Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamlika Chandla.
Hi Kamlika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My interest in art began as a young child but it was not until my own daughter was born that I became active in the art community and steered my way into becoming a professional artist. I felt a compelling inner voice that urged me to train professionally, study with the best masters around the world and fulfill my deep need to paint and draw. This life event paved a natural Segway to transition as an artist. My parents and extended family always appreciated and encouraged engaging in art as a vocation but not as a profession. I went on to study Psychology, and then Management, and work extensively in the corporate sector before I became a fine artist and teacher. I apprenticed with the best around the world and found my own style after years of studying and practicing in the style of classical artists. I have enjoyed painting portraits especially as it allows me to study and represent the beauty and diversity through my eyes. I also love painting horses, roses, quiet landscapes, as well as narrative stories about the fluid and impermanent nature of life through still-life compositions. I enjoy working on commissions for people after understanding their personal philosophy, likes and dislikes, and creating artwork that is meaningful and inspiring and that can be passed on to the posterity. My deepest joy comes through teaching young children and adults and assisting emerging artists to find their own voice and style as they embark on their own unique journey of creativity. Now, I paint, teach and continue to consult the wider artistic community and showcase my work across the globe. It is my ongoing pursuit to shift the mindset around art and educate people about the broader impact of art and creative intelligence. I balance my time equally as an artist/teacher and a management consultant which not only helps me harness both my cerebral and creative side but be a role model for others to find their true calling. I enjoy life and management coaching as much as I enjoy being a professional artist. But it took a lot of discipline, training, tenacity, and support to get here. My journey continues as I keep learning and sharing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I had to ‘give up’ a ‘secure’ career to train and then practice as a professional artist. At each junction I have had to push and prod and convince others (family, professionals, colleagues, students, parents and ironically even collectors) that intelligent people can also choose to become artists and that one must respect artists just like any other professional. We work hard, we pay bills, we pay taxes and we like to live a comfortable life too. I feel that a certain kind of hypocrisy and cynicism exist in the community when it comes to understanding, respecting or renumerating artists (other
creatives). Thankfully, the work speaks for itself and then the road becomes easier. Both, money and respect follow but it takes a much longer time than average. I never experienced that in a corporate job! And even in the part time consulting work I resumed after Covid (for that very reason).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I split my time being a professional artist/teacher and management consultant which helps me keep my cerebral and creative energy in equilibrium. I like to work with clients who are looking for commissioning artwork that would evoke meaning and joy for them and the generations to come. This could be an intimate portrait of a loved one, a pet, or a custom piece carefully made from scratch after understanding their deepest needs and personal philosophy. I run my studio practice out of Edina, where I also teach classical drawing, oil painting, and sculpture and have my own gallery in Eden Prairie. I teach workshops through the Summer at the Blake School and around the country the rest of the year. I am very proud of teaching, as I can see the joy and success this has brought to many students/adults as my mentorship has given them the skillset and the courage to embark on a creative path which is still the road less traveled. I feel I am contributing to the community by inviting dialogue through my evocative exhibitions. I am known for my portraits that focus on beauty in diversity. What sets me apart is that I am invested in the development and growth of the art industry at large, not just myself as an artist. I invest my time collaborating, training, mentoring creative professionals across the globe and building forums for growth and expansion.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Spend time in skill development, mastering your craft and studying/working with people you admire. There is no substitute for “mileage on the canvas” or “sharpening your saw” with excellence. Self-discipline, tenacity, determination and unwavering self-assuredness and originality are the key to growth/success.
Pricing:
- $3000 to $30000 for Commissions
- $1000 to $15000 for available artwork
- $270 to $450 for classes
- $500 to $3000 for workshops
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kamlikachandla.com
- Instagram: kamlikachandla
- LinkedIn: https://www.kvokemanagementconsulting.com
