Earlier this year, 63-year-old Renuka Varma started her career by investing in a passion that is derived from a place she spent most of her childhood at.

Growing up in Mussoorie, it was obvious for Renuka to fall in love with nature. The images of lush green Cedrus deodara trees and the cold blue spring water kept flashing in her mind no matter how far she traveled from the hills. Today, through her art series Shakhein: Another Tree, Another Sky, she introduces the viewers to the same beauty of the Himalayas.

IWB indulged in a quick conversation with the self-taught artist, who’s currently showcasing in Jaipur, Rajasthan, after a successful display in Delhi which was inaugurated by Gulzar.

What’s your first memory of working with colours?

In the hills, you get about four months of winter break during which most kids pick up creative activities to keep busy. I remember collecting flowers and decorating Christmas and New Year cards for family and school teachers with them. It was during one such holiday that I picked up a paintbrush and drew something on a piece of paper. I was small, so I took some reference pictures from magazines. Although I used watercolours, everyone thought it was a work of oil paints. That really motivated me and so, I kept enhancing my skill. I still keep collecting small things that I find in my surroundings to create art.

Have you always painted trees and mountains?

Always. I am in awe of everything that the Mother Nature produces. Landscape art is my thing.

What took you so long to do your first exhibition?

After I got married and my family moved countries because of the nature of my husband’s job, it was my interest in painting that kept me joyful the whole time. I made so many of them but never thought to put them up for public display. In 2012, one of my close friends visited us in Bhutan when she expressed her will to curate an exhibition of my artwork in Delhi. I was excited, but then things turned upside down with the 2012 flood in Bhutan that destroyed my complete collection. I was taken aback. It took me another three-and-a-half years to gather courage and start painting once again.

We’re glad 2017 changed things for you.

It certainly did. After the unfortunate event, my husband along with a dear friend, Alka Pande, planned another art show for me without my knowledge. I was informed about the date only after they completed the formalities so that I couldn’t back out.

The show was curated by Alka in Delhi in March. It was a well-received one, I must say. I’m grateful to everyone who was by my side.

You’ve set up an example for women in their 50s and 60s who now want to explore new ideas in life. Moreover, you’ve been able to form your own identity in the world that identified you as the wife of Pavan K. Varma, former Indian Foreign Service officer and an adviser to the Chief Minister of Bihar. Don’t you think so?

Thank you. I’m glad I’m able to inspire people out there, especially women. Taking my passion to the next level wasn’t easy, but I did it anyway. I took time probably because I was shy and not because I thought I was too old to start a career.

Also, I’m a law graduate, though I could never practice it due to certain circumstances. Yet, I never felt low in my life as my interest kept me motivated. I encourage people to find that one thing that’s close to their heart and pursue it. Let nothing hinder your dreams. You’ll never be disappointed.

Do you plan to sell your artwork?

Definitely!

Describe your studio to us.

It is a big area in the basement of our home in Delhi. It has a 10×20 ft. of roof skylight that ensures I get plenty of sunlight throughout the day. The place is crowded with canvases and racks that are sheltering my colour boxes and paintbrushes. I often hum while painting.

Lastly, how do you keep the artist in you inspired?

I visit the mountains twice a year to keep my memories fresh. When my kids were small, I would take them for month-long hill-vacations. From trekking through the flourishing jungles to enjoying the fresh berries, I relived my childhood along with my little ones. Today, my work is a continuation of my childhood.

Siyahi is hosting a special edition for Shakhein: Another Tree, Another Sky in Jaipur. The art show is being held from December 18-20 (11:00 am – 7:00 pm) at Jawahar Kala Kendra.  See you there!

[Cover picture has been taken from The Hindu. Other pictures have been sourced from The Week.]