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

Jaswant, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents signed my sister and I up for every extra curricular activity imaginable. I played guitar, percussion, clarinet, basketball, baseball, tennis, took swimming lessons, dance classes, taekwondo, played in chess tournaments, went to Kumon, and ran track. I’m likely forgetting some activities but it should be pretty clear that my schedule was constantly filled. My parents made trying new activities with an open mind a norm (no matter how much we complained). That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

Years later, the fearless ability to try out new activities helped me build a community in DC and can be seen in my approach to creating new artwork. I’m always trying out new mediums and trying to teach myself new skills like needle felting wool, which can be seen a couple of my newer pieces.

Jaswant, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jaswant Pakki, an abstract artist and illustrator in Washington DC. I started creating digital art while working to get my Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science. For years, I was intimidated to paint on canvas, draw on paper, or publicly show any of my creations. Now in 2024, I participate in art shows, markets, and galleries in Washington DC. I even have pieces hanging in DC businesses like Binge Bar and Sidamo Coffee & Tea.

Outside of art, I work as a full time cyber security engineer, protecting the brain data of Parkinsons patients. This organization is the same one that introduced me to painting. They signed me up for a private art class in 2022 while at a company off-site and I instantly fell in love with the world of abstract art. 2 years later, I’m continuing to explore mediums and consistently try new styles.

When I shut my laptop at the end of the work day, my apartment transforms into an art studio. I create with no specific objective and with only texture, color, and emotion in mind. I have incorporated chai, turmeric and even wool into my pieces. When I’m taking a break from painting, you can usually find me in a local cafe or picnicking outside drawing or creating digital art on my iPad.

I believe that it’s possible to embody art and creativity in every aspect of your day to day life like your relationships and how you dress. When you’re able to do so, your craft isn’t solely limited to a canvas or a piece of paper.

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

Indulge in your local art scene! The narrative that many artists aren’t appreciated in their time doesn’t have to be true. Go to local art shows and become fans of local creatives. Your presence and kind words could be the push they need to keep moving forward and dedicate time to their craft.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is getting out of a creative slump (I’m in one right now). There’s a lot of beauty in trusting yourself and, at times, taking a step away from creating to admire and become inspired by life around you. Having trust that you’ll be back to creating is definitely not easy no matter how many slumps you have experienced. For me, inspiration strikes when I least expect it. Because of this ideas don’t feel forced and I like to think they present themselves when they’re ready to be shared through me.

Every slump I go through presents itself differently. At times, discipline and forced art sessions help. Other times, a step away is required. Discomfort, uncertainty, and a general sense of doubt in my ability to create arise. I try and remind myself that these feelings are reminders of my need to create. They’re reminders that I am an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artbyjaswant.com
• Instagram: @artbyjaswant

Image Credits
Ammar Habib