Traditional Paintings by Artisan Bijal Lashkari from Surat, Gujarat

Personal Details

Hi! I am Bijal Lashkari, the artist of traditional paintings. I was born in Navsari, Gujarat, and later I shifted to Surat. I have done MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) and am a Dentist by profession.

Traditional Paintings Making Skills

I have been a creative person since my school days. I loved drawing and painting. But destiny was somewhat different and I became a dentist.

During the COVID-19 lockdown period, when everyone was desperate, I got a chance to fulfill my dream of making Indian traditional paintings and I joined online classes to learn from the master artists.

I learned Pichwai painting from Kailash Sahu Sir, Phad painting from Miss Dolly Jain, and Tanjore painting from Miss Harvinder Kaur. Then I joined the “Hands On Studio” to learn Pattachitra painting of Bengal and Odisha, Miniature painting of Rajasthan, Basholi painting, and Kangra painting. I learned Madhubani, Gond, Kerala Mural Art, Mandala Art, and Dot Painting by studying myself.

Traditional Paintings Making Process

Although I used to make paintings before, after improving my skills, I started making them in the traditional way. Now I make paintings on paper, canvas, and cloth and can also do realistic paintings as per requirement. The various raw materials I use to make the paintings are given below:-

Pichwai Painting – Cotton cloth and original gold foil which is purchased from Rajasthan.

Tanjore Painting – Gold foil which is purchased from Madurai and Chennai.

Miniature Painting – Stamp paper and miniature brushes which are purchased from Rajasthan and Orissa.

Basholi and Kangra Painting – Wasli paper.

Madhubani Painting – Handmade paper.

All colors used are poster, acrylic, and sometimes natural.

Benefits of Buying Traditional Paintings

Traditional paintings give our house a royal look, as nowadays such paintings can only be seen in palaces and forts. Furthermore, these paintings help us to stay connected to our roots as Indian culture and heritage are depicted in them. These paintings also raise awareness for Indian culture in the coming generations.

Specialization

Although I have learned to make many types of paintings, I enjoy making Pichwai paintings the most.

Experience

I have 8 – 9 years of experience in this field, but professionally I have been doing it since last year.

Participation in Exhibitions

I have participated in exhibitions like Kalaa Spandan Art Fair in Mumbai, Light and Shadow Exhibition at Surat Science Centre, Abhivyakti by Women Art Association in Ahmedabad, Reflection for Doctors & Engineers in Ahmedabad, and Tapi Utsav by Kala Pratishthan in Surat.

Future Plans

I love making Indian traditional paintings. So in the future also, I want to make different styles of Indian traditional paintings and set up my own art studio.