Interview: Manaswi Patel, Conceptual Artist

Interview with Manaswi Patel, a visionary conceptual artist

Welcome to an insightful interview with Manaswi Patel, a visionary conceptual artist whose work transcends boundaries and challenges conventional artistic norms. With a profound understanding of the human psyche and a unique ability to translate abstract ideas into captivating visual experiences, Manaswi has carved a niche for herself in the art world.

Through her thought-provoking creations, she invites viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and exploration. Join us as we delve into the mind of this extraordinary artist, unraveling the inspirations, processes, and philosophies that drive her artistic endeavors.

Can you tell us about your transition from being a Credit Analyst to becoming a Conceptual Artist? What inspired you to make this career shift?

Manaswi Patel: I did my post-graduation in Agriculture. I had a stint of 10 years, as a credit analyst at the financial sector, and found that I can analyze things to develop life more beautifully in a creative way instead of making calculations and doing a technical job.

That was the beginning of a new Voyage and I jumped into the ocean of creativity to follow my passion. My inspiration is Nature and Life. These two things are interconnected and never fails to give something which we call the essence for creativity. I haven’t learned Art from any art school but from LIFE.

Mandala: The Unique Manaswi Mandalas” is a distinct aspect of your artistic journey. Could you share with us how you came up with this concept and what it means to you?

Manaswi Patel: The word Mandala originated from Sanskrit, meaning ‘circle’. But it is far beyond that. The Tibetan word for Mandala is ‘kyilkor’ which means ‘’that which encircles a center.’’ The symbol of wholesomeness, a thought process of multiple layers- inner and outer.

My mandalas are unique in themselves since they represent life. These mandalas always have two parts- the innermost & the outermost. They show our relationship with infinity; the world that exists beyond and within our mind and heart.

If you look closely at my mandalas, you will find a center with outward radiating patterns, which symbolizes our innermost life i.e. the most vulnerable part of ourselves that we always hide from the outer world. It has multiple layers of detailed patterns that represent the layers we have kept on our souls.

The outermost part represents our society. The world that never feels our own even though we live in it.  And the intermediate patterns between the innermost & outermost are those realms that squeeze onto the focal point.

Your artwork is known to enhance emotional intelligence and stimulate the subconscious mind. How do you approach creating pieces that achieve these effects?

Manaswi Patel: We humans  work in this same two-way pattern which I said earlier. For society, we evolve from center to outer patterns. But, when it comes to working on ourselves, we close the outer circles and try to understand our focal point. This symbolizes continuity. Our innermost beauty helps us in creating balance in our life.

So, the designs and patterns keep changing as per our instincts, moods, and experience. They are sometimes entangled, sometimes simple, and sometimes messy, but always delicate & beautiful. The inner layer seems very complex but it is pure & attractive. Outer layers are simple and calm, showcasing our behavior towards society in different situations i.e. painted in the background.

Whatever the background is, the mandalas always look mesmerizing, subtle, strong, and stable. The time you spend observing the artworks you will start feeling that one should always introspect to become a better person.

Colors seem to play a significant role in your art for personal growth and self-development. Could you elaborate on how you choose colors and their significance in your work?

Manaswi Patel: Colors have the power to change emotions. Also they are good gestures to know about the personality. Colors Convey what Mind conceives!  We can use these techniques and qualities of the colors to treat a person and heal him from depression.

Sometimes we may use colors to change his moods. I carefully select colors while making my artworks when it belongs to a person. Strong colors, calm colors, joyful colors, colors that stabilize the mind and give you focused vision. Such combinations can be used to create the artworks. There is no Wrong and Right about any Colour. They always say something. We should take time to listen to them.

You’ve introduced the concept of “मनज़रिया” to strengthen human connections uniquely. Can you explain what this concept entails and how it manifests in your art?

Manaswi Patel: मनज़रिया- Re-Connecting people in a creative way..!!
Manjariyaan in Hindi means “bunch of flowers or bouquet of flowers”. Flowers are the best way to express feelings of love, gratitude or remorse. Here, ‘Mann’ stands for Manaswi and “Jariyaan”  which means a link or a way..!! manjariya- is a way of connecting people’s hearts in a unique way..! We live in a digital age of gadgets.

Here we have feelings but we don’t have time, we don’t know how to express ourselves, no creativity to touch the depth of our feelings. This is where manjariya becomes your Jariyaan, your voice to express  feelings of love, gratitude, seeking forgiveness from your loved ones..etc.

You can simply go with the handwritten letter or can ask for something more creative like artworks, handcrafted things etc. So that you can strengthen your relations and stay connected with them.

Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you generate ideas for your artwork, and what steps do you take to bring them to life?

Manaswi Patel: Mandala art form we already talked about. Another art form is Conceptual art. My concept art is an art where the idea or concept behind the complete work is more important than what we see without giving it a second thought.

Conceptual artworks are usually placed to maintain good positive energy and vibrancy in the atmosphere. Conceptual art is unique in itself, and can not be copied or recreated anywhere else.  They are made to represent you and your thoughts.

Thus, Conceptual Artistry gives a sense of belongingness to all involved and it results in positive vibes all around. My Concept Art stands on 3 major pillars:

1. Location: It has some touch of place where artwork is going to be placed.
2. Purpose: It helps the artwork to find its goal of existence.
3. Visitors: Office clients or family members or the patrons can connect themselves and find something to relate. All these pillars help a person to observe the artwork and think more about and get connected with.

How do you perceive the role of art in society today, particularly in addressing social and environmental issues?

Manaswi Patel: Art always carries history, also has always played a role as a media to convey a message to society, also it helps to know more about the situation, it creates awareness, it helps to heal, beautify things and more. Today’s changing world needs to stop running. Running behind the things which are virtual, which can disturb you, your personality, four health, family.

Also we need to carefully select the things now which can heal the environment and a person. Artworks (talking about handmade artworks) are the source of it. For example, choosing some handmade cotton bags over use and throwing plastic bags. Gifting people with some craft things.

Hanging original artworks instead of digitally printed copies of art.  Lastly, Art is always there to express and convey the thoughts and soul of a society from generation to generation. What we need is to become natural and patient while thinking about Art and its creation.

In conclusion, our conversation with Manaswi Patel has provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of conceptual art and the creative processes that fuel it. Through her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to artistic expression, Manaswi continues to push the boundaries of conventional art, inspiring audiences around the globe.

As we reflect on her insights and perspectives, it becomes clear that her work not only stimulates the imagination but also encourages us to question the world around us. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the evolution of Manaswi’s artistic journey and the profound impact it will undoubtedly have on the art world and beyond.

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