Shruti Nelson

The animals, birds and human beings in your images appear to be in a state of metamorphosis. How would you describe the phases of their transformation?
There are no preconceived notions when I work. The fantastical transformations take place as I draw and paint. The ideas are deciphered during the working process that includes drawing, painting and erasing. My fascination for human, animal and bird forms goes back...

The animals, birds and human beings in your images appear to be in a state of metamorphosis. How would you describe the phases of their transformation?
There are no preconceived notions when I work. The fantastical transformations take place as I draw and paint. The ideas are deciphered during the working process that includes drawing, painting and erasing. My fascination for human, animal and bird forms goes back to my days of being a student of science.

There is a sense of surrealism in the sensitive lines, transparent forms and multiple layers of your imagery. What inspires you to create these dreamlike compositions?
Since childhood I have been listening to fairytales from my grandparents and parents. The memories of stories at the subconscious level and the images of animals, birds and humans in various postures amalgamate into a world of their own in my paintings. Fantasy and dream are within me. I try to capture the magical space between the existent and the non-existent. I am inspired by the movement of various beings. The way they run, soar in the sky or take a stance enthuse me. I am fascinated by the idea of amalgamating machine and human forms also.

The repetition of lines and forms in your works make the images look as though they're moving. Sometimes, the movement seems so rapid that the subject in your image appears anxious or fearful. Is this an emotion you want to convey?
More than the emotions I am trying to create an ambience of a fantastical world and a time of the day – night, day or dusk. I try to bring out an attitude, usually bold and à la mode. Most importantly I am interested in creating a visual language. I enjoy the sensitivity of lines in my work. Lines and images overlap during my work process and as the composition approaches completion a fantasy unfolds.

The composition of your images comes across as being meticulously calculated. Would you say that your images are premeditated or spontaneous?
They are spontaneous and meticulously detailed. My working process involves working simultaneously on three to four works and that helps me retain the tempo and freshness. If they do appear calculated it has less to do with pre-planning and more with my process of painting in layers. I draw, paint and then erase certain forms by painting over them. Since I simultaneously work on various works the break I get in between works gives me the opportunity to look back and review what has happened during the spontaneous session of painting.

What are you working on at the moment and how do you see your body of work developing in the next few years?
I am continuously working and the creative process is endless for a visual artist. In the future I see myself doing three dimensional works and some installations as well.