Nandini Joshi

My name is Nandini Joshi and I am 15 years old. I have been attending art class since seven years and I can say without a doubt that I have seen massive improvements in several areas of my life. I was slightly apprehensive at first about the effectiveness of online class, but, my apprehensions were squashed by looking at the splendid improvements in both others and myself. These improvements are both in the quality and standard of art work but also the way I carry myself.

Sitting for two hours and focusing on channeling my energy to productive use has been meditative for me. It has taught me a great deal about patience and perseverance. Having to listen to, analyse and comment on others' work while still keeping track of my own has also improved my multitasking skills. This very analytical skill has helped me tremendously at school. Several of my subjects require objective analysis of the information given to me and my interpretation of it. When you put up pictures for discussion, you are giving me the information. From there, I look at the picture and compare it with my past work, previous discussions and other theories before speaking. This thought process is just what is required to be able to make an analysis. I recall being very judgemental and always jumping to conclusions. Now, I seek to understand the full picture with all the facts before reaching a conclusion.

When I had just started watercolours, I never used to like my work because it wasn’t up to the unrealistic standards I had set for myself. I enjoyed neither the process nor the outcome. I became afraid to experiment and afraid to run my brush freely. But, over time I have learned that the teachings I get from each picture is worth far more than a pretty painting. I have started enjoying the process of sketching, selecting and mixing colours, building up my picture layer by layer. I have begun to trust my instincts and am no longer afraid of a ‘bad’ picture. I genuinely enjoy and relish each and every picture I do. The same can be said for my academic performance. I was so hellbent on getting the perfect grade that I forgot the joys of learning new things, of teasing my brain with problems and stumbling to a solution. I forgot how fun it was to learn. Each failure now inspires me to try harder, practise more and be kinder to myself. I have learned that I am worthy of respect, love and kindness irrespective of my grades.

Having struggled tremendously with self worth issues, I cannot begin to describe how relieving it is to move past that and to now love myself and my work. I still hold myself to high standards of excellence but they are no longer unrealistic. Both my parents and I have seen immense improvements across various facets. A gradual progression that is built on a solid foundation and is sure to last decades to come.

I would without a doubt, call art class as one of the most defining aspects that have shaped me into who I am today. The class imparts some of the most valuable skills of today's time and teaches us to apply it to art. Skills that even the most prestigious of universities and schools often fail to teach. I learn something new every class, I learn a new way of applying something I already knew. I learn to be a better listener, a kinder speaker and a better human being. And these learnings are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The past seven years have been filled with sublime memories and life-long learnings that I will cherish forever. I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this wondrous class.

Sincerely,
Nandini Joshi