RK : Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself.
Shierly : Hi. I’m Shierly from Indonesia, and currently I do realistic portraits drawing using Pencil.
RK : 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?
Shierly : I began to draw for the first time when I was in elementary school, not specifically portrait, but more about basic drawing (all kinds --human, animal, scenery, still life…), so when I was in Grade 4, my parents called a private drawing teacher to teach me more for some years, and then I developed it myself.
I realize that God has blessed and given me a talent in arts and I'm so thankful for this gift. What I'm doing with this talent is my gift back to God. I want to be a better sketch artist and it is a blessing for me if I can share my talents to many people so that it can also be a blessing to them. And yes, drawing is one of my hobbies since childhood and become my passion until today.
RK : What subjects do you mostly like to draw and paint about and why?
Shierly : I always interested and love to sketch portraits, especially public figures, and my inspiration mostly comes from my favorite TV series & movies.
RK : What is your favorite medium to work in?
Shierly : Pencil on Paper
RK : Who are some artists you admire?
Shierly : I admire some artists on instagram: Cuong Nguyen, Charles Laveso, Arinze Stanley
RK : What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve created?
Shierly : I love all my drawings, but mostly I like all my “Tinaa Dattaa”, and “Mrunal Jain” portrait drawings, because through the artworks I started to get achievements in drawing such as being published on International medias and in 2017 I had chance to directly meet the actors when they were in Jakarta. I also love my “Ariana Grande”, “Cara Delevigne”, “Millie Bobby Brown”, “Leonardo DiCaprio”, “Gal Gadot”, and my sketch work of Indonesian President “Joko Widodo”.
RK : 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?
Shierly : When drawing I always focus to the subject I sketched, while I listening to the music and sometimes singing to keep myself in the mood, relax, calm, and enjoy. I rarely getting bored by doing that.
RK : Your pieces are incredibly detailed. How long does it take to create a single piece and what is the process like?
Shierly : Since I do black and white drawing, I usually change the reference picture color into black & white photo so that would be easier for me to see the shades and everything. About the time it depends on the paper size and the detail quality of the drawing. The longest time so far about 70 hours to complete a drawing on 30x42cm paper.
RK : Describe your dream project.
Shierly : I dream to have my solo art exhibition in Indonesia & other countries as well.
RK : Do you have any special unique advice for other artists who are learning to draw in realism at this very high standard that you are drawing at?
Shierly : Don’t stop trying. Honor and be grateful for every step, no matter how slow or small. Progress is progress, as long as you don’t stop. Great things take time. Keep believing, keep going, and never give up.
RK : If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?
Shierly : Be yourself, and always do your best.
RK : Do you have any upcoming shows or exhibitions that you’ll be attending?
Shierly : Currently I’m having a group art show until 30th November 2018. I’m also preparing for more art show in 2019.
RK : Have you ever been to India and anything you know about Indian Art & Culture?
Shierly : I have never been to India before, but I would love to visit the country someday. Currently there is one Indian art that amazed me: Henna Art (Mehndi)
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your Indian followers.
Shierly : That’s absolutely a great idea and opportunity, not only for the newcomers who wants to build career in art, but for everyone in general. It would be great if you could learn and expand your knowledge and thoughts about art & culture not only from your own country, but also from other countries as well.
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