Artist in conversation: Sijoy Jose Kurisingal
“The crux of my artistic exploration lies in the diverse perspectives of landscapes and nature”
Sijoy Jose Kurisingal is an emerging artist, fueled by a deep-rooted passion for painting and a vision to express his unique perspective of the world through art. With a palette filled with dreams and a canvas of determination, Sijoy's artistic journey is one of exploration, self-expression, and authenticity.
His creations are raw, unfiltered reflections of his inner world, capturing both beauty and imperfection. Each brushstroke represents a step further into his exploration of colour and form, stretching the boundaries of creativity and imagination.
For Sijoy, art is not just about aesthetic appeal but a canvas of emotions and experiences. It serves as a visual diary, charting his artistic evolution and journey. His work is a humble yet earnest attempt to encapsulate the exquisite beauty of the world and the magic of imagination on canvas.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I have been captivated by the world of art for as long as I can remember. However, a painting that I came across at the age of 23 by an unknown artist who hasn't been discovered yet inspired me to get into the world of art. I started off by painting nature and focused on landscapes. However, it has become my DNA when I started exploring the shades of colour. My artistic style has been a journey of self-discovery. Starting with more realistic depictions, I gradually transitioned into abstraction as I sought to convey emotions and concepts beyond the confines of literal representation. As an artist, I wanted to explore all sort of artistic forms and I decided to work on Clays, pebbles, wood carvings, wire arts, metal sculpture and so on. At the moment I'm focusing on Oil paintings, and metal sculpturing, and also love to learn more about mural as it has always been a wonder to me since childhood. The journey is ongoing, and I am excited to see how my art will continue to evolve and resonate with viewers in the future.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
The crux of my artistic exploration lies in the diverse perspectives of landscapes and nature. Whether it's the quiet serenity of a secluded forest, the dynamic interplay of light on a mountain range, or the rhythmic dance of waves along the shore, each piece aims to encapsulate a unique facet of the natural world.While I initially drew inspiration from various painters, I reached a point where I wanted to move beyond external influences. I've consciously cultivated my own voice by infusing my art with personal experiences rather than relying solely on references. This process has allowed me to create pieces that not only pay homage to the beauty I find in nature but also bear the imprints of my personal journey as an artist.
How do you navigate the balance between self-destruction and re-creation as a way towards conscious Happiness?
Finding a balance between challenging myself and growing as an artist is essential to my pursuit of feeling content. When I create, I deliberately break away from what I know to spark new ideas and improvements. This process of rebuilding becomes a way to heal and turn difficulties into strengths. To me, being consciously happy means understanding that happiness and difficulties can coexist, and it requires being mindful and accepting of both in my artistic journey. Striking this balance means I need to constantly think about and adapt to when challenging myself is helpful and when it might be harmful. Overall, my art acts like a mirror, showing the back-and-forth between breaking things down and building them up, and it encourages others to think about their own journey to happiness.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
'The Dawn of Decimation' was a bit challenging in the beginning as I have drawn the entire picture in my mind initially before touching the canvas. However, the ideas were hard to convey on when it comes to the colour combinations and the theme's intense aura were unmatching. It was brawl until I find the right blend and I had to break into smaller steps and sought feedback to embrace my vulnerability to convey the idea behind with right shades.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
Social media helps me follow global artists and trends. Actively engaging in exhibitions, collaborations, and critique sessions ensures I stay informed and connected in the evolving art world.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I listen to what critics and audiences say about my art to make it better, especially from my friends. I take their helpful suggestions while making sure it still feels true to what I want to express. It's like a conversation between what others think and my own artistic feelings, helping my art grow in a genuine way.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I stay excited about my art by finding inspiration in various things like nature and daily life. When I face challenges or feel stuck, I set small goals and take breaks. Learning from setbacks and talking with other artists keeps me motivated and helps me get back to creating.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Showing my art at The Holy Art Gallery feels really great. It's a chance to share my work in a special place, have conversations about art, and connect with other artists and art lovers. Seeing my art displayed there makes me feel proud and adds a special touch to my artistic journey.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I want to keep getting better as an artist and make a positive impact. My goals include refining my style, being part of important exhibitions, and collaborating with different creative minds. To achieve this, I'll keep creating, trying new things, and staying connected with the art community. Learning from others and sharing my work is crucial. Overall, I aim to leave a lasting mark in the art world, inspiring people with my creativity.