Rajat Shanbhag
Canada
My first painting experience was in 2014 while I was pursuing my masters in Engineering in Kansas. I had been a science student for the better part of my life and was keenly inclined towards a design career in aerospace and automation. It was here that I discovered my calling for art.
I taught myself landscape painting while traveling across national parks and reserves during my spare time and explored nature with all of its splendor. I realized the gravitation of visual depth and the peaceful coexistence between art and science. I understood now more than ever that art and science were in a binding relationship and possessed a hot cauldron of problem-solving abilities that could appeal to one's inquisitive and curious nature. There lies scientific unity in aesthetic virtue. Landscape Painting in the outdoors, as opposed to in-studio painting, is a self-discovery process with a surprise waiting to be gently unraveled with each brushstroke.
Currently, I reside in the Nanoose Bay and spend my days making humble attempts at portraying the gorgeous marinas, breathtaking arenas, and the dream-like landscape that surrounds the city and its outskirts. My hope through these works is to evoke feelings of connectivity, a sense of nostalgia buried deep within, or beautiful escapes through meditation.
* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 16th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.