Interview: Sheetal Durve
Luca Curci talks with Sheetal Durve during BODYSPACES, the first appointment of CANVAS ART FAIR 2023, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Sheetal Durve is an artist and author hailing from Pune and is currently based in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From a young age, Sheetal was immersed in arts, attending exhibitions, performances, and concerts with her culturally-inclined parents. This early exposure sparked a passion that would shape the course of her life. Sheetal received formal education in art, classical dance, and music, and later pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. While she initially worked in advertising, it wasn’t long before she realized that her true calling was painting. She made the brave decision to become a full-time artist and has never looked back. Her art is inspired by nature and the current state of the world. She captures and expresses her influences through soul-stirring emotions on canvas, using a wide range of mediums including watercolour, oil, acrylic and mixed media. She is particularly drawn to the stunning array of colours and rhythms in nature and much of her work reflects this awe-inspiring beauty. However, she is also deeply affected by the political, humanitarian and social issues of the world and this is often reflected in her art. Sheetal’s dedication to making a positive impact on the world extends beyond her art. She has been involved in art therapies for Alzheimer’s and grief support groups and has donated her work to various causes and charities. She also shares her passion for art with underprivileged and special needs children through workshops and classes.

LUCA CURCI – What is art for you?
SHEETAL DURVE – For me, art is a dynamic bridge that unites my passions for social and economic causes with my innate sense of aesthetics. It’s a powerful medium through which I can channel my creativity to advocate for positive change in the world. Art transcends mere visuals; it becomes a voice that speaks volumes about the issues close to my heart. It’s about crafting a visual narrative that not only appeals to the senses but also engages the mind and stirs the heart. Art, in my perspective, is a tool of empathy and awareness, a means to shed light on the struggles of humanity and to inspire collective action. It’s the fusion of my commitment to society and my desire to create something beautiful and thought-provoking that defines what art truly means to me.

LC – What is the role the artist plays in society and contemporary art?
SD – In society, artists play pivotal roles that transcend conventional definitions of creativity. As cultural contributors, they shape our visual landscape by reflecting the pulse of our times, capturing the essence of our beliefs, experiences, and challenges. Artists are social commentators, addressing pressing issues through their work and initiating dialogues that shape public discourse. They are innovators, constantly experimenting with mediums, techniques, and technologies, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Moreover, artists serve as catalysts for change, harnessing their creativity to drive social and political transformation. They inspire and influence, encouraging others to embrace their creativity and think outside the box. Ultimately, artists are interpreters of human experiences, providing unique perspectives that resonate with individuals in our diverse and complex world.

LC – What is your creative process like?
SD – My creative process is an intricate journey that channels my innermost emotions and perspectives into tangible art forms. My artworks serve as expressions of not only my personal experiences but also the collective consciousness of society. Every stroke of the brush encapsulates a sentiment, a thought, a narrative that is dear to me. This amalgamation of passions, interactions, and reflections melds into my artistic endeavours. Guided by the belief that dreams can materialize into reality, my creative process involves a personal dialogue with my subject matter. I meticulously revisit memories and reevaluate them. When I sit down to create, I often employ watercolours, acrylics, or mixed media, allowing the chosen medium to become an extension of my thoughts.

In the initial stages, I gravitate toward a topic that has occupied my thoughts and emotions prominently. After immersing myself in brainstorming and contemplation, I translate these notions into initial scribbles on paper. This preliminary phase helps crystallize the concept further. Once satisfied, I transition to my final canvas or paper, sketching out the foundational elements of my vision. The final process is intuitive. The allure of choosing colors and brushstrokes resides in their instinctive nature. Each hue, every stroke carries an inherent significance that resonates with the core of my expression. As I lay down colors, I am guided by a profound connection between my emotions and the visual elements unfolding before me.
Ultimately, my creative process is an intricate dance between introspection, expression, and intuition. It’s a deeply personal journey that unfurls on canvas, a manifestation of my connection to society and my quest to translate the intangible into the palpable.”

LC – What do you think about the concept of this festival? In which way did it inspire you?
SD – The concept of the “Canvas” International Art Fair is inspiring and resonates deeply with the evolving nature of artistic expression. The festival’s commitment to presenting a diverse array of artistic projects, spanning various media and disciplines, mirrors the contemporary art landscape’s dynamic and multifaceted nature. I think it’s really important to have all forms of art interacting. The notion of “Canvas” as a symbol of creative potential and a platform for expression across centuries is captivating. From its historical roots in painting to its extensions into photography, film, and digital media, the evolution of the term reflects the ever-expanding horizons of artistic innovation. This festival celebrates the essence of creativity as a common thread that connects artists, designers, photographers, and performers across different mediums, uniting them on a shared platform. It encourages artists to explore the boundaries of their chosen mediums, inviting them to push beyond conventional norms and engage with various forms of artistic expression. This holistic approach underscores the interconnectedness of creative processes, fostering an environment where artists can draw inspiration from each other’s work, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful connections with art professionals and collectors. The concept of the “Canvas” Art Fair aligns with the contemporary spirit of artistic exploration and collaboration, providing a space where creativity knows no limits and artists can showcase their diverse visions in a unified and vibrant setting.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
SD – I think ITSLIQUID is an excellent platform for emerging as well as established artists. Mainly because it connects with such different places and people all over the world.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
SD – I certainly would be interested in collaborating with ITSLIQUID. I had a great experience while exhibiting for Body Spaces in London. The founder Mr. Luca Curci has been very helpful himself. The whole experience and outlook were very professional.