In the realm of artistic endeavours, the trajectory of an artist's life often takes uncharted and captivating turns. Rachana Devidayal's story is a compelling testament to this notion, as she transitioned from being a seasoned designer with a formal education from the renowned Rhode Island School of Design to a blossoming artist, unlocking a new chapter in her creative journey. This transformation, catalyzed during the pandemic, is a testament to the boundless capacity of human creativity.
Rachana's artistic odyssey commenced at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1994. Since then, she has made significant contributions to the world of editorial design, carving a niche for herself in the world of book design. Her mastery extends to the minutiae of books where she lends attention to the smallest components, ensuring a seamless and visually captivating reading experience.
Rachana has extended her creative talents to nurture the artistic sensibilities of children. She was a founding member of Flying Tricycles, a company that facilitated innovative workshops for youngsters, spanning the age spectrum from toddlers to teenagers. Her passion for education also led her to a brief stint at ISDI College, where she played an instrumental role in shaping the artistic aspirations of foundation-level students.
The pandemic, with its unexpected idle moments, served as the catalyst for Rachana's artistic rebirth. Inspired by a friend participating in an online art class, she decided to join in. The serendipity of this decision unfolded rapidly, as the course facilitator recognized her remarkable talent within just a few classes. This recognition served as a clarion call, catapulting her into the world of fine art. Rachana's passion lies in watercolour as a medium, and she regards paper as her second skin. Her extensive collection of various types of paper, from watercolour sheets to Japanese handmade papers, spans an array of colours, textures, and prints. Her favourites include Nepali paper and those crafted from organic materials, even paper that resembles fabric. Her choice of paper is an intuitive process, guided by what resonates with her in a given moment.
Rachana's journey as a watercolour artist is a testament to her self-driven learning. Although she explored a few watercolour classes, her distinctive style is largely the result of her own experiences and experimentation. Over the last three years, her relationship with her brushes has evolved, instilling in her a profound passion for her artistic practice.
A pivotal point in Rachana's artistic journey was her project in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It was during this time that serendipity struck again as her friend and collaborator for her recent exhibition happened to be in the same region. Together, they embarked on a short trip to Mandu, an ancient city nestled within the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. Mandu is renowned for its Afghan architectural heritage, characterized by stone walls punctuated with ornate gateways. Landmark structures such as Hoshang Shah's Tomb and the grand Jami Masjid mosque bear testimony to its rich history. The awe-inspiring Jahaz Mahal palace, nestled between two lakes, leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Rachana was profoundly moved by the architectural beauty of Mandu, a town that beckons visitors into its stories from the 10th century or earlier, etching an indelible mark on her heart.
Mandu's architectural grandeur, with its archaeological structures, kindled the photographer within Rachana, infusing her with a unique energy that breathed life into her art. Her return from Mandu was marked by a heart and camera filled with memories. Subsequently, Rachana, in collaboration with her friend Hema, embarked on an artistic venture that would capture the essence of Mandu's beauty through a creative blend of watercolour and paper art, complemented by Hema's handwoven textiles. This artistic endeavour, known as "Palash" was set in motion during a second visit to Mandu in March, a season of vibrant spring. The first visit had taken place during the monsoon, with clouds and rain enveloping the landscape. As they entered Mandu, they were greeted by carpets of Palaash flowers, their scarlet hues reminiscent of Rachana's watercolour works. The experience was strikingly similar to the art she had created, bringing the physical and the artistic into a beautiful harmony. Rachana and Hema's individual interpretations came together to breathe life into "Palaash and Badal." The entire collection is a culmination of six months of dedicated effort, weaving various techniques like watercolour painting, paper cutting, paper distressing, and photography manipulation to produce the final results: Rachana's mesmerizing works on paper.
Mandu's seasonal transformations played an integral role in the narrative of Rachana's art. The vibrant pink-orange Palash flowers that welcomed them during their visit in March were a stark contrast to the dreamy monsoon landscape that unfolded in August. The intermittent drizzle and the bright green moss that clung to the surfaces of the Dilli Darwaza and the floor of Hindola Mahal painted a different picture. The lighting had softened to a gentle grey, and the lakes at Jahaz Mahal had come to life, their waters reflecting the surrounding beauty.
This exhibition offers a unique perspective on how Mandu's architectural grandeur reveals itself in distinct ways with each passing season. Threads, light, and colour weave together the individual artistic practices of Hema and Rachana. Rachana's art is a testimony to her diverse life experiences, spanning from her formal education to her work as an editorial designer in various publishing houses in London. Her work reflects a synthesis of structured graphic design and the free-spirited, boundary-pushing nature of an artist who isn't afraid to break the mold. Paper is her medium of choice, whether painted, torn, glued, or pierced. She treats it as a canvas, a second skin to explore and express her creativity.
Today, Rachana is based in Mumbai, where she continues to practice as a consultant designer and as an artist. The journey of this transformation from a designer to an artist was not without its challenges and surprises. Rachana's transition to the realm of fine art was met with suspense even for her family and close friends. The day her mother attended the preview of her exhibition was the first time she laid eyes on her daughter's creations. Overwhelmed with emotion, her mother conveyed that Rachana's work had moved her to tears. She expressed profound pride in her daughter's artistic journey.
A fascinating facet of Rachana's artistic evolution is her connection with her mother, Meera Devidayal, a seasoned artist whose canvas works are well-recognized and sought after in the art world. Surprisingly, Rachana has chosen to chart her artistic course on paper rather than canvas. The mother and daughter duo share individual voices, staking claim to their distinct artistic territories. While Meera Devidayal has reluctantly stepped back from painting due to her age, Rachana carries forward the legacy of being an artist. The influence of Rachana's experiences in London, marked by structured patterns, is juxtaposed with her time in Morocco, where she developed a deep affection for intricate window screens and Islamic architectural styles. Elements from both chapters of her life are seamlessly interwoven into her current collection inspired by Mandu.
The ultimate validation of Rachana's artistic journey came in the form of the profound interest shown by individuals beyond her immediate circle of family and friends. Messages and expressions of admiration and curiosity began to pour in after her exhibition, affirming her rightful place in the art world. Perhaps the most moving testament to the power of art came from a cancer survivor who visited the show.
Touched deeply by Rachana's work, she requested a personal walkthrough, and with emotional attachment, selected a piece to take home. This poignant moment became etched in Rachana's memory, affirming that art has the capacity to touch hearts and create enduring connections.
As Rachana looks forward to a larger solo show, she is diligently working on more extensive pieces and another intriguing collection, the details of which remain a tantalizing secret for now. Her artistic journey, fueled by the unexpected turns of life, promises to offer fresh insights into the boundless world of creativity. Rachana Devidayal's transformation from a graphic designer to a watercolour artist stands as a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and the ability of art to resonate with diverse audiences. Her captivating journey serves as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that the pursuit of one's artistic passions can lead to remarkable discoveries and a profound connection with the world.
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