The Enthralling Stories of Artists Who Refused To Sell Their Gifts
How could an Autistic painter raise massive funding for a NGO?
How could a celebrity photographer be of service to the world?
How could a girl with Down Syndrome draw the Monalisa?
How could a mother support her own /not her own children?
Everyone can be great at giving.
An NRI from Singapore was invited to a fund raising Art Sanctuary Exhibition showcasing stunning paintings made by young adults with disabilities. The family was moved by all the beautifully crafted pieces & selected the painting depicting Buddha. A thought might have crossed their mind that they were doing a favour & contributing money to Adi, a young boy on the Autism Spectrum. Adi cherished making art but never believed in monetising his gift and hence had pledged 100% proceeds to charity. The NRI were mesmerised when they were told about the generosity of this little boy. When the story of the market economy is spreading like wildfire across the world, boys like Adi are telling a different story — we can all bestow our gifts to the world because everyone can be great at giving in spite of our own sufferings and challenges.
You all have a story to tell! Get out and tell it with your camera.
“Samar, would you like to teach photography to young adults with disability?” asked Shalini in a confused tone. The pandemic was creating havoc in the lives of non-disabled as well as the special needs community and courses like photography is difficult to be taught virtually. Samar has never worked with neuro-diverse children but he said “yes” to this challenge. It started with 10 young adults every week with mobile photography. During the commencement session he says, “ You all have a story to tell! Get out & tell it with your camera”. The parents were delighted on seeing the joy on the faces of their children who adored Samar. Samar had taught these children photography virtually & created a WhatsApp group & says,” I have learnt so many things from these children which I will never forget. “If ever in life you need any advise & counselling Please ping me on this group”. And when parents googled the name of Samar Singh Jodha they were on the verge of fainting. Samar is a renowned artist & a high flying photographer who has been commissioned by organisations like United Nations, Gates Foundation, National Geographic & Discovery Channel. You cannot get a better ambassador of humanity who is so down to earth.
Finding Your Voice by Samar Singh Jodha.
‘Success Ke Peeche Mat Bhaago, Excellence Ka Peecha Karo, Success Jhak Maarke Tumhare Peeche Ayegi’
Gayatri is a young girl with Down Syndrome who has unrelenting passion for photography. She would take unpaid photography assignments to sharpen her skills. Her mother Shalini would tell all the organisers that she has no problem in sending Gayatri but in return they should treat her with respect. One of the organisers invited Gayatri to capture stage performances along with another professional photographer. Sometimes we don’t trust a girl with Down Syndrome because of deep routed biases but it never mattered to Gayatri. She was never there to prove anything to anyone. The event was over & one of the celebrity dancer on seeing a dance still shot of her performance was amazed by this little wizard. The actress still carries that photo in her portfolio and its still one of her cherished shots . The snap was adjudged the winner in a competition & Superstar Shahanshah Amitabh Bachchan would sign that clicked photograph. It reminded me of the concluding dialogue from the movie “3 Idiots” where Aamir khan remarks, “कामयाबी के पीछे मत भागो, काबिल बनो,कामयाबी तुम्हारे पीछे झक मार कर आएगी।” (Don’t run behind Success. Run behind Excellence. Eventually, Success will come running to you).
Starting of the Art Sanctuary
Shalini who started “The Art Sanctuary” after witnessing the abilities of her daughter Gayatri and regularly promotes art within the disabled community. Many children with Autism & intellectual disabilities might not be verbal but see art as a powerful tool of self-expression. Whether it is the first exhibition of showcasing the paintings or nudging the prestigious Film & Television Institute to initiate a short term course for the neuro-diverse children or the latest Raksha Bandhan virtual Gallery which has incredible paintings of these kids, art is a powerful medium to build self-confidence & develop dreams from a young age. The Saregama Carvaan was playing Gayatri’s favourite tune “Bade aache lagte hain” and she shouts at the top of her voice with infectious energy to showcase me the canvas as if she has painted a master piece like Monalisa.
We don’t know whether these kids can produce Monalisa but can definitely generate lots of love with their warmth. The stories of selfless giving of Adi, passion for photography in Gayatri & down to earth Samar has lots of wisdom within them. The Art Sanctuary teaches us to truly, madly & deeply connect with ourselves to unleash our hidden treasures and look at it as a Gift to be given but never sold.