Musings with Vipul Pulekar, a passionate and imaginative artist and illustrator, on his journey to experimentation, exploration and capturing the essence of life, and its colours and emotions with a subtle taste of abstraction, just like his tattoo design “I Might Be A Garden In Disguise”.

Can you recall a specific moment or event that inspired you and sparked your decision to become an illustrator? 

I had a passion and need to draw and paint since childhood. I spent most of my time indoors drawing and painting, so its roots had been laid since childhood. Then, after my 10th birthday, I decided to take the plunge and pursue commercial art as a career.

What was the very first thing you remember drawing, and how does it compare to your latest masterpiece? 

Honestly, I really don't remember my first drawing since it was in my childhood, but right now, I really wish to have a contemporary, unique vibe since only then can it have a good market value and stand out. My journey always starts from realism, and then I go for stylized and abstract experiments of the subject.

How has your artistic style evolved since you first started illustrating? Are there particular influences that shaped this transformation? 

I used to do a lot of realistic portraits and landscapes, but later I felt the need to do something new, to experiment with shapes, forms, textures. Not just limit myself up to realism, but also go for stylization and abstraction. I was influenced by Salvador Dali, Picasso's Cubism, Mondrian's works, Joan Miro and many such masters who did work beyond the limit of realism, even though realism is the base of all art. 

What's your go-to remedy for overcoming creative blocks? Any bizarre rituals or techniques? 

Yeah, I do go through blank time or creative blocks. During that time I talk to the people around me, my sister and friends. I see works of other artists, scribble on blank papers, watch Netflix, scroll through Pinterest, go for a walk, and so on.

If you could go back in time and give your beginner self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

I would advise my younger self to express without hesitation, don't limit myself to a particular style and get the fundamentals of art right. 

What's your go-to snack or drink while working on illustrations?

I like to have a cold coffee or biscuits while working on illustrations. 

Share a guilty pleasure when it comes to art supplies or tools.

I really like to use fresh paint every time I start a new piece of work. But the old paint bottles remain unused. 

 If you could collaborate with any artist or illustrator/tattoo artist, living or dead, who would it be?

Actually, there are many, but my wishes are too unreal to be fulfilled. But If I could, I would really love to see and work with Salvador Dali, Michelangelo or Da Vinci. In present times, I really admire the works of the illustrator Timo Quilter.