We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sajal Sarkar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sajal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I realize from the core of my heart that it is a blessing to live a life as an artist. I have tried some regular jobs besides being a part-time art instructor in several art centers and connecting with academic institutions in the USA and universities in India as a Guest Artist. I have presented my works a few times and interacted with the undergraduate students at UConn(University of Connecticut)’. Still, I always miss my studio a lot. I always feel very happy when I am in the studio.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a practicing and established visual artist, my journey has been a testament to the resilience and dedication required in the contemporary art world. After graduating from art school in Kolkata, India, I consciously decided to pursue an art career, driven by a passion for freedom of expression and a desire to engage with viewers on a deeper level.
Starting my career as an illustrator for a leading newspaper gave me a solid foundation in artistic skills and communication. However, my true calling lay in exploring diverse mediums and the immersive experience of creating fine art. This led me to further my education and complete my Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in printmaking, a decision that significantly expanded the scope of my artistic practice.

Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to receive recognition and accolades, including awards, grants, exhibitions, and sales of my artwork. One of the highlights of my career was the inclusion of one of my etching prints in the Library of Congress, DC collection, a moment that fills me with immense pride and motivation. My recent achievements include receiving a prestigious grant from the Gottlieb Foundation, NY, and a New Jersey Arts Council Fellowship.

Being a successful artist goes beyond mere recognition; it’s about presenting a thought-provoking narrative to my audience. My art conveys philosophical and critical views about society, life, and personal experiences. I take this responsibility seriously, as art has the power to offer diverse perspectives and challenge conventional thinking.

One of the critical lessons I’ve learned is the importance of authenticity and integrity in artistic expression. While I stay aware of current trends in the art world, I never compromise my artistic identity to fit into a market mold. Pleasing others should never come at the cost of losing one’s creative voice and vision.

As I continue to evolve as an artist, I remain committed to exploring new concepts, pushing artistic boundaries, and staying true to myself. Art is not just a career; it’s a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and enriching the lives of others through creative exploration.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

From my point of view, it requires collaboration between artists, institutions, policymakers, and society. Encourage society to recognize and appreciate the intrinsic value of art in enriching culture, fostering creativity, and promoting critical thinking. Provide access to quality arts education at all levels, starting from schools and continuing through higher education and lifelong learning programs. This helps nurture creativity, artistic skills, and an appreciation for the arts from a young age. Increase funding opportunities, such as grants and fellowships for artists across various disciplines. This financial support can enable artists to focus on their creative work, pursue innovative projects, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Encourage creating and maintaining public art installations, galleries, museums, and cultural spaces. These spaces serve as platforms for artists to showcase their work, engage with the community, and spark dialogue on important social and cultural issues.
Since most artists don’t have studio space, organizations need to offer affordable studio spaces, workshops, and resources for artists. Accessible workspaces help artists focus on their practice without financial constraints and contribute to a vibrant artistic community.
Diversity and Inclusivity are very important in the arts. Support artists from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Encourage representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups in the artistic community. Intolerance is on the rise and it is important to advocate for artistic freedom and expression,

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As an artist who migrated from India to the USA, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative person lies in the opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration that such a journey brings. Migrating from one country to another exposes me to diverse cultures, perspectives, and artistic traditions. This cross-cultural experience enriches my creative practice by allowing me to incorporate elements from different backgrounds into my work, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of global artistic expressions.
Living in a country that values freedom of expression and artistic liberty gives me the space and encouragement to explore various themes, styles, and mediums without constraints. This freedom fuels creativity and enables me to convey meaningful messages through my art.
The USA has more museums, galleries, art schools, workshops, and funding opportunities than India. These resources support my creative development, facilitate networking with other artists, and provide platforms to exhibit and promote my work. Immersing myself in the art scene of a new country has contributed to my professional growth as an artist. Engaging with diverse audiences, participating in exhibitions, collaborating with fellow artists, and receiving feedback from art critics and collectors have all honed my skills and expanded my artistic vision.
Though it is very high-quality and competitive here in the USA, I have received more recognition and validation for my work, which has been gratifying. It reinforces my confidence as an artist and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in my creative endeavors. After I have gotten my studio space at MANA Contemporary, Jersey City, it is a great opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds. It stimulates dialogue, and bridges cultural gaps, allowing me to make a positive impact and create meaningful connections with viewers.
Overall, my journey of migration as an artist has been deeply rewarding. It has offered a blend of personal, cultural, and professional experiences that continually inspire and shape my artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sajalnsarkar.com
• Instagram: IG@sajalhuman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sajal.sarkar