Conversations with Annesha Neogi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annesha Neogi

Hi Annesha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
So, I grew up in a small hill station in India, Shillong, Meghalaya. Back then the place did not provide much exposure to student in the field of art. However, when something is inherent, it is bound to find its way. I learned the basics from an Art Teacher (probably the only art teacher we had out there at that time) and that became the foundation of the career I made today. I did not know back then, that one could make a career out of Art. Rather, no one even encouraged me to pursue it. Studying medicine or engineering was mainstream but I knew in my heart, those were not for me.

I continued to practice art, along with my usual studies. Coming from a family of teachers and professors, studies were thrusted to be an integral part of my life and that led me to complete my Masters in English. However, that could not separate the artist in me. Along this educational path, I may have left art, but art never left me.

In 2011, I got married and came to the USA totally unaware, of the life that lay ahead. I was simply basking in the glory of being newly married and excited to start a life as a wife in a totally new place. But after the early thrill, the loneliness began to creep in and the fear of the unknown began to loom large. The life without a ‘work permit’ which initially seemed thrilling became a burden. That was when Art came knocking at my door with full fervor and zeal. I allowed it to consume me wholeheartedly and yielded to its strong beckoning.

Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my husband who gave me the much needed push to choose art as my career when I finally got my work permit in the US. He is the reason, I got the courage to come out of my comfort zone and choose an offbeat career choice.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Challenges are viewed differently by different people. For some it may seem an obstacle and an upheaval task, for some it may be thrilling and adventurous. I fall in the later category. I love challenges and I see it as a stepping stone to eventual success.

While I knew how to make good art, my challenge was venturing into the path of marketing of which I had zero knowledge. Rather I feel I still don’t know much on how to market my art to make regular sales. I started making art because I loved painting, not because I wanted to sell them. But then I realized its easier to turn your passion into a job than to find a job that you can be passionate about.

Here I would like to quote N.R.Narayana
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you do not belong.”

My husband is in the marketing field and even though he wholeheartedly supported me in making art my career, he decided to help me by not helping me at all in the marketing journey. However, given the person I am, I wrote my own marketing strategy, and even though I am not quite where I had intended to be 3 years into it, I am happy I am the author of my own story. There can be nothing more satisfying than to design your own life all on your own. Even though I was initially angry at my husband for not helping me, I understand today, why he did that and I shall be forever grateful to him for thrusting me into the unknown.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work revolves around the different size canvas, oil paints and brushes. Everyday I enter my art studio with renewed passion. Landscape, Seascape, Floral Art, Wildlife, Human Portrait are the different genres I work on. I sometimes choose my subject depending on my mood so my paintings are often a reflection of my state of mind at that particular time. When I feel the need to bloom my passion with even greater zeal, I resort to painting flowers. At one time I wanted to visit the snow capped mountains during the summers, I found solace in painting mountains clad in snow. Beaches are one of my most favorite places to be, and whenever that desire becomes overwhelming, you will find me painting seascape.

Of course, I take commission orders too, and that is when I have to tune my mood as per the needs of my clients which can be challenging at times, but as I mentioned I love the wild ride.

I believe, as an artist, one should not limit their creative outlet. I have also explored the beauty of Pen Art and Mandala Art and when I need a break from my brushes and paints, I pick up the pen.

I think I am proud of the fact that I am largely a self-taught artist. There is no end to learning, and I do not know where my art journey will take me to but I guess I shall always be proud that I did it it all on my own. Of course, my family’s support has been my biggest strength and I know whatever I have achieved so far is because of their blessings.

What sets me apart from others – I create what I feel good about, not what largely sells. Rather I believe in selling my story behind the painting, hoping that people will connect with it and buy it.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Art is an expression. It is largely an expression of the artists. When people buy art, it is important that they be able to express their individual self through the art they purchase or decide to purchase. Every painting tells a story, first from the perspective of the artists, and then from the perspective of the beholder or buyer and they may not be the same story.

So, what matters to me most is, I be able to tell their story through my story. Because, that is when they will connect with me. It makes me extremely happy to be able to represent or express their version of a story through my version of my own story with my art.

I wish to make more of such paintings that narrate different stories from my perspective so people in search of their own story can find the exact narration through my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anneshascanvas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anneshascanvas_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anneshascanvas
• Other: www.anneshascanvas.etsy.com