Seven Sisters Development Assistance
Echoes from the grassroot
Transforming Passion Into Profession -
An Artist's Tale
– Susmita Paul
Sushmita Paul is an artist hailing from the beautiful city of Guwahati, Assam. Her journey with art began at a young age, as far back as she can remember. In her younger days, drawing was her sanctuary, a space where she could lose herself in creativity and imagination. She would be delighted in spending time in her own space, where she could create drawings and bring her imagination to life on paper.
Throughout her childhood and adolescence, she was never fully aware of the significance of art. In a world that prioritizes traditional career paths and academic achievements, art was seen as merely a hobby, a distraction from “serious” pursuits she felt.
This perception was further ingrained in her by a society that valued conventional success over creative expression. Her love for art was something she cherished privately, but it was never something she thought she could pursue as a career.
As she grew older, academic pressures and a lack of guidance regarding art as a viable career path led to her passion being side-lined. In a society where art is often not considered a “smart” career choice, she was convinced, like many others that her love for art could never translate into a sustainable profession.
It was only when she returned to her hometown during her college years that she began to reconnect with her artistic roots. She started drawing and painting again, and to her pleasantsurprise, she began receiving positive feedback and encouragement. This rekindled herpassion and gave her the confidence to explore art more seriously. She realized that if one passionately dreams of something, it will find its way back to them, no matter how much they may have been diverted from it.
Being a social work student, her coursework allows her to delve into rural India, engaging directly with its diverse communities. During a fieldwork assignment in Rajasthan, she had the privilege of meeting numerous women and engaging in heartfelt conversations with them. Curious about their own aspirations, she asked them if they harbored their own passions. What unfolded was profoundly poignant: many of these women were married off at a young age and were expected to prioritize family responsibilities over personal aspirations. They confided that dreaming was a luxury beyond their reach. This encounter was both triggering and profoundly eye-opening for her. This interaction became a pivotal and transformative moment for her. Their stories resonated deeply with her, as she had witnessed the sacrifices they made, often putting their dreams on hold indefinitely. She saw the unfulfilled potential in their eyes and felt a profound sense of injustice that they were never given a chance to follow their passions. This experience served as a catalyst, igniting her determination to pursue her passion for art and advocate for those facing greater vulnerabilities.
This realization was a turning point for her. She decided to launch her own small business, starting with an online presence and aiming to create a platform for aspiring artists, especially women, to showcase their talents.. Her goal was not only to sell her art but also to inspire others, demonstrating that it is feasible to turn a hobby into a sustainable career through dedication and hard work. Sushmita sought to become a beacon of hope for those who had been told that their dreams were invalid or achievable.
Sushmita feels that it’s disappointing that our education system consistently undervalues the significance of artistic expression. She observes that art classes and other extracurricular activities are often marginalized, viewed as distractions from more “serious” subjects rather than integral components of a comprehensive education. She finds it unjust that as children, there is encouragement to engage in activities like dance, music, art, and sports, only to face subtle or overt discouragement from pursuing these passions as they mature.
The journey of an artist is not an easy one. It is filled with challenges, doubts, and the constant need to prove oneself. But it is also a journey filled with joy, fulfilment, and the satisfaction of doing what one loves. Every piece of art form created is a testament to one’s journey, the struggles, and one’s triumphs. It is a reflection of belief that art has the power to inspire, to heal, and to transform. Sushmita reminds herself every day, the importance of faith—faith in her abilities, in her dreams, and faith in the journey itself. Despite the obstacles and the naysayers, it is this faith that keeps her going.
It is this faith that fuels her determination to challenge societal norms and prove that art is not just a pastime but a legitimate career choice.