Every canvas has its own story and for artist Sana Dang, each creation is a way of seeing the world, a way of expression, and a way of love. For someone like Sana, who did her graduation from UCL, London, UK, and holds an honorary degree in Economics, art happened at a later stage and she 
arrived on the professional art scene in 2015. After exhibiting at many art shows and making it at the 88th All India National Art Exhibition, she is currently working independently and also works with interior designers to create art that suits the sensibilities of modern home spaces. For Sana, one of her defining principles is establishing an open dialogue between form and function in all aspects of her artwork. TMM caught up with Sana to know more about her canvas and creativity.
Your website profile says, ‘Art is my saving grace’. Tell us what art means to you?
Embracing my love for art has allowed my life to have more meaning. Being an artist isn’t just about putting brush to canvas, it’s so much more to me. It has become a way of seeing the world, a way of expression, and a way of love.
It has been my ‘saving grace’ because art is one thing that no one can take from me, and somethingthat I can keep going back to forever. It makes me feel powerful, it makes me imagine, it gives me clarity, and allows me to bring out my very true self.
When did this love for art happen to you and have you taken any formal training?
I have always been an admirer of nature, the simplicity of life, and the beauty of different cultures. Before graduating from school, my creative inclination heightened. Even while pursuing a degree in 
Economics at UCL, London, I usually found myself at museums and art galleries every evening. During these visits, I realized and acknowledged how much art influences society and how it has the power to translate experiences across spaces and time.
All this really intrigued me and developed my interest in the art world. Since I did not have any formal education in art, I went onto pursue multiple short courses to learn new techniques and enhance my skills. One also truly learns about art by studying other artists, their thought processes, and their artworks. Ever since I have been creating artworks, it has been my motto to make art that stirs emotions and connects with the audience.
When it comes to any new piece of art, what is thethought process?
At its heart, any creative process is about discovering something new within ourselves and then bringing that something into the world for others to experience, embrace, and enjoy. Taking something that only exists within our own mind and giving a tangible shape to the ideas for the same to be consumed by the public is what defines one as an artist.
Ideas usually develop overtime for me and to bring it to fruition, I go through a lot of research, planning, and studying the materials about the subject. During this process of ‘fruition’ usually comes the eureka moment which is when I have clarity as to how I want my artwork to shape up. It may or may not go as planned, but I usually do put a lot of time into planning and identifying the ‘creative process’ for each painting.
Every artist has an inspiration. What inspires you to paint?
Inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. Nature, humans and the varied cultures all over the world are definitely the biggest inspiration for me when it comes to art and design. The textures, colour pantones, and forms are uniquely present all around us and it’s all about the mindset on how one goes about recognizing and appreciating them.
What all mediums you play with and which one is your favourite?
I usually work with acrylic paints and soft pastels on hand-stretched canvases and my style can be closely related to post-impressionism and modernism as I strive to stir emotions in the viewers. I have also done my fair share of experimentation with oil paints, charcoal, and even some spray painting techniques. My secret to every painting is a unique texture; textures that have been picked from nature. I’m truly a big fan of the knife painting technique, as it really adds depth to my artworks.
My idea is to keep learning, to constantly experiment, and to create continuously. I truly believe one is only as good as how well one evolves!
Have you created your masterpiece?
Every work I make is close to my heart because I pour myself into each one of them. Some of my art pieces have been critically appreciated by the art community. However, I am yet to create a ‘Magnum Opus’. I am still discovering my own style and my rhythm in art. It will happen when the time is right. I feel art is very personal to every viewer and it’s not necessary that my style, taste, or my interpretation would be liked by everyone. Honestly, I can’t answer what it will be or when it may happen simply because we all change, learn, adapt to things on a daily basis. What I do know is that my canvas talks to me and someday my masterpiece will talk to the world.
What are your future plans in the world of art?
I plan to continue learning and exploring the world of art for as long as I can. I also wish that my art reaches and inspires millions of people around the world. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I would love to have my art displayed at all major art galleries.
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