Dheer Kaku - Self-Doubt Is Your Biggest Enemy and Waiting for Inspiration Is a Waste of Time (Artist From India)

I majored in Painting at art school but also experimented with photography, video, sound, and installation work. My early works were heavily influenced by the elements of design, the architecture of urban landscapes, and geometric shapes. I was mentored by Nikhil Chopra at art school and started assisting him in Goa soon after graduating.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

When I was young, my parents ran a small design firm. I watched them make designs and layouts on paper using their hands and all sorts of the art material and stationery lying around – this was before they had computers.

That's when my fascination with tools began, and that was followed, quite seamlessly, by art-making.

I majored in Painting at art school but also experimented with photography, video, sound, and installation work. My early works were heavily influenced by the elements of design, the architecture of urban landscapes, and geometric shapes. I was mentored by Nikhil Chopra at art school and started assisting him in Goa soon after graduating.

Now I spend most of my days drawing and working on film and video edits. I continue to be extremely eager to use new tools to create and learn about different mediums to express myself through. 

2. Is it a financially stable career?

That's like asking a crocodile wrestler if they have a safe career. I do make money off my artworks but it certainly isn't a 'stable' income. So while I don't have financial stability for most of the year, I do have the freedom of being more than just a fine artist. I work as a freelancer on photo and video/film projects and use that capital to sustain my life and artistic practice. The real question is, how hard are you willing to work?

3. Who is your favorite artist and why?

I don't have a favorite artist per se, but the works of M.C Escher and Salvador Dali really inspired me to draw and paint as a young boy.

The way Escher played with different perspectives and shapes stirred an immense love for illusions, perspective drawing, and graphic work in me.  

Dali's manner of depicting otherworldly landscapes that distort time and space tickled all my senses and was the perfect visual fodder for my fixation with the human perception of time.

4. Where do you get inspired to create art?

Most of the time, I am reacting to my own thoughts and questions when I am making art. I am constantly trying to observe and deconstruct every thought and emotion I am experiencing, whether I'm watching a movie, cleaning my house, or reading the news. 

I think the drive to make art is stronger than any external inspiration I could seek. It's all about being better and more efficient every single day. Giving myself time and space to think and reflect is what motivates me and helps me come up with ideas. 

5. What does your typical day look like?

I spend most mornings drawing while listening to music or a podcast with a cup of coffee. I start with my freelance work before lunch and work till evening. I exercise or meditate on my terrace as the sun goes down. Late evening I relax, watch something online or spend some time learning something (currently I'm learning Unity and Adobe After Effects).

6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring artists?

I would say self-doubt is your biggest enemy and waiting for inspiration is a waste of time. Every small thing you do adds up and makes sense in hindsight, so stick to what you love doing and don't give up.

Dheer Kaku - Artist

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Interviewed By: Vanshikha Bagga