Why did you choose to pursue art?

I have no clear idea about that. I used to draw and paint as a kid, but I was also equally interested in sports and music. I had not thought of pursuing art back then. I enrolled in a management programme for my Bachelors but it did not interest me at all. So I eventually decided to take up art.

 I joined the fine-art course at Lalitkala, but even then I was not sure regarding what I wanted to do in life. Rather than going to college and attending regular classes, I enjoyed travelling to see and paint different landscapes and cityscapes. Then I joined KUart for my future studies. Because I got the opportunity to learn under good instructors and the right environment there, I started enjoying art.

Who do you look up to as a source of inspiration?

One of my uncles used to make very good drawings. I was always fascinated by his work. Maybe that inspired me to make similar drawings back then. Initially, I found it quite difficult even to make simple shapes. But through practice and experience, I think I have grown to become an artist. My teachers at KUart have inspired me a lot too. I also got the opportunity to attend an art residency in South Korea sometime back. The works of art I saw there, and the professors I encountered, further influenced and encouraged me to work harder.

What are your interests apart from art?

I like listening to music and playing guitar. I listen to The Doors mostly. I’m also fond of Latin music. Other than that, I enjoy travelling. Working all the time makes life monotonous and blocks the creative process. So, for me, travelling is a form of refreshment and it helps generate ideas.

Any particular place you like to go to?

I like going to the southern belt of Nepal. Ifind their culture rich and interesting. Despite challenging weather, I think people are quite hard working and their life style is quite interesting. I also like the food there. So whenever I visit the area, I feel energised and get the chance to fill my drawing book.

Are you much of a reader?

Not really. I’ve never been fond of reading and writing. I ‘read’ only when I am able to get my hands on audio books.

Whenever friends recommend a book, I try to find an audio version of it. More than reading books, or watching television, I prefer using social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook.

Do you like to collect anything?

I think there are very good painters in Nepal. Some of their works are so powerful and easily appeal to the audience.

For me, a piece of art should be underpinned by an apt concept and, at the same time, should be able to communicate visually. So, whenever I see paintings that catch my fancy, I try to exchange them with my works. Some of my friends have been generous enough to gift artworks to me.

If not an artist, what would you have become?

As a kid, I dreamt of becoming an automobile engineer. But since I did not like studying science and mathematics, I had to let go of the dream. But now, probably to compensate for a lost dream, I try to create artworks that incorporate mechanical structures.

Any word of advice to upcoming artists?

Be strong-willed and never be afraid to experiment.

Wherever you go, there are but a handful of people who actually admire works of art.

And it’s no different in Nepal. However, if you keep working honestly, you’ll definitely get an admirer or a curator, who will appreciate your work.

The scope of art is ever growing . So, when you build your contacts, you will not have to stay idle.

What are you future plans?

I want to come up with art projects that involve communities. I also want to experiment  incorporating music and art together. Since  art is a cultural product, I also want my works to carry strong cultural undertones. And through my works, I want to create harmony in the society.

Moreover, I want to come up with something that encourages people to preserve culture and live a sustainable life.