Khazi Abdul Gani has been a keen observer and ardent admirer of beautiful objects in nature around him since childhood. “I have always looked at them with awe.
The artist in me has never been not content with mere admiration. This led me to copy these objects the way they impressed me.
"As an amateur artist I continued to do this until I joined up for a professional course in visual art," says the experienced art teacher at Ideal Indian School.
"The formal training in art became a turning point in my life and gave me a direction to develop into a creative artist,” recalls Gani while speaking with Gulf Times.
Introducing himself, Gani revealed that he hails from a family of farmers in India.
"I have done my masters in Fine Arts and worked as an art teacher in different schools and an art lecturer in India and Qatar.
"It's been 21 years since I moved to Qatar. I have been working with Ideal Indian School. I have received the state university award, twice best art teacher award and two times all-India best artist award. I have attended many art exhibitions and art workshops in Qatar and have also been honoured by different embassies in Qatar.
"My passion is learning and teaching art," Gani stressed.
GT: How and when did you develop interest in art?
I have always been fascinated by different objects of nature including birds and animals since childhood and would try drawing pictures of these since an early age. I used to observe insects and birds in the fields. I love painting natural objects, landscape, and architectures. I like realism.
* What kind of work and mediums do you use for your creative pieces?
I use acrylic, oil paints and mixed media as medium of expression. I like to experiment with different canvasses. I have also done work with 3D models, mosaic paintings and ceramics.
* With all your experience how do you best describe art or painting? What is art for you?
In my opinion, art is life and life is art. I think colours speak out. Every colour has a theme and meaning. Those who understand the themes of colours can enjoy abstract paintings. There is an artist in every child. Children learn through art in their initial days. Art is integrated into all subjects.
There is more and more realisation in the modern day teaching that learning can be made more interesting and easier for children through art.
* How did you spend your time at home during lockdown? Do you think having free time and being at home helps people increase creativity?
It goes beyond saying that creative minds need free time and peace of mind to turn their imaginative ideas into reality.
The recent challenges of Covid-19 lockdowns also presented an opportunity for artists to hone their techniques and come up with new ideas. I attended many art workshops and exhibitions via Zoom.
* How do you see the works of young artists? What you advice for aspiring artists?
The current artistic trends gives me immense encouragement. My advice to the new generation of artists is to experiment with every method and material of creative art. New artists are moving forward positively. Art is an individual talent.
One can express his or her feelings using different methods and materials.
* What are your future plans regarding your art works?
I plan to write a book on art. I want every child to learn art. I have plans to write the book for different stages of schoolchildren. I have also been working on Qatari culture and heritage. I also wish to continue making both realistic and abstract paintings. I wish to give back to society. I want to do this by means of my art and paintings. I want to leave my legacy.