Jyotsna S. Kadam
Getting to know - An Eternal Soul

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Artists are Born- not taught or trained !

They may develop their skills and evolve with age or experience, But, that intensity, the smouldering or blazing fire, the abyss- the dark depths of feeling,the heights of happiness,can emerge only from a sensitive questioning soul and not come through only in a technically perfect painting."

Let us attempt to capture the woman shadowing/lurking behind the Artist, Mrs. Jyotsna Sambhaji Kadam.

But, is that possible......?
To capsulate a way of life, a philosophy and wrap it up in few words, is going to be an incomplete or a tough job !

So like a painter using the brush for a tool and colour as the medium to write the thoughts visualized in their mind's eye, which are then transferred on a blank canvas, let us try to do so similarly with words.

Madam, what was your childhood like ?
"I was born on 6th March, 1957 and brought up in the midst of Sahyadri ranges i.e at Badlapur in the Thane, District- of Maharashtra State."

"Mountain Sahyadri has played a vital role in my life since childhood, sharing my pains and pleasure.I always loved being alone, questioning myself and the universe, talking to nature, taking mountain walks, being a part of the cosmos."

"Winning prizes in drawing competitions held in school and by organisations was routine. So after S.S.C. in 1974, I opted to join the great instituion of Mumbai, The J.J. School of Art and got my Diploma in Drawing and Painting - 1979 , Later a Diploma in Art Education - 1980 also from Sir J.J. School of Art and Finally the Bachelor of Fine Art Degree from the Bombay University - 1984 from Sir J.J. School of Art."

How should a lay person read or attempt to read a painting?
"A painting has to use Line, Form, Space, and Colour as words to weave a picture together and to make sense and to communicate feelings.It should have a rhythm, a focal point and balance."

"Feelings are universal and can be felt though a painting, music or a work of art, where content and medium very important."

"When we are able to read a painting only through our eyes without opening our mouth, we become familiar with the language of this Art and can try to understand a painter and his work."

What is the difference in a photograph taken by a camera and a painting done by an Artist?
"A camera will always show what the camera sees or does not see but, a painter can paint the same picture with his own addition or minus what he does not want, his result will reflect the visualization of his mind - a self - expression."

"Though of course, a photograph can no doubt be a work of art, with control of light and exposure."

What has been your family's contribution in the success achieved, in your professional life ?
"When I was studying at J.J's, Mr. Sambhaji Kadam my late husband, was my professor and the Dean of our college. In fact, I proposed to him, though he was senior to me by 20 years in age we got married, against the wishes of my family."

"Professor Sambhaji Kadam was a great human being. He was my guide and mentor and a merciless taskmaster, egging me on to better myself in my work and Thinking. It was he who told me to concentrate on my work and not to get carried away with my family life for I was he said, a painter first and then a woman."

"We exchanged a lot of thoughts together, I evolved as a painter and a woman because of him.Today even when he is no more, he is constantly guiding me through his teachings and I feel confident to face the world."

"He himself was a great Portrait painter, Educationist, Art Critic,Literateur, Harmonium Soloist, Philosopher, Writer, and Editor of a marathi Encyclopedia. A multi-faceted, mature and a gentle person with love for the Human life. I felt like he was my Sahayadri mountain standing solid behind me,making me feel very secure."

"Our 18 year old son, Shardul was used to our way of life. He could keep himself occupied by drawing for hours together.As a child he had scribbled on all the walls of of our house.He too, has chosen to go our way and joined J.J.'s and is already selling his paintings. I can say he has a better commercial sense and is a very mature, practical young man and yet very committed to his Art."

What are you currently doing?

"I have received the New Delhi Cultural Fellowship for Painting, for two years, so I can still continue to experiment with my Art without worrying about the expenses involved. I also guide students doing Fine Arts or Commrcial Art who come for this classes at my residence. I give Portrait Painting demonstrations for interested organisations."

"Hobby-wise, I love Indian classical music and havea big collection of old and rare records. In fact sometime back I was commisioned by a Patron to paint Lord Vithoba and I had put it on the back-burner. Once late night listening to Pundit Bhimsen Joshi, I was inspired to start that moment and complete the painting that very night. I write on art for several magazines, read, love to play the 'Mridangam', study child art,love to watch nature and its many colours for hours together. Oh ! many things keep me occupied."

What do you want to achieve after your latest ' Vijoo Sadwelkar Award '99' as the 'Woman Artist' of the year ?

"Thane city has the right cultural atmosphere, It would be great to have a good Gallery to showcase the work of various artists, where exhibitions could be held, Art Demonstrations and Seminars could be organised, where children could be guided towards their artistic inclinations,and that they do not have to travel far when they decide to go in for Fine Arts. I would happily co-operate with the government to make this possible. "

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As told to Thaneweb.com