Art as Diplomacy: An Interview with Amb. Dr. (HC) Sonjaye Maurya, a master painter & founder of Creative Art Affairs

An Exclusive Interview with Amb. Dr. (HC) Sonjaye Maurya, A master painter, a colourful persona, an artist, and Founder of Creative Art Affairs

Amb. Dr. (HC) Sonjaye Maurya, a master painter, visionary artist, and Founder of Creative Art Affairs, embodies creativity with purpose.

Renowned for his vibrant persona and soulful artistry, he seamlessly blends culture, diplomacy, and imagination. In this interview, he shares his journey, inspirations, and the role of art in shaping connections beyond borders.

You are a self-taught artist who left behind a successful business career to pursue art at the age of 50. What gave you the courage to take that leap of faith so late in life?

Sonjaye Maurya: Being a self-taught artist is a natural talent that cannot be acquired through formal training. An artist is born and cannot be made. The creative spark that drives artistic expression comes from within.

One has to have those inborn qualities. A school or college can train you with skills. But the ideas have to come from your inner self.

Observing something, what you feel, perceive or it has no impact on you. In case of singing, there is theory that you can learn. But what about voice? The voice itself remains an innate gift.

There are categories. There are artists, painters and artisans. A teacher or an institute can create painters and artisans. There anyone can learn skills about the technique of painting, what treatments to give, how to handle various tools can be taught.

But what to paint and why!!!???? Replicating Shivaji like Shivaji is not art. For replicating we have cameras. And printing is extremely cheap nowadays. Doing that is a criminal waste of time, if your portrait lacking an artistic merit and you are merely copying or replicating.

Art is beyond comprehension. It’s about expressing yourself. It’s about expressing and presenting your perspective on it. How you look at it. And with your expression of it, you can give people new perspectives about it. Compel them to think differently! So, thinking and research is very necessary.

In a letter to Jamini Roy in 1941, Ravindranath Tagore wrote, “Maximum people in this world, they are not able to see things, or maybe they don’t want to see those.

But only an artist actually has that privilege to show those people, those things that they cant see actually, weather it is in art form, painting or poetry or any kind of art work singing or anything, to make them feel that.

So, it is always said that in order to show that to the people, an artist is born, specially born. And artist does not sing painting, they don’t talk about spiritual things, but what they say is, ‘This is us. See us.’

Art isn’t just not creating visually appealing or beautiful pieces. It carries a bigger responsibility. With it, we can move people, effectively change the society. It’s a powerful tool to bringing of transformative change.

There are numerous issues that can be highlighted and brought to people’s attention and compelling individuals to take action and make a difference.

At the age of 50 one might wonder if art is truly meant for us. After all a bird is meant to fly and a fish is meant to swim. Every creature on this planet possesses unique quality. And human being is bestowed with certain qualities.

We all are gifted with certain qualities. Someone is good at logic, someone at calculations. However, we humans have responsibility to earn and run family.

In this race of life to meet ends sometimes we have to compromise and make decisions against our will. Or our social things or financial constraints don’t allow to do what you want or what you are.

In my case something similar happened. Despite achieving ‘A’ grade and special awards in many subjects in Grade exams held by state board and being bestowed with prestigious ‘President’ and Prime Minister’s Award as a child, I was denied to go to a fine arts college.

But it’s something that is inherent in you, something you are meant for and has been assigned to do a particular task by God, will keep pinching, you will be at unrest. It makes you uneasy.

And later or sooner you are bound to turn towards it. Despite the initial discomfort and unease, it may cause, you are destined to confront this particular task. It is an assignment from a higher power, and you will eventually be compelled to address it.

Your works are described as “mysterious with a magical touch” and carry deep messages about society. How do you decide on the themes and messages for your paintings?

Sonjaye Maurya: A book that doesn’t stir up emotions or provoke thoughts is simply passed by. I don’t choose my themes; they choose me. Life and the events that unfold around us can be overwhelming for sensitive individuals, causing distress and a desire for correction.

In such situations, we strive to do our best within our limitations. I am not physically able to carry a sword or sit on a ‘Dharna’. However, I can certainly provoke people using my tool.

Some of the paintings highlight issues related to the growing population, women’s rights, child marriage, and other social concerns.

My event opening is not conventional. But I try to incorporate these messages through our act, while doing the inaugural function, honouring and gifting our guests.

This is very beautifully described in poetic way, by my younger sister Ranjana Kashyap, who herself is an eminent painter and a poet.

In every gathering, I strive to unveil,
Issues that whisper, yet often fail.
Guests receive coconuts, a gift of grace,
Or water a plant, in nature’s embrace.
No ribbons to cut, but elements to tie,
Auspicious symbols beneath the sky.
In every detail, a message profound,
A call to the earth, where roots are found!!

My events have always raised questions about rape and murder cases, such as the Nirbhaya and R.G. Kar Medical College incidents. I yearn to paint this world with hues of peace and love.

How does your perspective as a photographer, poet, and traveller influence your painting style?

Sonjaye Maurya: Has anyone ever heard that a painter always sits in the art room, seeing nothing, doing nothing, and only painting?

If someone claims this, it’s a big lie because if an artist has the power to influence the world, there are countless motivations in the world that also influence artists. Travelling, poetry, photography, literature etc. are the essential elements.

An artist is always adept at all creative endeavours. Whether it’s SAREGAMA or DOREME, it applies universally. Similarly, the concepts of Chhand (meter) and Tall (rhythm) are applicable in various contexts.

Travelling:
Traveling broadens one’s horizons and fosters intellectual growth. Being an artist requires keen observation skills. It adds depth and richness to your work. A solid understanding of various subjects is essential to justify your artistic vision.

This brings a sense of authenticity and professionalism to your creations. Traveling enables individuals to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, geographical locations, and historical narratives.

You are not bound like a frog of a well. You are a bird without wings, a thunder without sound. Outdoor painting is always my favourite. I love to carry my small tool kit with me and try to capture the moments in my sketchbook or painting pads.

Poetry:
A poetry is a virtual art and artist has ability to bring that virtual into reality through colours and brushes.

If artist is fond of reading the literature, that helps to express the art works. Poetry is like a hype came in mind and similarly painting is also a hype come and flow and that’s why art exists.

In my experience whenever I read poetry or story, I visualise everything in my mind. And I allow the flow of that imagination on my canvas.

Photography:
Artist sometimes uses their third eye that is lens, it allows to capture what is worth capturing. Sometimes we want to paint the nature in our own style and we can’t stay that place for long. So there comes photography.

For example, “I want to paint a picture of mountains with shades of morning, afternoon and night. So, what would I do, I simply click the photo and paint.”

In the same way I can’t do portraits at the same moment so I use to click.” Sometimes photographs gives us idea and it’s our choice how we invent our styles. So photography is also very useful sometimes.

What was the thought process behind founding Creative Art Affairs, and how is it different from other art organizations?

Sonjaye Maurya: There is a quote,” If we can be a reason for smile even of a single person it means we are worth to live!”

There is a story I decided to start my baby project “CAA”

In 2015, I commenced my artistic journey and dedicated my first year to creating 36 paintings. This marked the foundation of my portfolio, ensuring that I possessed a substantial collection to showcase when presenting myself to potential people.

To broaden my reach, I embarked on a strategic promotion campaign, aiming to expose my work to a wider audience. This endeavour involved participating in 32 exhibitions across India over a period of 18 months.

However, after considering the substantial investment of 9 lakh rupees in these events, I realized that the tangible benefits they yielded were minimal.

These events were more about the organizers’ interests than the participants. Traveling to another city, staying in a ordinary hotel, paying the participation fee, and getting around the city all added up to at least 25-30 thousand rupees, even on a tight budget.

Imagine sitting in a gallery for 3 to 6 days, all by yourself, with no visitors or activities. No big names like senior artists or critics were invited, and no demos were organized. It was like we were left with nothing to interact with or learn from.

And the thought popped up in my mind, and it hit me hard: we should take matters into our own hands and do something about it, instead of relying on some commercial organizer to help us out and make progress.

In response to the challenges faced by artists, I decided to start my baby project ‘CAA’.
“Creative Art Affairs” (CAA) was established as a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of artists. ‘CAA’ prioritizes the interests of artists and provides them with various initiatives to support their growth and development.

Given the scarcity of financial resources in the art industry, aspiring artists often encounter difficulties in promoting themselves.

‘CAA’ addresses this issue by organizing free art talks, workshops, and facilitating artists’ participation in international events and conferences.

Additionally, ‘CAA’ actively nominates artists for awards, promotes their publications globally, and offers other support measures to enhance their visibility and recognition.

Even in offline physical events, ‘CAA’ charges very nominal fee, They put some of their own money into it so that participants don’t feel the sting.

In physical events, CAA invites masters, eminent people from unique disciplines. Organize a demonstration by renowned painters, which, naturally, incurs significant costs.

There is a provision where Participants can interact and learn. ‘CAA’ sends invites to industrialists, builders, hotelier, interior designers and architects, and the participants can develop contacts with them in those exhibitions. ‘CAA’ gives promotion to all the diligent artists through newspapers, TV and electronic media.

The group has also mentored some as curators, who are helping the cause to their extent and helping other artists.

Has also guided many to start their classes or take tuitions and teach art to help them with their earnings. Helped many artists who had badly suffered during lockdown and had gone into depression, by counseling and motivating them. Also helped economically poor artists by providing them with art material.

Many have developed confidence and the courage to go ahead with their passion of art and help preserve our tradition and culture and take it further.

Many female artists who had to sacrifice on their passion for art after marriage, are encouraged to paint again and today they have made a place of significance in the art world for themselves.

Many male artists, who could not pursue it in their earlier days due to family responsibilities, have been encouraged them to start and do it side by side, as the situation allows and expect them to be full time professional artists someday.

The artists, most of them, as they just know to paint and lack other knowledge and skills like developing languages to communicate, write and talk about their works, prepare their profile etc., face camera, be tech savvy, market and promote themselves, the group has helped and guided them and brought them to limelight.

I constantly keep thinking and plan various activities to take them far and wide. Get them due recognition and help promote them get respect as an artist.

The deserving artists who because of money and support cannot continue with their passion and take it ahead. I do free events for them. 

There is continued effort at my end to find and cultivate dynamic, young contemporary artists who have the potential to contribute substantially to the understanding of art given the right environment and direction.

‘Creative Art Affairs’ seeks to promote contemporary Indian art and strives to deliver this by creating opportunities for the artists. CAA’s vision is to promote excellence and innovation in all aspects of its work and explore the unique contribution that the art can make to our understanding of contemporary.

The group has futuristic vision n trend setting goals. The CAA welcomes creative expressions of powerful and innovative presentation of artistic creativity.

Your group has already launched over 100 artists on prestigious platforms-what qualities do you look for in young or emerging artists before supporting them?

Sonjaye Maurya: The field of painting exhibits a diverse range of approaches. It’s a very difficult to organise this field. People paint for fun, or as a hobby or viewing it’s a leisure time activity etc, for many it’s a back burner thing.

Then there are serious artists, who are devoted and dedicated to it and even earn their living from it. While some individuals engage in painting as a recreational activity.

Conversely, there exists a dedicated group of artists who are profoundly committed to their craft, dedicating their lives to it and even earning a living from it.

Hobbyist artists focus is to win awards and they want to display or decorate their halls with some awards and accolades, although they are lacking to contribute to the world of art. Consequently, it becomes challenging to discern the true artistic merit among them. Many abandon painting after a few years.

And one day they lose interest, lack the necessary sustaining capacity, or families cease providing support. Regardless of the specific circumstances, the situation deteriorates.

The artists work demonstrates his/her dedication, seriousness, thought process and extensive study behind it.

Their activities and efforts are the evidence. And we can recognize that spark and potential, the growth and development is possible if the person gets right encouragement true openings or platforms, with some guidance and mentorship they can achieve greater heights and attain higher level of success.

The artist’s work their dedication, seriousness, thought process, and extensive study. Their activities and efforts are evident, and we can recognize the potential for growth and development. With the right encouragement, guidance, and mentorship, they can achieve even greater heights and attain higher levels of success.

But still if you work on say 100 artists, hardly 5-7 take it seriously and in long term.
Most of them have very unrealistic expectations and they expect instant results.

The reason behind it is they just paint a canvas and they know only technique of painting, they don’t know how to promote their works as a product, how to create a special place in the market of art, and they are not aware about the ways of advertising, marketing etc.

From Indo-Nepal art collaborations to global peace-themed events, Creative Art Affairs has hosted diverse initiatives. Which project has been most memorable for you and why?

Sonjaye Maurya: Each event possesses its own distinct characteristics and positive impact. A diverse range of themes and perspectives contribute to personal enrichment in unique ways.

The Indo-Nepal Art Symposium brought the artists and individuals from diverse backgrounds and streams together.

The two nations share the same roots, but as the present generations become more distant due to the time gap, it was really interesting and great opportunity for cultural exchange and to share and know the knowledge and experiences.

The cultural, the rituals, the same festivals are celebrated differently and how. We also found the opportunity to collaborate with a large group of children with disabilities.

Additionally, we were honoured to invite artists from Nepal to showcase their works to our Indian audience.

The Peace confest, which convened 30 delegates from 25 countries, featured a diverse group of artists, writers, dancers, politicians, and other individuals.

The event provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and exchange of perspectives on our works and vice versa.

This exchange fostered the development of valuable connections with renowned creative personalities from around the world, which significantly enhanced the long-term prospects of the participants.

‘Creative Art Affairs’ organizes various events, including art talks, where renowned artists engage in discussions on diverse aspects of art, such as forms, techniques, treatments, and stylizations. These sessions feature lectures by esteemed artists, providing valuable insights and knowledge to the art community.

In workshops, artists collaborate and engage in shared work, fostering an environment conducive to mutual learning and professional development.

Kalaa Spandan and other art fairs have been milestones for your group. How did it feel to give emerging artists such a global stage alongside icons of art?

Sonjaye Maurya: The art fairs are of substantial scale, attracting approximately 300-400 participants and tens of thousands of visitors.

This platform provides participants with invaluable opportunities to engage in meaningful interactions, seek insights from renowned artists, and establish connections that could potentially lead to future business collaborations.

Utilizing the platform provides recognition and exposure, enabling individuals to gain visibility and expand their professional network. This exposure facilitates unlimited reach and fosters connections with a diverse audience.

Many artists struggle with balancing creativity and commercial viability. What advice do you give them to sustain their passion without being lost in the rat race?

Sonjaye Maurya: Ans: As we all are aware that “art and money don’t go together.” So, it’s necessary to understand and accept this reality and after knowing this, it’s his/her decision what he/she expect from life.

If your wish is become a millionaire and want to live a luxurious lifestyle, it’s definitely you shouldn’t choose this career.

Because art is not a work it requires ‘Sadhana’ (methodical discipline to attain a desired goal) devotion and dedication and nobody knows when that day will come or will you achieve. There is a saying “Artist gets recognition after their life”!

A scientist dedicates their entire life to their research, but there is no guarantee that they will ever create an invention.

The optimal strategy is to avoid having a secondary option. Weather it takes five years, ten years, or forty years, maintaining a secondary option can lead to a seamless transition in case of difficulties encountered in the primary option. This approach ensures that your passion remains undiminished.

The concept of the rat race, if one begins to engage in corner cutting just solely to meet customer demands or to sell their work, then where does the essence of art reside? That work will be considered without soul.

There is other option that is teaching, as it can be a source of regular income and ample time to pursue their passion.

However, it is important to note that the situation is not comparable. It is not possible to devote undivided attention to any of the aspects and provide a fair assessment of all.

What message would you like to give to aspiring artists who may be hesitant to pursue their passion due to social or financial pressures, just like you once faced?

Sonjaye Maurya: In my experience, achieving a goal often necessitates making sacrifices and compromises. Recognizing that one cannot have everything is crucial. Stepping outside one’s comfort zone and prioritizing one’s needs and desires are essential steps in the process.

Here I would like to quote some lines from Hindi movie ‘3 idiots’, where Farhan tells his father, ‘What will happen, if I become a photographer! I may have a small house or a small car. But I’ll be happy.’

In my talk shows, I always quote a poetry by prolific and eminent poet Kumar Vishwas ji…

‘Kuchh nanhe sapno ko pane,
Badi neend ka sauda kar,
Nikal pade hain, paanv abhage,
Jane kis manjil thi

Through his insights, Dr. Maurya reveals art as a universal bridge—uniting people, ideas, and cultures. His passion for creative expression and humanitarian vision continues to inspire generations.

This conversation not only highlights his artistic brilliance but also affirms his commitment to making the world more colourful, meaningful, and connected.

Read more Success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs & startups stories at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn