Chitra Ramanathan
Professional visual artist
Chitra
Chitra Ramanathan is a member of:
Could you tell us briefly about your family background?
I learned I began drawing and painting at the age of four, enrolled in an art school for children at Kolkatta. I do recall entering ar shows throughout my childhood years, frequently garnering prizes: an exhibit and silver trophy award at Birla Academy of Fine Arts, a prize from Hindustan Lever etc
Career Profile:
I am a professional visual artist specializing in predominantly large-scale mixed media paintings. I am also an art educator who teaches courses in the Painting medium at the Art School of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, Florida, USA. I have teaching since 2004.
Degrees That Matter:
I can only offer my own example! A degree in Fine Arts from Stella Maris College, Chennai, a second Bachelors degree in Painting with Honours in 1993 followed by a M.B.A in Human Resources and Art Museum Administration in 1997, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
Advice For New Professionals:
Work your hardest! Do not compromise on your work, and do your very best always. Most importantly, that as and after you climb the professional ladder and find success as I have, remember with gratitude everyone who helped shaping your career as also provided you the initial opportunities.
The Journey So Far:
Soon after completing Bachelors degree, I was invited to present a solo exhibition at the ARC Gallery/Educational Foundation at Chicago Illinois USA in 1994, followed by solo and group shows on SoHo, Broadway, New York. Reviews included the Manhattan Art International magazine, New York in 1995..
Role Model:
There are very many inspiring contemporaries and the list is long. I draw my inspiration by following all the beauty in nature surrounding me, observing daily life with a keen eye, and following positive influences around me.
Working Life Management:
I try my very best!
Done Differently:
It is hard to say. I do know that every experience has taught me how to handle the next challenge. Thankfully my career has been a swift climb with many an interesting offer to exhibit or participate in an art event or teach as a visitor artist presenting itself unexpectedly, as with this interview!
Changes In The Professional Environment:
It was as competitive in the art world with regard to having a successful financial career then as it is now
Prized Accomplishment(s):
A memorable one is an unexpected call from the MGM Mirage, requesting that I create a pair of signed 4 foot wide, 6 foot high paintings for permanent installation inside the Bellagio Conservatory Indoor Botanical Garden of the Hotel Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada USA, housed there since October 2004.
Job Profile:
I teach different classes in the Painting medium at the Art School of the Vero Beach Museum of Art in Florida each term. Recently I accepted a request to judge the Indian River County Juried Student Competition and latest, offered to teach summer camp for young children during June and July 2012.
The Decisions That Matter
I also maintain academic affiliations other than my primary institution in the U.S and abroad, such as accepting a Visitor Artist Lecture invitation to the Royal Academy of Arts, London, England for a visual presentation of my work and conducting student tutorials at the RA Schools in 2005.
Growth Strategy:
Am a member of Americans for the Arts, and have been donating my work upon requests to raise money towards worthy causes, especially those that relate to children's welfare. I hold ties to art organizations in the United Kingdom. 1n 2010, I completed a self directed art residency near Paris, France.
Other Thoughts:
My thanks to Gurmeet Kohli, Assistant Editor of Silicon India requesting me to participate in this interview.