Pranavi

I am Pranavi, and this is my journey and long-lasting experience.

From the moment I first picked up a pencil in Lakshmi ma'am's art class on that fateful Wednesday, July 27th, 2018, my world transformed. Before that day, I was just another face in the crowd - a sensitive student prone to illness, struggling to find my place. But as soon as my hand touched paper, guided by the wisdom of my teacher, I felt a spark ignite within me. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing colors and shapes I'd never noticed before. What's truly remarkable is how those 2 and a half hours of art classes unlocked abilities I never knew I possessed. Skills and talents that had lain dormant for the first 11 years of my life suddenly blossomed. It was as if art had handed me a key to a part of myself I had never been able to access before.

But the impact of these classes went far beyond just artistic skills. Art became a lens through which I learned to see and understand the world around me. It taught me patience, observation, and empathy. As I learned to capture the essence of a subject on paper, I also learned to truly see the people around me, to understand their perspectives and emotions. This newfound awareness helped me adjust to the complexities of life and interact with others in a more thoughtful, considerate way. In essence, my art classes didn't just make me a better artist - they made me a better human being. Art didn't just become a hobby; it became my lifeline, my identity, my voice. Every stroke of the pencil, every splash of paint became an expression of my innermost thoughts and feelings. In a world where I often felt misunderstood, art gave me a language to communicate with others and, more importantly, with myself.

The journey hasn't been easy. There were days when self-doubt crept in, when others questioned the value of pursuing art. But with each challenge, my resolve only grew stronger. I remember the dark days of October 2023, when optic neuritis threatened to steal my vision - and with it, my ability to create. But even in that hospital bed, with blurred vision and shaky hands, I found the strength to sketch. It wasn't just about creating art; it was about holding onto hope, about proving to myself that my passion was stronger than any obstacle.

I owe so much to the mentors who believed in me, their words of encouragement echoing in my mind: "You can do this! If anything is possible, nothing is impossible!" These weren't just empty phrases; they became my mantra, pushing me forward when the path seemed too difficult. Art has taught me resilience, dedication, and the power of self-expression. It's shown me that true growth often comes from embracing our unique talents, even when they don't fit the conventional mold. To those who say there's no future in art, I say: the future is what we make of it. Our passions aren't just hobbies; they're the building blocks of our identity, the foundation of our purpose. Every day I wake up excited to create, to explore, to push my boundaries. Art has given me a community - my "8 hour family" - where I can be truly myself, where I can laugh, cry, and shout without fear of judgment. It's not just about the end product; it's about the journey, the process of discovering myself with every line I draw and every color I blend.

To anyone out there feeling lost or unsure about following their passion, I say this: trust your heart. The path may not always be clear, and there will be voices telling you to take the "safe" route. But remember, true fulfillment comes from living authentically. Your unique perspective, your individual talents - these are gifts to be cherished and shared with the world. Art saved me. It gave me purpose, identity, and joy. It taught me that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to create beauty. So pick up that pencil, that brush, that instrument - whatever calls to your soul. Embrace your passion, nurture it, and watch as it transforms not just your life, but the lives of those around you.

Because in the end, it's not about finding scope in life; it's about creating it. It's about turning your passion into your purpose and your dreams into reality. Art isn't just what I do; it's who I am. It's made me more observant, more understanding, and more connected to the world around me. And I am grateful every day for this beautiful, challenging, inspiring journey that has allowed me to discover and develop parts of myself I never knew existed, both as an artist and as a person. I am now 17 years old and will be pursuing a career in design. I have been in these art classes for about 6 and a half years, starting before the pandemic in 2018.

Thank you, Lakshmi ma'am, for everything.
Sincerely,
Pranavi