Exploring the World of Sculpture Through the Journey of Rising Star Niyamat Mehta

Within the field of art, sculpture is a timeless art form that gives shape and space life. Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the journey of a remarkable sculptor whose passion for three-dimensional art has taken her across continents and into the digital realm. Come along as we interview Niyamat Mehta to learn about the influences, difficulties, and breakthroughs that have moulded her artistic trajectory.

1. Could you tell us something about your artistic career, How did it start, inspiration behind the same ?

The genesis of my passion for sculpting was very organic. It began

during my time at boarding school in Sanawar, where I delved into sculpting as a hobby throughout my high school years. Encouragement came in the form of a teacher who recognised my dedication to the craft and reached out to my parents to nurture my talent - all at the tender age of 14. At 16, I embarked on an apprenticeship under Master Sculptor Jason Arkels in Florence, an experience that broadened my horizons significantly and paved the way for my formal education at The Florence Academy of Art. As I neared the conclusion of my training, my interests expanded to encompass the commercial aspect of the art world. To delve deeper into this realm, I pursued the Art Business course at Sotheby's, which has proven to be an invaluable tool on my artistic journey.

2. Why did you choose only sculpting? There are so many art forms to choose

I have a preference for working with three-dimensional forms and objects that predominantly occupy space. I find that I can best express myself through the medium of clay, with the ultimate goal of transitioning to a bronze sculpture.

3. Let us know a bit about your art education. How did it all happen? How was your experience studying abroad?

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have received the education I have thus far. However, it hasn't been without its challenges. The curriculum at The Florence Academy of Art is notably rigorous, emphasizing the creation of high-quality work, requiring immense patience, dedication to the craft, and countless hours spent in the studio. I believe that my experiences at The Florence Academy and Sotheby's have provided me with a solid groundwork from which to cultivate a career with a global perspective.

4. Your choice to release your tangible sculptures as NFTs is a daring step into the digital sphere. What spurred this creative move, and how will it affect art in the future, in your opinion?

I ventured into the realm of NFTs as an artist, driven by the desire to showcase my work on a different platform. NFTs, in my view, serve as an additional tool for artists, facilitating the exposure of their creations. Despite not exclusively creating digital art, I've garnered interest by presenting high-resolution photos of my work.

5. You're in a good position to impart your knowledge to budding artists with your workshop in Delhi. What inspired you to begin instructing, and what may participants anticipate learning and experiencing from your workshop?

My training at The Florence Academy of Art, under an exceptionally talented group of artists, sparked my interest in teaching during the advanced year of my training. I would occasionally visit the first-year studio after classes to provide critiques to students working on their sculptures. This experience made me realize my passion and aptitude for teaching, leading to establishing my own studio in Florence and later teaching at the London

Fine Art Studio and Atelier Della Firenze (my studio in New Delhi). I consider teaching a noble endeavor, especially when guiding others to achieve their dreams. My objective is to train the new generation of sculptors, sharing the knowledge I gained from my mentors and my time at The Florence Academy of Art, enabling them to do the same for the next generation.

6. Your Indian ancestry has a strong influence on your artwork. How do you strike a balance between appealing to a worldwide audience and maintaining the "Indianness" of your work?

The diversity of preferences, dislikes, and opinions across various regions enriches our world, making it inherently fascinating. While I've had the privilege of residing in different parts of the globe, I still regard these roots as integral to my identity. When collaborating with collectors, I strive to find a balance between my artistic vision and their desires, allowing us to find common ground and create something meaningful together.

7. You've exhibited your work in a number of locations across the globe, each with its own unique artistic scene. What impact has exposure to other environments and civilizations had on your artistic approach and vision?

I wouldn't say it has directly influenced my work, but I view it more as a cherished and unforgettable experience, such as my participation in the Venice Biennale. It's an extraordinary opportunity to engage with collectors and artists from diverse backgrounds on a global scale, an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

8. What obstacles do you have to overcome on a daily basis as a young artist in order to make a name for yourself globally?

Throughout the journey, challenges inevitably arise; otherwise, if everything were smooth sailing, it could become monotonous and almost boring to be honest. My philosophy remains straightforward: acceptance of different view points to my work. Understanding that individuals across the globe possess diverse preferences allows me to maintain equanimity. I persevere, adhering to a mantra imparted by a recent mentor: once you possess a crystal-clear vision of a desired outcome and exhibit an almost obsessive dedication to their craft. With this mindset, barriers become insignificant, and upward progress is perceived.

Website: https://niyamatmehta.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niyamat_mehta/?hl=en