We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dayanita Ramesh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dayanita, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I think purpose makes itself known in many ways, and it is a matter of paying attention to what you are drawn to, what sparks curiosity and joy within you, and what feels right in your heart.
I believe in The Artist Way and Carl Jung’s idea of synchronicity. A sage person told me that moments of synchronicity are reassurance that you are on the correct path, and once you slow down and observe these moments, you will keep seeing them.
I’m 34 and only recently became comfortable identifying as an artist. I always used to consider myself someone who did art. However, after time, deep introspection (through therapy and reading a lot), slowing down, and paying more attention I realized I always was an artist. I started doing art and became an artist.
I can recall times when I wasn’t practicing art and spent my attention and time in other areas. I was unhappy and unfulfilled and felt like I was living someone else’s life. When I picked up my practice again, I started to feel whole and like my life—had a purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a visual artist, and I focus on illustration and painting. I’ve worked on various projects, including social media content, videos, album art, editorial illustrations, and murals. I’ve worked with Studio DIY, Crooked Media, Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage, and With Others Wine Bar.
I’m currently working on a picture book about senior dogs that I hope to publish one day and working on and artwork for a new restaurant for their social media, menu, cocktail napkins, etc. I also write a newsletter on substack called Take Your Time!
I want my work to be approachable and resonate with people deeply, and I love to do that by keeping things simple and timeless. I love collaborating to help tell stories visually!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Slowing down helps you pay attention better and not let your first reaction/instinct lead the way. It’s crucial to be patient and understand that some opportunities are about timing. It may not work out now but could work in the future, and when you get there, you’ll have grown and may have new understanding and insights.
2. Being kind – This is the most important thing, especially when working with others. Lead with empathy, curiosity, and generosity.
3. Not taking things personally – It’s really easy to feel inseparable from your work, and when collaborating with others, notes or critiques of your work can feel like a personal attack. Please don’t take it that way; instead, let it be a way to learn more about yourself and be part of your growth and journey.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I am currently facing is trying to transition my career to art full-time. Right now, and like many people in the arts, I have a day job that’s essential to fulfill my physiological and safety needs (the bottom two tiers in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs). My day job is in a field I am more than competent in, but I see it as simply a job. It does allow me a lot of freedom and ability to pursue art in my free time. However, it does not fulfill my sense of purpose.
I’m trying to overcome this challenge by taking it a day at a time, working hard to get my art out there, and taking every opportunity to collaborate with businesses and individuals on projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dayanitaramesh.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayanitaramesh/
Image Credits
Only one image needs credit, it’s that first one of the Halloween scavenger hunt, it should be credited to Kelly Mindell/Studio DIY.
