Retro Kolkata : Please Say something about you.
Prashant Bapodara : I am an architect as well as a self-taught artist who is working on freelance projects in both fields.
I have done my graduation in architecture from Parul Institute of Architecture and Research, Parul University, Vadodara.
I have presented my artwork in 2 exhibitions and have also been nominated 2 times in India Book of Records.
I worked with various architectural firms and have also conducted bamboo construction workshops at NASA, India meets.
I enjoy learning new things and experimenting with various mediums and techniques. I only participate in activities that I enjoy and that benefit my present and future. I enjoy being close to nature and company with my close friends.
I believe in myself and have an ideology to give my impeccable performance every time I take up something.
My preference of artwork is Portrait work, but I have no preferred material or technique to portray it, I have always made an effort to overcome this with a different technique and style, and have always tried to provide my clients with unexpected outcomes.
I always find a perfect, quiet time during the day to work on my artwork so that I can focus and achieve the finest detail possible.
Retro Kolkata : When did you first realize that you really loved drawing? Were there any instances that you can recall in particular that made you choose to concentrate on creating art?
Prashant Bapodara : In my childhood, I drew landscape scenes, cartoon characters, tattoos, and different still life objects. When I was in high school I participated in a drawing competition and won which gave me motivation to pursue that hobby more. One of my faculties in school suggested me of architecture and asked me to make join it, I applied and passed the entrance exam and got admission this was the milestone wherein my creative journey begun, I learnt a lot about materials, techniques, details and architecture as a tool to portray myself which helped me grow more and explore endlessly.
Retro Kolkata : Has anybody guided you along your career path as an artist and if so who?
Prashant Bapodara : I started the journey of making portraits in first year of architecture wherein I practiced them while making live sketches of my friends. The practice was sometimes forceful as we had to make many such sketches to fulfill the subject requirements, at that time I didn’t like it but gradually I understood the art form, the materiality, technique and adapted a skillset wherein I was most comfortable in. I started to improve the skill, started of with pencil, pen reaching to mediums like charcoal and paint took no time as I my curiosity grew with each new medium. Since then my main focus is to achieve at the best art possible.
Throughout my journey, all my colleagues and faculties have always been supportive and have always appreciated my work and have given their critics which has helped me mold myself better, to create something better and never give up trying.
Retro Kolkata : Tell us about your work? What are you currently working on?
Prashant Bapodara : I have explored many mediums and materials throughout my architectural journey and am still exploring new things, I have done sculpture, murals, digital arts, computational art and architectural illustrations, and interior based projects. I also got nominated in the India book of records 2021 and will soon be nominated in 2023 for the largest portrait using 23000 dice. Commission-based dice portraits, thread portraits, and graphite portraits as per client requirements in their budget is a regular typology of work I get, I want to explore everything in art and architecture and want to include technological nuances in near future.
Retro Kolkata : What is your favorite medium to work in?
Prashant Bapodara : Every new medium intrigues me, but I focus upon portraits and also here there is no particular medium that I am stuck too, for me it’s just a phase wherein I’m improving and learning new skills and techniques according to client demands.
Retro Kolkata : Who are some artist you admire?
Prashant Bapodara : Many artists and architects' works have inspired me throughout these years but I have been following architect Santiago Calatravas' sculptur-like buildings and art works, Steve Hanks’ realistic figurative watercolor works, Vladimir Volegov’s figurative oil paintings and MC Escher’s different perspective, Daniel poppers sculptures are some of the many artists work I admire.
Retro Kolkata : What subjects do you mostly like to draw and paint about and why?
Prashant Bapodara : I choose the subject according to the purpose of artwork, if I have to do the art for myself and self-exploration I would deliberately choose something which I can be attached too and beautify its minute nuances to create a deeper attachment with it. If there’s commission-based portrait work, I choose the most beautiful face with best expression and with some more details wherein I can showcase and uplift my skills, and I have tendency to choose something which is bigger than the last approach and more challenging in nature.
Retro Kolkata : What goes through your mind while you draw, is there a calm silence, do you listen to music or do you experience doubt, fear or any emotions at all?
Prashant Bapodara : While making any art work, depending upon the subjects and purpose of artwork, core focus is on detailing and perfection, and the quality of artwork. I listen to stories and songs related to the subject if relatable material archive is available. I choose the best quality time for my artwork wherein I am secluded in my room to and in the perfect mood.
Retro Kolkata : Do you have any upcoming shows or exhibitions that you’ll be attending?
Prashant Bapodara : I am a member of the "Maher Art Group," a Porbandar artist community group that organizes an exhibition in different cities every year. Perhaps it will happen this time in Ahmedabad. I also want to attend the "Burning Man Festival" in Black Rock City, Nevada, and exhibit some kind of sculpture or installation work there in the near future.
Retro Kolkata : Describe your dream project.
Prashant Bapodara : I want to integrate technology in artworks and want to break the boundary of art and architecture.
