We recently connected with Kanchan Shingwekar and have shared our conversation below.

Kanchan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As far back as I can remember, I was always drawing and painting. As a child, I found joy in creating images from my imagination, though where I grew up, there wasn’t much scope for learning art—let alone building a career out of it. So I followed a more conventional route and became a software engineer. I enjoyed the logic and problem-solving, but that creative part of me never truly went away.

It wasn’t until after I had my children that I felt a powerful pull toward painting again—this time, not just as a hobby, but something deeper, something necessary. I found an art class nearby and joined it in 2018. That’s when everything changed. My art coach patiently taught me from the basics, and I immersed myself completely. I began filling canvases with color and emotion, learning from different mentors, books, and just endless hours of practice.

Pursuing a creative path professionally didn’t happen overnight. That side of me—the artist—was always there, quietly waiting. It’s only now, with the encouragement of my family and friends, that I’ve found the courage to share my art with the world. It feels like coming home to a part of myself I always knew, but finally honored.

Kanchan, 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?

Hello! I’m an oil painter who finds deep joy in the slow, meditative process that this timeless medium offers. I work primarily in still life and landscapes, inspired by the quiet beauty in everyday moments and natural surroundings. Oil painting, for me, is not just about the final image—it’s about the journey. I love everything about it—from priming canvases and wood panels to layering and glazing the paint to bring depth and emotion to the surface.

My path to becoming an artist wasn’t traditional. I come from a background in software engineering, and for years, art was something I quietly cherished. But after having children, I felt a powerful pull to return to painting—this time with full commitment. I began studying oil painting seriously in 2018, learning from teachers, books, and constant practice. What sets me apart is not just my technique, but my perseverance and love for learning. Every painting is a result of deep focus, patience, and passion.

I believe that original art should be accessible to anyone who loves it. That’s why I keep my pricing reasonable—art, after all, is meant to be lived with and loved, not kept out of reach. Whether you’re looking for a soulful piece for your home or a gift for someone special, I hope my work brings warmth and reflection into your space.

What I’m most proud of is not a single piece, but the fact that I kept showing up for my art, even when it had to take a back seat. And now, I’m thrilled to share that work with others who connect with it. If you’re someone who appreciates thoughtful, heartfelt art created with care and intention, I’d love for you to follow along on this journey.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To truly support artists and a healthy creative ecosystem, society needs to cultivate art appreciation—not just consumption. People should be encouraged and educated to understand the difference between good art and something that may only appear visually appealing on the surface. Learning how to look at a painting—how to see the emotion, technique, layers, and intention behind it—is a skill that should be nurtured, just like reading or writing.

We live in an age where machine-made art is everywhere—quick, mass-produced, and often lacking the depth and soul that human hands bring. It’s essential to recognize and value the human touch in creative work. Behind every handmade piece is a person who has spent years learning, refining, and pouring themselves into what they do. Choosing to buy human-made art is a powerful way to keep that spirit alive.

Supporting artists isn’t only about buying art—though that’s important—it’s also about engaging with it, talking about it, sharing it, and helping others see its worth. A thriving creative ecosystem depends on a society that respects the process as much as the product.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist isn’t about money or recognition—it’s about the way painting nourishes the mind and soul. There’s something profoundly calming and healing about the act of drawing and painting. I truly believe that engaging in creative work helps the brain in ways we don’t fully understand yet.

When I paint, I lose track of time. Hours pass, and instead of feeling tired, I feel more alive—centered, focused, and completely present. That flow state, where it’s just me, the brush, and the canvas, is a kind of meditation. It’s a space where I feel most myself.

Someday, I hope to reach a point where I can guide and support others in their journey with oil painting—to pass on what I’ve learned and help others discover the same joy and peace that painting has given me. That, to me, would be the greatest reward of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pkcartstudio.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574489321471

Image Credits

Its my original art.