Artist Ishika Chowdhury, who happens to be an architect as well, loves playing with the mixture of watercolour, oil pastel and ink. But currently, she is more flexible with the digital medium. She has slowly progressed from a rookie to something much better than what she was earlier, be it as an artist or architect.
How did you start doing your artworks and what initiated you in this field?
I have been drawing since I was only five, inspired by my father and driven by my mother consistently, to focus on art along with my studies from early childhood. My mother always made sure I participated in every children’s art competition being held, and only because of her I have won over a hundred awards so far in my life solely on art. In recent years, it has taken off and I have learned a bit more, relating architecture with art. I always loved the idea of working with my inner peace; loved it even more, when I knew I could carry this on with me while studying architecture.
What kind of art do you most identify with? What themes do you pursue?
I was always attracted towards a mixture of two or more medium, that is watercolour and pen/ink sketch.
However, in the past couple of years, I have started to discover a new world of digital medium where I could use my sketching techniques in a differently and enjoyably way. So, right now I am officially selling my digital works in an online platform.
What inspired you to develop this specific style or theme of art?
It was my father who inspired me first to go with the first medium I was in love with- a mixture of watercolour, oil pastel and pen. Later on, as I started to master my skills the medium changed into only watercolor and pen sketch, which lasted until my A levels.
As soon as I started to see some fellow young artists using certain online platforms to showcase their digital art, I was mesmerized by the thought of drawing digitally on drawing tablets which can carry with me very easily wherever I go.
I wouldn’t have to worry about carrying my drawing materials anymore. That was the start of my digital art.
What is the most important artist tool for you? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
As a digital artist, the most important tool for me is my Wacom drawing tablet and all my brushes in Photoshop, without which I cannot work in my studio. My tablet has helped me a lot in the past few years in architecture as well.
Who is your favourite artist or is there someone you look up to in the world of art?
I have always looked up to only one person, the only one freelance painter who means more than the world to me, is my father, artist Samiran Chowdhury.
Can you share with us a story behind one of your significant work that you would cherish lifelong?
There was this artwork that I practised for at least 30 times, if not more, which I painted when I participated in “Notun Kuri” back in 2004 as a child artist, and yes I received the first prize back then and also again in 2005 for another work. Today, when I think of the time when I was a kid and I worked on the same artwork for so many times, same as practising some mathematics at home before finals. So, thanks to my parents, because of them I can cherish this memory specifically for a lifelong. I still have one of those practised works framed at home.
Tell us about your future plans regarding the field of art?
An artist’s mind does not have a single plan, so I have many. I have plans to work on hand made drawings and also print my digital arts someday, and prepare for a solo art exhibition. I have also thought of making a blog of places I travel and post the sketches I do right there. I also have plans to help arrange more sketching tours to different towns and cities as one of the coordinators of Urban Sketchers Dhaka group. So, let’s see, right?
