Meet Monica Bhattacharya

We recently connected with Monica Bhattacharya and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As an artist, I have been fortunate to not often feel the weight of being the only one in the room who looks like me. I am incredibly blessed to be a part of a vibrant and inclusive artistic community in my city. However, I understand the significance and impact of representation and diversity in the art world. On the rare occasions when I felt this way I, here is how I navigated through those emotions.

Embracing my eclectic artistic style: Throughout my artistic journey, I sometimes felt like the only artist in the room without a specific style that could be easily recognized. I paint various subject matters in a multitude of styles, making it challenging for even those who know me to identify my work at times. Initially, I felt that lacking a signature style may hinder my success as an artist. However, I have learned over time that being authentic to myself and creating art that genuinely brings me joy is what leads to my best work. I have come to accept and embrace my eclectic style as a reflection of my artistic curiosity and the diverse range of inspirations that captivate me. By allowing myself the freedom to explore and experiment, I produce art that is true to my creative spirit and resonates with others in its genuine expression. Once I accepted myself and my unique artistic approach, it became easier to navigate and appreciate the differences I encounter when surrounded by other artists.

Embracing my cultural heritage: As an artist, I wholeheartedly embrace my Indian roots instead of shying away from it. Drawing inspiration from traditional Indian art forms, motifs, and colors, I weave these elements into my artwork, creating a unique and captivating fusion of cultures. By celebrating and incorporating my cultural heritage, I bring a distinct perspective that resonates with audiences and showcases the beauty and diversity that art has to offer. I think in the art world, to stand out is actually a plus! Again I would emphasise the need to accept who you are with grace to be able to face the world no matter how different you may seem.

Continuing artistic education: One thing that always made me feel Inadequate in the beginning of my journey is the fact that I did not go to art school.But over the years I have more than made up for it by learning from some of the best artists in the USA and India. I am committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement as an artist. I constantly explore new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and expand my artistic knowledge through workshops, courses, and exposure to diverse art forms. This dedication to growth makes me more confident and keeps my work fresh, relevant, and engaging

Last but not the least, Seeking support and mentorship: I actively seek out mentors and fellow artists who have faced similar challenges or share similar experiences. Their guidance and support have been invaluable in navigating the art world, offering advice, and providing opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a Frisco based, multidisciplinary artist, I work with a variety of mediums, including acrylics, oils, and dry mediums. My passion for art started at a young age, being born into a family of artists and art lovers. My mother, who is also an artist, played a significant role in fostering my love for art.

Although I did not attend art school, I was fortunate to have learned from some of the best artists in the USA. They provided me with invaluable guidance and mentorship, which helped shape my unique style and approach to my craft. I consider myself “well taught” rather than self-taught. In fact I keep learning from other artists even today,

As an artist, I enjoy experimenting with different mediums and styles, which allows me to keep my work fresh and diverse. This approach has helped me grow and evolve as an artist over the years.

I’m grateful to be part of a community that values and supports the arts. Through various galleries and shows in Frisco, Allen, and McKinney, I have been able to showcase my work and connect with other artists. I have received tremendous support from organizations like Visual Arts Guild of Frisco (VAGF), Visual Arts League of Allen (VALA) and City of Frisco’s art program. All resources and opportunities provided by these programs have allowed me to continue developing my skills and showcase my work to a broader audience and have a huge hand in helping me gain recognition as an award-winning artist.

Currently I have paintings in several shows across the city, dates and venues for which are listed on my Facebook page. I am very excited that this year one of my paintings named “Sassy Lassie” is currently being exhibited at the Mckinney Cotton Mill. The exciting part is that this will be part of a juried show called “Some like it Haute”, curated by VALA as part of Dallas fashion week 2023.

Apart from creating art I am also an art instructor. I focus on teaching fundamental concepts of art to my students. My approach to teaching is centered around empowering my students to become independent artists who can apply the techniques learned in my class to independent art projects.

I strongly believe in teaching traditional art techniques to my students. I feel it’s important to pass this knowledge on to future generations. In today’s rapidly expanding digital world, it’s easy for some of these traditional techniques to fall by the wayside.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
With my experience, there are three things I would like to emphasize. First and foremost, practice is key. The more you practice, the better you become at your craft. There is simply no substitute for putting in the time and effort to hone your skills. This applies to every type of artist, regardless of their interests or comfort levels. Personally, I have seen my skill sets improve over the years with continued practice.

Secondly, it’s important to have passion for your craft. When you deeply love what you do, you find the right motivation to work hard, even when the going gets tough. I absolutely love creating and teaching art. It truly makes me happy and I feel that’s what keeps me going.

Lastly, never stop learning. As an artist, there is always more to discover and new techniques to learn. Stagnation can be a real danger. Being a lifelong student of art can help you stay motivated and engaged, and ensure that you continue to develop your skills and techniques over time.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
The ideal client for me would be someone who is clearly able to articulate their vision and provide me with the necessary space and time to create a high-quality art piece. As an artist, I make an effort to understand the client’s requirements by asking a lot of questions. Therefore, an ideal client would be someone who can answer my questions effectively to help me deliver the best product possible.

Currently, my primary client base consists of private art collectors. However, I am interested in expanding my reach to include boutiques that carry curated art pieces and interior decorators seeking artwork to suit their clients’ diverse needs. I enjoy experimenting with various styles and subjects, making me a great fit for interior decorators who require versatile pieces of art to meet their clients’ specifications.

As an artist, I have been fortunate to work with some incredible clients over the years, each with their unique vision and requirements. Building long-lasting relationships with clients is something I value, and I always strive to go above and beyond to exceed their expectations.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Amit Roy Choudhury Aparna Pottabathni

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