Interview with D’Art Shinee
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I am an artist from Mauritius, graduated with a BA(Hons) Fine Arts from the University of Mauritius.I have over 9 years of teaching experience in secondary/high school, and I am able to help students develop their aesthetic understandings and appreciations for Art as from the lower classes. I have also over 11 years of graphic design experience in serigraphy techniques and textile printing processes. As an the artist in charge for my Art brand name; ‘D’ART Shinee’; I do many different commissioned paintings for clients. I engage myself in thorough discussions with different clients to understand their vision, preferences and expectations for the commissioned artwork.D’Art Shinee has been the Brand Partner of several local organizations with regards to making Customized Portraits to be given as gifts to various personalities ranging from International Artists (Singers, Musicians), Political Figures (Foreign Guests of Honor) and Religious Leaders.I have also participated in many Local & International Art Exhibitions and been featured in Art Magazines.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
A normal day for me is waking up from a good 9-10 hours sleep and enjoying a leisurely breakfast before starting my day ahead. After, energizing myself and having a warm shower, I will directly go in my studio and enjoy the bright sunrays coming through the window to capture the positive vibes which will help for my brainstorming, reflection and painting progress.
I will then start to organize all my materials and set up my music playlist which is an essential aspect to my creative development. The serene atmosphere will enable me to enjoy my good day with my paintings.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
I am the artist who loves to paint themes of Hindu gods, goddesses, spirituality, and positive imagery as my inspiration, which comes from my own spiritual practices; whether it's meditation, prayer or other beliefs. These personal experiences made my artworks come with a sense of depths and meanings.
Also, I love to include the beauty and complexity of the natural world, as well as the mysteries of the cosmos into my artworks to evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
Ultimately, my paintings serve as a form of expression, reflection, connection and exploration of my spiritual path to resonate with others on a spiritual level.
4. Share your worst experience in the art world.
Experiencing rejection in the art world can be disheartening, especially when it happens multiple times. I have faced rejection from local art exhibitions three times in 2023. I submitted my paintings to three different local art exhibitions, hoping to showcase my talent and connect with a wider audience. However, each time, my submissions were not selected, and I received rejection emails informing me that my work did not meet the criteria or standards for inclusion.
Initially, I allowed myself to feel the disappointment and frustration that naturally accompanied each rejection. It was important for me to acknowledge and process these emotions rather than suppressing them. Instead of dwelling on the rejection, I took the opportunity to reflect on my artwork and submission process. I asked myself honest questions: Were my submissions aligned with the themes or requirements of the exhibitions? Were there areas in my artwork that needed improvement? This introspection helped me gain valuable insights into my artistic practice.
I reached out to trusted mentors, fellow artists, or art professionals for constructive feedback on my work. Their perspectives provided valuable guidance and helped me identify areas for growth and development.
Despite facing these rejections, I refused to let it deter me from pursuing my passion for art. I reminded myself that rejection is a common experience for artists and that perseverance is essential for success in the creative field. I remained determined to continue creating art and pursuing opportunities for exhibition and recognition.
I explored alternative avenues to showcase my work and connect with audiences. I started to participate in International art fairs & exhibitions, International group exhibitions and leveraging online platforms to reach a broader audience. The rejections served me as motivation to push myself creatively, refine my artistic voice, and strive for excellence in my work.
I made a conscious effort to celebrate my achievements and milestones as an artist, no matter how small. Whether it was completing a new artwork, receiving positive feedback from viewers or clients, or making progress in my artistic journey, these moments of success helped me stay motivated and resilient in the face of adversity. I find myself more stronger and more determined now to pursue my creative dreams.
5. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
Authenticity is key in art. Stay true to your unique style, voice, and vision. Don't try to imitate others or conform to trends if it doesn't resonate with your own artistic expression. Dedicate time each day or week to creating art, even if it's just for a short period. The more you practice, the more you'll grow as an artist.
Also, don't be afraid to share your work with others and seek feedback from fellow artists, mentors, or online communities. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and gain valuable insights into your work. Surround yourself with fellow artists, mentors, and supporters who encourage and inspire you. Join artist communities, both online and offline, to connect with like-minded individuals.
Success in the art world often requires patience and perseverance. Keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. Stay focused on your goals, remain adaptable to change, and celebrate every small victory along the way
Don't wait for opportunities to come to you—actively promote your work and yourself as an artist. Create a professional portfolio, build an online presence through social media and a website, and participate in exhibitions, art fairs, and other events to showcase your art to a wider audience.
Most importantly, failure is a natural part of the artistic process. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or rejections. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Keep experimenting, taking risks, and pushing your boundaries.
Lastly, take care of yourself: Artistic pursuits can be demanding both physically and mentally. Prioritize self-care by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, getting enough rest, staying physically active, and nurturing your mental well-being. Remember that your health and happiness are essential for sustained creativity and productivity.
6. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I am working on a series of paintings with the theme ‘inclusion, diversity, unity’.
My intentions are rooted in promoting harmony, understanding, and acceptance within society. Through my art, my aim is to inspire individuals to embrace non-violence, empathy, and bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or differences. I believe that diversity enriches society and contributes to its vibrancy and resilience. Through my paintings, I celebrate the beauty of cultural exchange and the richness of multiculturalism. I also strive to create a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
Lastly, through my artworks, I invite viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and biases, challenging them to confront prejudice and discrimination and embrace values of tolerance and acceptance.
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