Sadhana Ramesh Interview | Respect the Dreamer
This interview was curated by START Shows
Sadhana Ramesh is a South Indian artist from Philadelphia. After studying neuroscience, she switched to bone research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now creates art pieces as therapeutic measures. What started as a simple side hustle has blossomed into a therapeutic endeavor. This past year, she worked to overcome the grief of her elders’ health and the setbacks in her educational journey. Art began immortalizing the lessons given to her by her grandparents, and a way to relieve her anxiety from her educational journey. By creating with her loved ones in mind, she is able to forget all other stressors and focus on the pieces in front of her.
Her art emphasizes beauty in everyday interactions and occurrences. Through only using thrifted frames and clothing, each piece is made sustainably and uniquely for each found “canvas”. Most pieces have a south Indian tone as well through subject matter, canvas, or color palette.
Through brush strokes, color palettes, or mediums used, she grounds herself. She hopes to continue using this means therapeutically for the rest of her life, and to one day spread her appreciation for south Indian culture with viewers worldwide.
What inspired you to pursue your dream, and how did it all begin?
I always made art since I was a kid, and I began making custom jackets and clothing for my friends when I was in college. I had a very rigorous major and completed a rigorous master's, and finally, I have a job that allows me to have more flexibility in my life. Naturally, I began spending most of my free time painting and creating, and I realized that my dreams of being an artist are not that far away at all.
Can you share a defining moment in your journey that shaped your perspective and fueled your passion?
When I had to process the fact that my family members were aging and passing, I found myself constantly ruminating over our relationships and losing myself in the fact that their personalities would leave this earth. I turned to art and found that I was able to articulate the relationships I had, and the lessons I learned, in my family. Out of respect for all of my loved ones, I am continuously refining my methods and tasks to make sure I am always giving them the voice they deserve.
How do you handle setbacks and keep pushing forward in the pursuit of your dreams?
I have internalized the idea that everything happens for a reason. Every rejected gallery application, failed painting or lost client teaches me more than acceptance could. For example, I had a few pieces last year not sell. I was initially upset, but now, I have a beautifully curated collection. Though each piece is unique, when viewed as a whole, I can tell my story.
Are there specific individuals who have inspired you along the journey?
Every artist I met at the Bam Red Dot Exhibition, along with Sophocles, has motivated me immensely. Aside from my family who motivates me, Jolie Chylack, my best friend's mother, has always inspired me. As a biologist, artist, and mother, she shows me continuously that there is no set method to conduct your art career. She also shows me how beautifully one can blend an appreciation for science, art, and family.
How do you maintain a balance between pursuing your dreams and handling everyday responsibilities?
I love my job in research. It offers me a place to think, contribute to the discovery of novel diseases, and most importantly, use my degree in neuroscience. Much of my inspiration also comes from my education in neuroscience-- not just the morphology of neurons, but also the understanding of basic human tendencies. It also blesses me with the ability to create art on my own time. With my family, I have become lucky enough where I find them supporting my endeavors.
How do you overcome self-doubt and stay confident in your abilities?
This is always very tough for me, but I find that looking at my favorite pieces always helps. And more than anything, remembering the message behind my art grounds me. I also believe I am in a place of more calm in the sense that I have a full-time job to support me, and I can appreciate my art in more than a monetary sense.
Can you share a memorable success story or achievement that resulted from your determination?
This is from my lab experiences in undergrad, but it still motivates me to this day. I worked in a Harvard lab for three years, and during my fourth year, decided to complete an elective thesis, which is my own, self-led project. I would have graduated with honors if I completed my project and defended it in front of a panel of professors and researchers. My lab supported me, but Boston University denied my request because my GPA was slightly under the cutoff. I petitioned to be able to complete my thesis and was granted the opportunity to do so. For one year, I worked weekends, late nights, and constantly thought about my project. It came time to defend my thesis, and I did so with flying colors. Professors commended my tough techniques and appreciated my efforts, letting me graduate with honors. I was able to land jobs specifically because of this thesis. Any time I doubt myself and the efforts I could be putting in, I remember this moment and how my lab and I refused to take no for an answer. This lesson applies to every part of my life, and I even remember it whenever I apply for an art opportunity I think I might not be qualified for.
In what ways do you stay motivated during challenging times?
I remember my family and what they did to get me here, and I also remember what I went through over the past two years. Health, school, and family were at an all time low, and it was hard to pull myself through those tough times. But out of that came a great appreciation for my family, and also, professionalization of my art career. Again, I always remind myself that everything happens for a reason.
What dream are you living right now?
I'm living the dream of taking my current collection, "Thangam (gold)", around the northeast to different galleries. My first gallery ever was March 1-3, and since then I have had another gallery show, was accepted into another, and am participating in upcoming popup shows selling the apparel I have made. I'm connecting with artists and other people about their lives, realizing how much my messages resonate with others, and appreciating every interaction I make. I am living the dream of letting my art talk for me, and it's doing a great job.
What advice would you give to someone with a dream?
There's a reason you have your dreams, they're specific to you. A whole series of events and thoughts led you to this point. There's something so special about figuring out what makes you happy and starting on that journey-- there isn't much in life more exciting than that. Take baby steps toward your dream, and eventually, it'll somehow be a reality.
Photography credit: @photogenisist.studio
Website: http://www.sadhanaramesh.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/__sadhuu/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@__sadhuu
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