Shikha: I have always had a strong inclination towards art, and architecture emerged as the professional discipline most closely aligned with my artistic interests. After gaining experience in architecture and interior design, motherhood profoundly transformed me. It softened my egoistic tendencies, making me more humble and receptive. Motherhood has enriched my life, bringing greater happiness and fulfilment. I feel a deep sense of having contributed positively to nature and humanity.  

Shikha: I have always been a hoarder, an attribute stemming from an acute awareness of the vast array of resources available to us. We often fail to recognize the diversity of materials at our disposal—paper, aluminium, iron, cotton, wood, cellulose, Styrofoam, copper, plastic, and glass, to name a few. Discarding these materials equates to discarding years of accumulated energy. To me, these materials and composites are potential components of art. Currently, I am experimenting and striving to imbue these materials with a narrative or story. My focus is to transform these ordinary materials, revealing their remarkable potential. 

Davangi: Are there any artists, their methodologies, or aspects of their lives that inspire you?

Shikha: Many artists, both Indian and international, inspire me. Each has a unique perspective and the ability to transform their vision into tangible pieces of art. Artists like Bobbie Burgers and Dhruvi Acharya have taught me to appreciate the beauty of ageing, decay, and the wisdom of nature and its cycles. Others, such as Jayashri Chakraborty, El Anatsui, and Phyllida Barlow, inspire me to think boldly and see the extraordinary potential in ordinary things.

Shikha: Exploring the depths of the psyche is intimidating, as it can reveal unexpected truths. What if I discover aspects of myself that I dislike, or realise that my current path isn't aligned with my true desires? The process of self-discovery may become consuming, akin to a relentless pursuit. This journey may necessitate sacrificing my familial life to fully immerse myself, as only by losing myself entirely will I uncover my true artistic essence. 

Davangi: You aim to create art that resonates with you rather than decorative art. How do you differentiate your art from decorative art? 

Shikha: For me, art must engage the mind as profoundly as it occupies physical space. While fundamentals such as composition and colour are vital, art must transcend mere aesthetics. It serves as a reflective surface of our existence, akin to architecture, offering tangible evidence of human presence. Art fundamentally prompts introspection, compelling us to delve deeper into the recesses of our consciousness. I believe true art transcends superficial decoration, immersing itself in the realm of reality and resonating with our innermost selves.

Shikha: As I grow older, I am increasingly exposed to the various realities of society, humanity, economies, and the workings of the world. The more I understand these mechanisms, the more I find myself disillusioned with humankind. This awareness inevitably permeates my artworks, sometimes quite overtly and at other times more subtly. Each new piece of knowledge alters my tangible perception of a subject, influencing the way I create and interpret art. Despite our frequent discussions of the beauty and aesthetics of various subjects—especially nature—the underlying reality of all existence is a blatant sense of survival, which can be violent and ruthless.  

Davangi: Would you like to discuss any upcoming projects? Do you plan to experiment with different mediums in your future work?