my confidence and filled me with positive energy. The exhibition was praised by the viewers and critics.

   But still the cheating by Mr. Akhilesh was unbearable. so I decided to help the newcomers seeking platform. I founded a group along with my co Artists and we are still giving our honest efforts for the purpose. with our own group Art N Heart . . Thanks Akhilesh……
4. In 1984/85 along with completing my graduation in commerce and law I came across the most beautiful color of life, “ Love”. It was the intoxication of love all over my mind and heart. I was living in my own world, full of dreams, love and passion, unaware of the bitterness and dejection of reality. Every dream was broken, and that too by the hands which were meant to nourish and protect those dreams. The thought of getting rejected for someone else disheveled me, and she had no idea what I was going through. I was in a very fragile state, and used to spend most of my time roaming and drinking, everything seemed to be in vain. In this stage of my life I found the life saving support of color and canvass. This was the only thing that made me happy. As long as I used to paint all the pain all the sufferings vanquished. The more I created the better it healed. After that there is no pain, now its All colors and paintings I am enjoying my colorful life …. …. Thank you…….
5. This extensive and eternal journey gave a rich aesthetic approach to my paintings. I am happy that my paintings touched hearts. My paintings have been published in many news papers and magazines, many respectable personalities have used my paintings for there books and texts. Also one of the very famous actor Mr.Shahrukh Khan used one of my paintings in his own biography (Still Reading Khan) written by Mr.Mushtaq Sheikh. The painting named “ Family” was used under the filmy name “ Mere Paas Maa Hai”. In this coffee table sized book my painting covered full of two pages, but my name as the painter was nowhere mentioned. The greed of saving some royalty made the publishers commit the condemnable job of removing an Artist’s signature from his own paintings. I was hurt by these people who call themselves Artist and still don’t miss an opportunity to grab other Artist’s right. I decided to show them true spirit and compassion needed to be called an Artist. I am working for my co artist on my level with my group Art n Heart I am still on my way … Thanks Shahrukh. …………
6. One of my favorites, Vincent Van Gogh has compelled me to think a lot. I am very unhappy with what he did. He shouldn’t have quit that early. An extremely talented and energetic Artist, who lead an incomplete life because of his own emotional instabilities and insecurities. He should have been there, to paint and create a more beautiful world. He couldn’t bear the widespread emotional apathy of society and as a result he left his canvas incomplete. Inspiring from Vincent I developed myself on emotional grounds and made myself an emotionally stable individual. I want many paintings of Vincent but I don’t want any other Artist to live and suffer the way Vincent did. And so I am making all possible efforts. … … Thanks Vincent.

Inspirations which Strengthened my will to work …

1. The greatest source of unconditional love and affection is definitely mother. Mother gives u affection and it gives u everything u need. I have sensed that it was the affection which brought me up whenever I felt down. This affection gave me the strength to overcome the pain and sorrow thrown by life. The strictness of father, the warmth of his hidden love and intact support , never allowed the bitterness to spread through. Now it would really be unfair to say thanks to both of them, as we all understand.
2. There are many names in my memory ,such as…Mr. Rajendra Patil ( PARA ) and Mr. Ganpat Bhadke, they helped me unconditionally at city like Mumbai which is usually known for it’s practical and professional approach.. love and affection of some friends and relatives preserved my faith towards life. The relation with some names is beyond explanation. All I can say is a hearty thanks to all the loving ones, who steeped in my life and made it a better place to live in.
3. After saying bye to Manzoor I met to Mr. Franklin John.. who was a great Art lover & a nice humanbieng.. Mr. John allowed me to use the entire space of the 16th floor of his sea facing sky scraper building Earnest House at Nariman point,. here I worked and quenched my thirst of Art to a great extent. Mr. John not only provided me space for working, but also gave consignment of painting a huge canvas 20’x 100’ Art piece. Thank you Mr. John. …
4. In 1991, Mumbai ,during my first solo show I was sitting with my paintings, suddenly a huge personality steeped in. Mr. Sadruddin Daya was standing right in front of me. He was a well known Art lover and collector. Among all the painting exhibited at Art plaza he appretiated and bought some paintings of mine and the very evening he came to my Nariman Point situated studio and took my 40 paintings for 35,000. At that time of intense struggle this appreciation gave me much needed confidence and refilled my enthusiasm, ,, Thank You Mr Sadruddin Daya.
5. Working in a city like Mumbai, which is full of energy and opportunities, was a thrill to me. Many big and respectful personalities surrounded me. One life time experience took place in 1992 on ”Marine Drive” a huge canvass was fitted and many painters shared the canvass. At that I was living in a multi storey at Nariman Point, so I reached early and started painting the open canvass. But soon I was fascinated by some positive vibrations, as I took my eyes off the canvass I saw Mr. M.F. Hussain painting near by me. That experience can not be expressed in words. I kept looking at him and his work for sometime, and then I again started painting with high spirits. Sharing the canvas with M.F. sir boosted my energy level and it turned a great inspiration in my life. Thank You Maqbool Fida Hussain…..
6. The brightest and most pleasant side of my life is my love, which I call as “Mansha”. For me she is something more than just a person, she is an emotion, a strong feeling. If I try to explain my whole life in one word it would be her name “Mansha”. . .Thanks to the heavenly lord for making her an inherent part of my life…….

Text by Mansha Pradeep