India-based artist Sudhir Shukla is currently showcasing his art as part of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's 'Art in Your Pocket' exhibition, which will be opening at the Ardhowen Theatre this month. Describing his style of art as "line based", Sudhir creates striking pieces using a range of media.

Here he talks to The Impartial Reporter about this inspiration behind his works, what he is currently working on and what his art means to him.

Where are you from and where are you currently based?

I am India based artist.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school/do courses?

I have done my masters in fine art from Lucknow university and bachelor of fine art from Banaras Hindu University, India.

What inspires your art?

I am inspired from my surroundings like human expressions and nature.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

Lines are important in my artworks and it is the influence of Indian miniature art.

Is there a specific place that you do your work? Do you have a studio?

I have a small studio at my home place.

What has been your most ambitious piece to date?

I had worked a lot on human expression and want to capture more on my works, my most ambitious piece.

What different artistic media do you use and which is your favourite?

I use almost all the media of drawings like charcoal, ink, watercolour, pen and some experiment with mix media on paper is my favourite.

What are you currently working on?

Currently working on elephant forms.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

I have done so many shows in India and abroad, my recent show was in Jahangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India in December 2021.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2022?

There are some national and international shows planned for 2022 and have to work more to explore my art.

What has been your favourite project to date?

One subject/one drawing a day was my favourite project, a group show was in Abstract Project Galerie, Paris in September 2021.

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

I can only do art, it is my passion, my most important need for life.

How would you describe your artistic style?

My artistic style is line based, lines exhibit strong and powerful images that draw a visual impact of the human emotion.

What does your art mean to you?

For me art is emotion, a form of communication. Art is an act of expressing feelings, thoughts and observations.