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`Art pays if you've the talent'

P. Elan Chezhiyan says young artists must pursue their passion

Independent thinking is essential to art. But I know many young, talented artists who have had to keep their thoughts and ideas for later. Many I know, some who have studied with me and were more talented than me, had to be part of a whole. They had to choose animation or textile designing or advertising to survive. I miss the art they would have made.

I once knew a boy who was brilliant with watercolours and landscapes. He is now into animation. Animation requires talent, there is no denying that. But it is more about teamwork. Someone tells you what they want and you deliver.

What then about the artist? An artist should be able to express his or her experience and reaction to the world. He must be able to express his happiness and sorrow and that is when the art will come alive. In animation productions, many people make bits of the whole. The bit and the whole are not of the artist.

A friend of mine used to make excellent bronze sculptures — compositions inspired by daily life. I liked particularly his skill with detailing the anatomy. Today, he is employed in the textile designing section.

I cannot blame them. They needed the money to support their families. And practising some forms of art is also expensive. But I wish they could keep the faith. Art pays if you have the talent and if you stick it out. I am a sculptor 24/7. It was a rough start, but the ride is getting smoother.

As told to ASHA S. MENON

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