All great things come in small packages and on meeting Varsha Renjit, the adage is truly personified. All of 13 years of age, this talented, young artist is smart, mature, confident and opinionated — just the mix of colours she needs to paint the world red.
“I started painting in grade two and wanted to be different from others. It doesn’t matter if there are not too many people on the same road. Being different is not for the sake of being different, but because it defines who I am.”
Her confidence is remarkable and definitely not the kind of affirmation that one looks for in a 13-year-old. She declares, “I am a moody painter who doesn’t have the patience to work with oil paints. Watercolours again, do not offer much versatility. I love working with acrylics. I have held six exhibitions and I know that there is much to learn. Every time I hold an exhibition, the response is overwhelming. I feel on top of the world, when someone likes my paintings.”
An avid reader, Varsha’s interests include writing and listening to music as well. When asked who her favourite author and painter are, she is quick to respond, “I have neither a favourite author, nor a favourite painter. Substance is to be found in the work of an artiste, not the artiste himself. I pick up random books to read and some stick with me.”
One thing bugs her though. She quips, “I like experimenting and abstraction in my work. I have often been told that I am too young to paint in a certain style. This is when it becomes a prestige issue and I sit down to prove them wrong. I hate it when I am is judged by my age. I feel disappointed sometimes, but I hardly ever ask for opinions.”
Age Correspondent
