It is the first time she worked on a three dimensional canvass — a barrel — and it proved to be truly rewarding. "It was fun working on a barrel, and to share a story and an experience in a 3D way,” says artist Sheyna Baig.
Sheyna was the only Indian artist who made it to the finals of an art competition. "The idea was fresh with me as I had just experienced the flight of a bunch of butterflies and could relate their metamorphosis to the process of whisky making that happens in the barrel,” she explains. Her barrel painting was ranked as one of the best seven and has been auctioned already; the funds raised have been donated to charity.
She defines her style as classic contemporary. "I am inspired by the Indian elements — vibrant colours, warmth and movement,” asserts Sheyna. "My work is very open, and space is very important to me,” she adds.
Sheyna has indeed been a born artist. She started painting as a three-year-old kid. "My parents put a box of paints in front of me to keep me quiet. And there was no looking back,” she recalls. All this while, she has drawn her ideas and themes from nature. She follows a regular yoga regime, which she feels is very inspiring.
Sheyna’s latest work (apart from the barrel painting) is called Anantya, meaning eternal, beyond any boundary. It represents the synergy between man and nature. She is an ardent traveller and her sojourns influence a lot of her work. Her latest work is a reflection of her visit to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar. "I love colours and the play of light,” she adds.
"What motivates me is the sense of togetherness that prevails despite other variables. My way of interpreting my experiences vary — sometimes playful, sometimes stoic,” asserts Sheyna.