Graduated as an engineer from IIT Bombay, Rahul has not only become a tremendous sand artist but also a successful entrepreneur who founded a film production house Flying Rock Studio. He is an internationally acclaimed Sand Artist and has been on 7 TV shows, 4 Films and has received over 24 prestigious awards.
Despite such popularity and achievements, he is very down to earth and dedicates all his success to his father.
Let us take a dive into the sea of artisticity with Rahul Arya:
In conversation with Rahul Arya:
What made you think about trying sand art?
A: I had started with drawing on the Car Wind Shields; sometimes others. You won’t believe, neither do my neighbors. Slowly took off the childhood hobby to a different scale; and managed to make myself a wooden lightbox at merely Rs.2000, Rest is a matter of Trial & Error. You gotta keep trying; someday all the hardwork paysoff.
As a kid were you always interested in art and designing?
A: Yes, since childhood, I was fascinated to scribble my imaginations on Paper.
What are your other hobbies?
A: Dancing, Playing Volley Ball(not Good at it), Travelling unexplored location (Good at it).
Can you speak about any of your best pieces as a kid or as a college student, I mean before you came to lime light?
A:Yes, in 8th standard, I drew a Large Meditation Pic, not only from imagination but also from untaught painting lessons. Which made me realize, Art is something that comes from inside and not just by learning a few styles.
Who has been your inspiration in life or to be more precise who has guided you through out your journey from an IITian to a renowned sand artist?
A: A.P.J Kalam is my Role model, since childhood. In terms of motivation, I’m always influenced from Mr. Shahrukh Khan’s achievements. Well, Achievements for me are very humble like, when I saw my Mom smiling listening to all the positive comments from the Reality Show Judges. Professionally, I’m delighted to work with Shahrukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, & many more Legends.
What are your biggest achievements till date?
A: To work in a Feature length Film, South Movie: ‘Ormayundo Ee Mukham’. Also when I created 100 Years of Bollywood in 200sec.. I believe that sums up my Sand Art completely.
On what kind of art work do you mainly indulge yourself and why?
A: 200 sec. Artwork. Why, Because, it challenges me to tell a story for shorter attention span of Online Audience.
Tell us something about the struggles that you had to face in this field?
A:I still believe India is a Nation of over 65% Youth population; and they’re going to decide the country’s future. And any successful Nation needs Designers, Musicians, Dancers as much as they need Engineers & Doctors. Choose to be a Doctor if you really Love to study Medicine, not because someone in family with that degree of yours. I spent all my years in struggle to find my real passion for arts. As they say; Every child is Special. Dear Society, Let them be special.
If not a sand artist, then what would have been your career choice?
A: Travelling, because, that gives me new and fresh ideas; and a moment to connect to my real self. I don’t want any other artist to go through the difficulty of learning Arts, as I had been through. Hence, I’m actively taking workshops & online tutorials for Sand Art from last 7 years.
There are a couple of famous sand artists right..so according to you what makes your work piece different from others?
A: I’ve always believed in focusing on my craft. It’s like Dancing, when you Dance you don’t worry about what others are gonna perform, You focus only on your craft. If it connects, it connects, If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. Simple.
What are your future plans?
A: Never tell you Future Goals to anyone.
What advise you will like to give to the youth aspiring to be in this field?
A: I like to write quotes; Since people are running behind Degrees and not Skills, I wrote, “When Your work can communicate, No piece of paper is required to Prove.” -ARYA
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