|THE DEN|
Rang- Sang makes exquisite hand painted home decor and utility products like wall plates, trays, coasters, cushion covers, stoles, sling bags, pouches, pen stands, boxes, jewellery, clay murals, fridge magnets and much more, using materials such as terracotta, wood, MDF and canvas. Inspired by traditional artforms the products exude a rather contemporary character crafted to suit the likes of all ages.
Astha is an Art Director and has worked extensively in advertising agencies. Born with a skilled hand, she is a self- taught painter. Well versed with multifarious Indian arts like Madhubani, Kalamkari, Warli, Pichwai, Gond and other traditional art forms along with various modern forms of art such as Contemporary, Retro, Kitsch, Pop, Abstract, Tribal etc.
Tell us a little about your art and your journey being an artist?
As a passionate student of Commercial art is in college, I have always been an avid lover of design, colours, forms and all things ‘aesthetic’. With an experience of over 20 years as a creative director and graphic designer for a digital advertising agency. I have worked with reputed brands like Nestle, Samsung, LG, Pepsi, Hindustan Unilever, Make My Trip and many more. I started Rang Sang during the pandemic with the thought of adding colors to people’s home and lives. Initially I started through workshops and now we also make hand- painted merchandise such as wall plates, coasters etc.
How did you end up choosing this unusual and uncertain career?
I was born with a flair of art. I have been inclined towards art, craft and painting ever since I was a child. Nobody in my family pursued art as a career. Rang-Sang is my passion project based on the philosophy that colors & creativity unites us all. Rang means color in Hindi and Sang signifies togetherness. My aim is to connect with more creative hands across different ages and paint the world together!
What inspires you? Where do you find ideas for your work?
I am supremely inspired by my surroundings and nature. I like to learn new art-forms and add my own twist to it. I feel that ideas can be found everywhere if we look and observe closely.
What makes your work truly unique?
I apply my knowledge & love for branding & graphic design in all my creations. Just like in the Advertising industry I am fully involved in curating hand-painted creations from conceptualisation to the actual execution.
What intentions shape your art? And how do you successfully express these intentions?
To be able to portray the brighter and positive aspect of life, since I deal with handpainted home décor items, the pieces should bring a smile to my happy customers and home owners. They should be able to resonate with the décor and flaunt it with same zeal and passion with which I craft these for them.
If you could spend a day with a popular artist from history, who would it be?
I would love to spend a day with Amrita Shergill. She continues to be one of my absolute favourites this field.
What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?
I believe that the uniqueness of ideas is one of the biggest challenges of an artist. Today people are taking ideas of the internet and Pinterest which can make the output monotonous. It is important to add your own personal aesthetic to keep the freshness and newness of the idea alive.
What do you wish you knew about artistic creation before you got started?
I wish I could learn pottery and professional calligraphy before I started because these two skills will add great value to my art once I master it. It can add a whole new dimension to the uniqueness and creativity of my exiting product line. It can also make my workshops more wholesome and interactive.
What is your definition of art career success? Success for me is not defined monetarily but also the appreciation and love shown by homeowners when they like our products. I feel successful when my creations make it to my client’s space and they are happy with the final look of the product.
A message you’d like to give out to all the beginners out there.
Rang Sang believes in the philosophy of painting the world together. My message to budding artists is to paint their heart out without any inhibitions. Take risks and enjoy every step of this wonderful and creative journey.
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