We recently connected with Nayan and Venus and have shared our conversation below.
Nayan and Venus, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
We’ve discovered our purpose within the realm of art by drawing inspiration from the intricate tapestry of nature. Our artistic endeavours are driven by a profound mission—to shine a spotlight on the current state of our planet’s biodiversity. Through the medium of art, we strive to cultivate a heightened awareness regarding the environmental conditions that affect the flora and fauna of our world.
Our creative expressions serve as a dynamic platform for education, unraveling the fascinating stories of the diverse plant and animal life that coexists with us. Each stroke of our brushes and every carefully crafted detail in our compositions are intentional acts aimed at illustrating the interconnectedness of all living beings. We aspire to convey not only the intrinsic beauty of nature but also the intricate ways in which these ecosystems impact our daily lives.
In essence, our art becomes a compelling narrative that seeks to captivate and inform, fostering a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. Through this visual journey, we hope to inspire a collective commitment to preserving and cherishing the precious biodiversity that surrounds us.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Nayan,
The creator of all the tiny paper cut sculptures at The Paper Ark is Nayan, Born in Gandhinagar, Gujarat (India) and a furniture and interior design graduate from National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, India.
He now works full-time as a paper cut artist. The straightforward yet complex organic structures found in nature have an influence on Nayan’s art. You can observe how Nayan’s art skillfully portrays the intricacies of nature in paper.
Venus Bird,
Watercolour artist Venus Bird is also an avid birder hails from Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India). Her love of birds is evident in every piece she creates, which is inspired by captivating birds and their vibrant colours. Her work honours the vivid palette of nature and all living things. Venus holds a diploma in animation and visual effects, which broadens her skill set. The Paper Ark’s miniature paper art is alive with her colours.
“The Paper Ark,” formerly called NVillustration is an artistic collaboration between Nayan Shrimali and Venus Bird. The Paper Ark strives to redefine paper as a material and use art as a means of educating people about our planet’s unique biodiversity. We want to bring attention to how fragile everyone is through art and stories. To pique viewers’ curiosity and encourage them to learn more about our wildlife, we took on the challenge of creating miniature, highly detailed birds, animals and all the beautiful beings found in the world.
Mother Earth is our greatest motivator; we go birdwatching and exploring the wilderness around our city on a frequent basis. Every time we go out, we return with our minds full of amazing experiences and information, such as aiding Red Wattled Lapwing chicks to cross a road, releasing a turtle back into a river from a field, or witnessing a butterfly emerge from a pupa in the morning. And there is still so much to experience and see in nature that one lifetime will not suffice.
We therefore hope to create a world that is more conscious of and knowledgeable about the wildlife they share the planet with by using the simple material paper as our medium and exploring the versatile characteristics of paper to create art which is inspired from our beloved wild beings.
Currently we are working on a series of miniature paper sculptures and automatons. These delicate yet intricate creations are inspired from the world of birds.
In our last series titled “Rare,” we delved into the extraordinary realm of genetic mutations, specifically highlighting the phenomena of Albinism and Melanism. Each piece in this collection tells a story of rarity and uniqueness, exploring the visual allure and biological significance of these genetic variations. It’s a celebration of the diversity found in nature, even in the subtle nuances of feathers and coloration.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Consistency, purpose, and discipline form the sturdy foundation for a successful artistic career.
Consistency involves regularly creating and showcasing your work. It’s about honing your skills, developing a recognisable style, and maintaining a presence in the art world. This not only builds your portfolio but also keeps your audience engaged and invested in your journey.
Purpose is the driving force behind your art. It’s about having a clear understanding of why you create, what messages you want to convey, and the impact you hope to make. Art with purpose resonates more deeply, connecting with people on a meaningful level.
Discipline is the backbone of any career, artistic or otherwise. It’s about dedicating time to your craft, pushing through challenges, and constantly evolving. Discipline helps you refine your skills, navigate setbacks, and ensures a steady progression in your artistic journey.
Together, these pillars create a roadmap for a bright future in the art world. Consistency builds your presence, purpose gives your art meaning, and discipline propels you forward, transforming your passion into a sustainable and successful career.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
One of the primary hurdles we’re currently navigating is the quest for increased visibility for our artwork. The challenge lies in reaching a broader and more diverse audience to amplify the impact of our message.
By enhancing the visibility of our art, we aim to transcend geographical and demographic boundaries, ensuring that our work resonates with people from various walks of life. This broader reach enables us to create heightened awareness about the environmental issues we advocate for through our art.
Strategically placing our creations in front of a diverse audience means not only showcasing our talent but also opening up opportunities for dialogue and engagement. It’s about breaking through the noise to capture the attention of individuals who may not have encountered our work otherwise.
This increased visibility is a powerful tool for fostering a collective understanding of the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation. It transforms our art from a personal expression to a shared experience, sparking conversations and inspiring a wider community to join us in our mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepaperark.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaperark/
- Other: www.thepaperarkstore.com
Image Credits
Nayan and Venus
