Chit-chatting with Venus Nautiyal
My goal is to focus on the meaning. Art has to have meaning." Venus Nautiyal is a talented Sydney-based artist from India. From a dream with Buddha that led her to her first exhibition, to the present day, in which she re(discovers) the meaning of her brushstrokes, Venus has always walked hand in hand with art. Get to know her in this heartfelt interview! ♡
Who is Venus?
I’m a full-time mom to a very adorable 4-year-old boy, and currently working as a product manager. And yes, I’m also an artist! Before getting married and having my baby boy, I was exhibiting in India, along with my engineering job. That’s when I found my core love for art. At that time, I was searching to express myself in many different ways, and that’s when I realized that art was a big part of me.
How did it start?
It started when I was a little kid. I was always painting, and most of the time didn’t even use pencils or proper material. I had no guidelines, no references, I’m an 80’s kid, you see, there was no internet back then! So I would just get some brushes and paint. It was all very experimental! Then, when I was in my twenties, I started having classes in an Indian Folk Art Center and picked up from there. Within a year, I exhibited in four different exhibitions - one of the highlights of my life!
Do you believe your art has changed since you moved to Australia?
Absolutely. In India, my art was very much inspired by Indian gods and goddesses because that’s what defines my culture. One day I even had a dream about Buddha and decided to paint him - and actually, that's how I landed my first exhibition. Maybe it was a sign that I was destined to be an artist?
Then I got married, moved to Australia, and my whole life changed. I had to deal with the pressures of being an immigrant, finding a new job… and then I got pregnant! It got immensely overwhelming. My life changed to the core. I haven't been to India for over three years now, so my mindset and perspective of the world have changed. At this point, for example, I believe I'm more spiritual than religious, and that is perceptible in my art. Looking at my current work and creative process, I know that my goal is to focus on the meaning. Art has to have meaning.
What do you mean by “meaning”?
Well, art is beautiful to look at, but I also believe that it has the power to change your thoughts and even your life. It can move people. We have seen many artists do that over and over again. A piece of music, a painting, a photograph, a movie. Look at Van Gogh's artworks. It's impossible not to feel astonished by Starry Night. So that's what I mean: art should have meaning. It should tell a story that people can identify with. Personally, I like to think of myself as a storyteller. I always want to say something through art, and I want the viewer to feel included in it. I want my art to be relatable.
And what story are you trying to tell these days?
That's actually something I'm discovering right now. I'm in the process. Lately, everyone keeps talking about having a niche, and I don't think I can put that pressure on myself as an artist. I have my life, my duties, my chores, and then I have art, which gives me peace. I will evolve, my story will evolve, my niche will evolve, so honestly, I don't see how I can commit to something like that. We should all have the freedom to find ourselves and transform ourselves. If you are interested in following my journey, see how I evolve as a person and an artist, that's what you'll find. Because for me, art is about finding freedom, joy, and tranquility.
You wrote that “art is a form of meditation”.
Yes! It has always been like that for me, even when I didn’t know the meaning of meditation. Art takes me to another place. A place where I have the freedom to be and feel whatever I want.
And what place is that?
A happy place.
And how do you find the time to go to that space and create?
I have a very supportive family, which helps a lot! But the most important thing is this: I have given myself the permission to follow my heart and be an artist. There’s a very typical dialogue around moms that goes like “a woman is a good mom if she has a beautiful house" or "if she continuously sacrifices x, y, z for her family”. Nobody says “she’s a good mom because she's running the marathon”. I want to change that dialogue. Moms are the silent superheroes! They go through so many transformations and challenges, and no one asks them “how are you, really?”. I noticed that I wasn't asking myself that. It took me a long time to see that I was not taking care of my own needs and wellbeing. But I’ve come to realize that even if you’re doing your thing, you can still be a good mom… actually, you can even be a better mom. Simply because you’re happier.
Does it take courage?
A lot of self-knowledge and courage! Artists are very brave people. Personally, I have always struggled to call myself an artist. But now I’m trying to do so, with my head held high! Every day I consciously choose to be an artist. I choose not to be afraid of being a self-taught artist. I choose not to be afraid to show my work. I have to be brave to get my voice through. That’s why I have so much appreciation for so many artists, especially self-taught artists. It takes so much courage to put yourself out there… but it’s so wonderful when you do so!
Where can we find your artwork?
You can find me on social media, on Instagram. Pinterest and Facebook, and you can also check my Etsy page. My website is currently under construction, but it will be out soon as well!
