Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
My 50-Year Journey in Art
For over five decades, art has been my exploration, and nature my constant muse. Inspired by its profound spectacle, I have tried to capture its myriad moods through diverse media: in the intricate lines of pen & ink drawings, the delicate transparency of watercolor, the layered vibrancy of serigraphs, the rich textures of etching Intaglio prints, the expressive strokes of acrylic paintings, and the candid lens of photography. Each has offered me a unique way to interpret the natural world.
My artistic journey began with my parents, who had strong aesthetic sensibilities. My father, a man of literature, had parallel interests in painting and poetry. I was often lost exploring his vast collection of books, especially on art and artists. His deep connection to nature showed in his love for trees, open spaces, and wide skies. Often, he would sit in silence, taking in the wonders of nature while I frolicked around plants and flowers.
My mother, an art enthusiast, created charming artworks from various materials in our home. I absorbed her sense of color, spatial arrangements, and the elegance of her ethnic sarees. My parents let me draw on the walls and rejoiced in my early expressions, right through to art school education and my career.
Drawing inspiration from nature
My connection with nature deepened from living in the open spaces, tree-lined lanes, and gardens of Baroda’s MS University campus. My childhood sakhis and I still believe that that unique environment shaped who we are today. A box of oil pastels led us to endless possibilities – drawing flowers, festivals, and family scenes, before moving on to rangoli and mehndi designs, early explorations that colored my curiosity and enhanced my artistic spirit.
My first attempts at a serious exploration of nature study began in high school with an art teacher who helped to unlock a more intuitive, playful approach to experimentation.
Later, the creatively charged atmosphere of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Baroda opened up a new world for me. I became immersed in one of India’s most stimulating art communities, trained by talented teachers and acclaimed artists, in a rich cultural milieu flourishing due to the legacy of Maharaja Sayajirao’s patronage for the arts.
Nasreen Mohamedi, a noted artist, became pivotal in introducing me to a fresh perspective, observation, and feeling in art-making. She led a Zen-like life rooted in humility, and at her outdoor classes at Sayaji Baug, she encouraged us to speak about our work rather than imposing critiques. Those nourishing formative years shaped a bond that turned into a lifelong friendship.
Exploration to Exhibition
My early years as an artist in India were spent in the contemplative solitude of my studio, translating memories from travels into imaginary landscapes while I built a body of work in varied themes of nature. I held my first solo show at Jehangir Art Gallery in 1984, following exhibitions at the state and national level Lalit Kala exhibitions.
When Vipasana meditation entered my life, the practice brought a deeper understanding and clarity to my inner self.
California
Moving to California in the mid-90s opened a new chapter.
Through the Santa Cruz Open Studios, I met generous and welcoming artists. It was novel and exciting to be invited into artists’ studios and observe their art process. After my residency, I rediscovered my interest in watercolor and printmaking and also explored new mediums, creating prolifically for the next six years.
My creative journey in the US truly began here.
A classmate became a longtime collaborator. For over 20 years, we’ve created pen and ink drawings of local landscapes together. At Santa Cruz Montessori, I create art with children of all ages, and, through the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center and Pajaro Valley Arts, I’m collaborating with some amazingly talented women. I am inspired by their dedication to keeping the local art scene vibrant.
My journey—of art, migration, learning, and fulfillment—has been shaped by two cultures, many mentors, lifelong friends, and supportive family. Living along the breathtaking central coast is inspiring – majestic native trees, sweeping meadows, the patchwork of farmlands and groves, ever-changing skies, rolling hills, and the boundless ocean. The quality of light and the deep serenity found in nature are threads consistently woven into my work.
Visit Bela Ravikumar’s solo exhibition ‘Inspired by Nature’ at Mountains Art Center, Santa Cruz, CA. 28 Aug – 21 Sept ‘25.
View some of her artwork here.