What possibilities do you foresee for a baby-girl whose parents had totake her to a psychiatrist? Indeed, it feels pitiable. Today that'poor' child takes proud in performing the mischief on canvas with herbrush-strokes. She converses from such a high pedestal that simplybespeaks her authority to explain philosophies of life. Yes, thatbaby-child has grown up as an incredibly thoughtful Jigyasu who prefersnarrating things through colours.

Sandeep Datta talked to thispainting sensation Seema Varma and here is what she revealed.... Itfeels courageous to weave a narration about such an individual whosecreative expressions make you introspective. After all, how many timeswe come across such minds that draw inspiration from Yajurveda andexpress them via colours? Really, it seems astonishing to find herrelishing this joy and exploring things in such an absorbed manner.

Those who cherish spiritual conversations will find her as a gem of aperson. But, why? What is so special about her? Janab! After all, itisn't usual to meet such individuals who dare to portray life's mostperplexing philosophies so cohesively. Moreover, she is unlike thosehigh-headed artists who refuse to admit their naivety before anyonestranger. Yes, she is-JUST LIKE THAT!

Her Thoughts:

Seemaseems to be hiding a volcano inside her. And, she looks determined toshare it with the world by transforming it into layers of beautifulthemes. She fascinates the mind and heart by her absolutely cool andfraternal behaviour. But does she wish to have any fanfare? Sorry, shedoesn't sound so. She humbly reflects her content that she derives fromher art. As Seema believes "artists are fragrance of any society. Theybring change in social norms. They don't follow the herd but prefersearching a new way despite being mocked at by people around them." Sherelates herself to art by saying, "My real self is my artisticexpression".

About selling her paintings she says, "It feelsdisgraceful if somebody says this painting is good because it will gelwith the interior decoration of the living room. Instead, I want mypaintings should arise a feeling of conversation. Therefore, suchpeople make me feel like humiliating my creativity. I feel the paintingfailed to interact. Thus, I ensure whether the client is an art loveror not. Does he /she really understands what is coming their way?"

Whenasked why do artists desire recognition she said, "It is for the factthat an artist's creation is the only language he/she knows. It ishis/her only voice. It feels like an ultimate reward if an artist'sexpression in his/her medium is properly understood by others andappreciated. If any art lover pauses for a few minutes in front of mypainting, I feel my painting has succeeded to communicate somethingwith his/her soul."

As a person:

She is a personof distinction in mood and perception . After all, how many of us arecapable of focusing on soul if the body lacks any piece of cloth on it?Certainly, not many. But with what words would you admire that personwho treats the flesh of her subjects as the draping of a beautifulsoul? Indeed, the individual intends to convey a deep message that canhumble many pseudo mindsets.
As Seema says, "I don't think if I am using a nude picture, it means itis to arouse some erotic feelings or either leave sublime imprints. Ifeel my characters are covering themselves with the Avarn(draping) oflife. Despite not wearing any dress, they are able to deflect the tagof "nude exhibition of flesh". They are natural enough to convey theintended meaningful message. They represent a special soul. Perhaps,they are capable of handling any accusation of sounding 'obscene' atall."

Seema married at the age of 23 and today lives with hertwo grown up children who are exceptionally talented. Over the years,she has mastered the art of being happy and holds no grudges with life.Despite being a separated bird herself, Seema believes marriage may bea blessing if the life partners belong to identical field. She thinks,by this they may gel better and can compliment each other's tastes andmood. Actually, every creative person wishes to be appreciated forhis/her similar sensitiveness towards seeing things. Thus, at the endof the day, it feels ecstatic to meet someone who has similarsentiments and emotions like you, she muses.

Inspiration:

Likea highly inspired pupil, she expresses her utmost respect when it comesto the legendary painter M.F.Hussain. She says, " I consider Hussainsahib as the great grandfather of our artistic fraternity. Enthralledwith his immeasurable contribution, I bow my head in front of thisgreat legend. I am highly influenced with by his convictions andfearless attitude to attempt anything and everything that interestshim."

Seema insists on realising the importance of maya ineveryone's life. She says, " Maya has been the biggest inspiration andinfluence in my life . Whenever I see it I feel amazed. For, thisentire qainaat(the universe) has originated from maya. I believe evenBrahmn emerged from maya. All of us are just its puppets. I enjoy beinginto dreams. I see myself in maya. And, I feel my elements-

panchbhoottatva-fire, air, soil, water and the cosmos are possible only becauseof this Maya." When asked how do creative people like her manage tohave beautiful themes she said, "I believe whatever we do is justbecause it is His wish . Every mind-flash comes from Him. If He doesn'twish, creative expressions can never enter anyone's mind. We realise itwhen nothing clicks right, despite being very simple."

Forindividuals who value sincerity in every respect of life, the idea ofchaploosi (sycophancy) sounds absurd. Even if it means loosing favourwith people in powerful positions, they refuse being subservient. AsSeema believes, "having good relations with some influential people oreven politicians is never enough. It is the quality of our creationthat derives genuine respect from everyone around."

Shedescribes herself and her expedition in the ocean of art as: My firstexhibition was The Quest -when I felt like an ignorant about thefuture. The second was Unborn-when everything was desperate to come outof me. The third was Hiranya Garbh-the golden womb-I still feel likebeing into it. And, hopefully, my next exhibition-- Hiranyagarbha-Koham--who am I, would take place next year in the month ofJune/July in the Sridharan gallery at Triveni Kala Sangam. Afterknowing about this fantabulous artist at least I can't afford to missit. Can you?