Vadodara: She always wanted to pursue art and even got into the prestigious fine arts faculty at M S University decades ago. Destiny, though, had something else in store for Dr Heena Desai, who opted for a career in the medical field in Vadodara. But the dream of pursuing art lived somewhere within Desai despite a successful career as an orthodontist.
"So, last year I decided to join a group called Sarjak meant for art-lovers in Vadodara. And, what a journey it has been since then. It's fantastic to meet art-loving people and travel outdoors with them for painting workshops ," Desai told TOI.
The group, which consists of professionals, academicians, businessmen, and home-makers, often goes for outings to paint heritage buildings and nature. "We have been to Pavagadh and also visited a few heritage structures in the city for the painting workshops. It's been a great learning experience and a kind of getaway for the professionals who spend long hours slogging at their workplace," Desai, 69, said.
Thanks to her stint with Sarjak, Desai is planning to organise her first exhibition of acrylic paintings and digital art in the city in October this year. An academician, Shilpa Kapadia, 62, seldom got time to pursue her passion for art seriously despite her love for painting since her childhood. "My work took up a lot of time so I couldn't take up painting all these years.
When I learnt about Sarjak a few months ago, I immediately decided to join the group. It has been a wonderful learning experience with like-minded people who have common hobbies," said Kapadia, former assistant director, Centre for Lifelong Learning and Extension, MSU. She now freelances for educational institutions and picks up the brush often to paint the canvas with hues of bright colours.
Hitesh Rana, founder of ‘Sarjak' in Vadodara, said: "I decided to start this group with a focus on creative expression and mastery of various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and innovative crafts. We nurture both emerging and experienced artists who seek to develop their skills. And, the group often goes on outings to paint nature and aesthetic as well as artistic structures.
It's one of their best learning experiences," Rana said..
