How This CA Passion Became India’s Art Sensation in Just 7 Years: Shweta Ektare

Finding Art Amidst Numbers. You won’t believe the twist in Shweta’s journey!

Here’s a story of a girl with brushes in one hand and financial books in another.

Growing Up Multi-Talented

Growing up, Shweta wasn’t just your regular bookworm. No sir! This girl was all over the place, juggling music, dance, poetry, and oh boy, could she paint! She was the star of those painting competitions, even nabbing a state-level award once. But here’s the thing about growing up in India – sometimes, even your big talents are seen as just hobbies. That’s what happened with Shweta. Despite her art accolades, she thought, “Why not be a Chartered Accountant?”

The Double Life of a CA Artist

So, off she went, diving deep into the world of accounts and numbers. But guess what? Her paints and brushes? They never collected dust. Every time the CA exams tried to drown her in stress, she’d swim out with strokes of color. It was her escape, her little secret.

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Now, here’s where things get wild! During her CA Finals, out of the blue, she got a call from Baskin Robins! Nope, not for ice cream. They wanted her to paint Wall Murals for them! Imagine that! And as she worked on that project, a thought popped into her head, “Hey, maybe I can do this full-time?”

The Universe Responds

The universe seemed to agree because around the same time, she got to showcase her work in a few exhibitions, and yep, she even bagged a prize! The signs were all there. Art was calling her, loud and clear.

The Dilemma of a Lifetime

But life’s never that simple, right? She was now a qualified Chartered Accountant, and the world expected her to walk the corporate road. She was torn. Art? Accounts? Art? Accounts? It was like she was at a crossroads.

Thankfully, her brother stepped in for a heart-to-heart. That chat? Oh, it did wonders! It helped Shweta see that her heart truly belonged to art. She even thought about juggling both – a bit of art here, a bit of accounting there. But soon, she realized, when you love two things, they can’t be half-and-half. They each demand your all.

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Choosing the Path Less Traveled

So, in 2016, with a brave heart and a canvas of dreams, Shweta chose art. Completely. From then on, there was no looking back. She dived into the world of colors, creating magic, and proving that sometimes, following your heart is the best account one can keep. Isn’t that something?

Crafting a Unique Path in Art

Shweta stood at the brink of her new journey, pondering, “How does one really kickstart a professional life in art?” A tricky question, especially for someone who didn’t hold a formal Fine Arts degree. But if anything, Shweta was full of grit and determination.

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Shweta’s Signature Strokes

Have you ever stood in front of a painting and felt its energy leap out at you? If not, you’ve yet to experience Shweta’s creations. Her speciality? Abstract art. But not just any abstract – she plays with both subjective and objective abstracts, giving her viewers an immersive experience.

Bold. Expressive. Those are the words that define her pieces. She isn’t much for photo-realistic styles; instead, she dives deep into her imagination, letting her brush dance freely on the canvas. And oh, the textures! If you run your fingers across her works (though, maybe don’t actually touch!), you’d feel the richness of her palette knife strokes, the lushness of the paint. Each artwork is like a tactile feast, tempting you to experience more than just the visuals.

She’s also a thinker. Behind those bold strokes and textures lie themes and philosophies, making every artwork a conversation starter.

The Artistic Process

Creating art isn’t just about splashing colors on a canvas. For Shweta, it’s a blend of inspiration, dedication, and patience. Her original creations don’t wear the chains of deadlines; they evolve naturally, sometimes taking a day, other times stretching over years.

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But when she’s working on a custom piece, it’s a different ballgame. Collaboration is key. A client shares their dream artwork – the size, theme, color palette. If it’s meant for a specific spot, like a home office, Shweta dives even deeper, requesting photos or videos of the space. This helps her grasp the ambiance, ensuring her creation complements its surroundings perfectly.

Investing in Art

Art’s value isn’t just emotional; there’s a price tag attached. And with Shweta’s work, there’s no standard rate for her original pieces – they’re priceless in a way. But if you’re eyeing a custom piece, prices kick off at INR15000 (about USD 250). Factors like size, theme, and style play a part in the final cost. Every penny? Totally worth it for a slice of Shweta’s artistic genius!

She didn’t have the typical artist roadmap, so she drew her own. A straightforward plan emerged: First, enhance her art; then, tackle the business aspect. Simple, right? Well, as with all things worth pursuing, it was easier said than done.

She began by pouring her soul into her canvases. One painting led to another, and soon she had a collection. Leveraging both online and offline platforms, she showcased her masterpieces. Instagram became her digital gallery, while exhibitions and flea markets were her physical storefronts. Every exhibit was a learning opportunity, a chance to mingle, network, and learn from her peers.

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Challenges: The Stepping Stones to Success

The world of art, as glamorous as it seems, isn’t an easy one. Many artists wait for years, sometimes even decades, to get their deserving spotlight. Shweta’s journey had its own set of roadblocks. Transitioning from a Chartered Accountant’s mindset to that of an Artist wasn’t an overnight shift.

A pressing challenge she faced was the age-old bias favoring formal Fine Arts degrees. In many curator’s eyes, no degree often equaled being just a hobbyist. But Shweta was determined not to let traditional norms define her. She believed in the power of her work, and she wanted the world to see its value.

It was an uphill task, breaking into the exclusive world of recognized artists, proving that passion and skill can rival formal education. But as time rolled on, her art spoke louder than any degree could. Her paintings started finding homes, and custom requests began pouring in. Workshops, corporate collaborations, and a promising line-up of projects became the new chapters in Shweta’s art story.

Shweta’s tale is a testament that when you blend passion with persistence, no obstacle is too big, and no dream too distant.

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A Glimpse into CA Shweta Ektare Artistic Evolution:

2017 to Date

2017: Stepping Stones in the Art World

• Dazzled at the Kala Goshti Art Exhibition.
• Crafted stories visually as a Storyboard Artist for Ale Production House.
• Merged street art with community causes at Budhwar Peth and Tifa Art Space, thanks to Aravani Art Project.
• Graced the walls of Raja Ravi Verma Art Gallery, Pune, and celebrated Women’s Day at Tulika Art Gallery, Pune with her exhibitions.
• Brought a pop of color to Baskins and Robins in Nigdi.
• Showcased her multifaceted talent as both a Set Designer and Actor in a play sponsored by the Ministry of Culture with Tarkash Art Group.

2018: Broadening Horizons

• Conducted over 25 art workshops, partnering with Inscape Cowork, Kala Kollective, and Ekattha Studio.
• Exhibited her art at the Unseen Exhibition by ‘Platform for artists’ at Monalisa Kalagram, Pune.
• Live-painted for audiences at events like Zapalooza and the IDance Pravega by Heels Dance Academy.
• Engaged in experimental art at the Unlearn Art Show by the Platform for Artists.
• Basked in the limelight at the They see Art Gallery, Pune exhibition.

2019: Solo Shows and Collaborations

• Commanded the spotlight with a solo exhibition titled “Lucid Dreams” at the Art Entrance Gallery Kala Ghoda Association.
• Curated “Art Matters” in partnership with The Daftar Coworking Space, uplifting the local art community.
• Married art with poetry, creating prompts for National Poetry Writing Month, showcased through May and June.
• Participated in diverse exhibitions like ‘Pune SmArt Fair’ with Pune Municipal Corporation and the Chitrsanthe by Chitrakala Parishath.

2020-2021: Embracing the Digital and Expanding Reach

• Marked her presence at Chitrasanthe 2020, Bangalore’s Annual Art Event.
• Worked on commission projects, selling her passionate creations.
• Designed art calendars for eminent clients, including Zydus, Laundraument, and K designs.
• Launched the 2021 calendar titled “Little Magic.”
• Embraced the online shift, conducting virtual portrait and acrylic painting courses, and workshops for giants like Tata Strive, WeWorks, and Innovate.
• Expanded her digital footprint, selling her art online and offering online courses and workshops.

2022-2024: Painting and Art Queen

• CA Passion Became India’s Art Sensation

End Note: Embracing Twists and Turns

“Why did you pursue CA if art was your calling?” That’s a question Shweta frequently hears. The answer? Because at one point, she wanted to. She cherished her journey as a Chartered Accountant. But life, with its endless avenues, lured her towards her true passion: art.

Life’s path isn’t always straight, and that’s its beauty. Changing directions doesn’t imply regretting earlier choices. It signifies growth, discovery, and the courage to embrace one’s true calling. Transitions may not always be easy, but armed with the hustle and discipline she learned as a CA, Shweta navigated the art world with determination and grace.

It’s essential to understand that you don’t have to have it all figured out from the start. The key is to start, learn, adapt, and persist.

Shweta’s journey is a beacon for those hesitant about chasing their dreams. She hopes that art as a profession gains the respect and understanding it deserves and that society continues to nurture and champion its artists.

For those intrigued by her journey or keen on collaborating, feel free to reach out to Shweta at [email protected].