Hey there! I'm Kamal Koria, an artist with a long, vibrant journey that started in a small town in India and found new meaning in Leicester, UK. My story starts from a bustling career in graphic design to the serene, fulfilling world of painting in retirement. Read more if you are thinking of picking up your paintbrush, it's never too late.
The Journey from India to Leicester
I grew up in Mangrol, Gujarat, surrounded by the colorful and lively street life of my village. After graduating from C.N. College of Fine Arts in Ahmadabad in 1977, I moved to Leicester to pursue a career in graphic design. In Leicester, I became the UK's first Asian graphic artist, working on diverse projects like designing Diwali cards, wedding invitations, and Bhangra album covers. These projects were exciting and creatively challenging, but deep down, I always longed to return to painting.
Freedom in retirement
Now that I'm retired, I finally have the freedom to dive back into my true passion. Retirement has allowed me to slow down and enjoy the process of painting without the pressure of deadlines. I can now focus on capturing the essence of my childhood memories and the vibrant culture of my homeland on canvas. As time went on my sketchbooks grew and grew.
Exploring New Themes
In my paintings, I often depict scenes from my village, bringing to life the women, children, and everyday moments that shaped my early years. The rich colors and stylized forms in my work are inspired by the Kathiawadi culture, reflecting both nostalgia and a timeless simplicity. Painting has become a form of meditation for me, a way to reflect on my experiences and share them with others. I also look at themes that include the family, often trying to show how people interact ar different ages, the speed of a city contrasting with the elderly on a bench.
This small sketch above, I painted about 15 years ago. My wife and I were not quite white haired then but in painted this anticipation of finding my bench one day. This sketch has not turned into a painting yet!
Sharing My Art
My paintings are a visual journey through time, offering a glimpse into the world I grew up in and the memories that continue to inspire me. It's a unique combination of what it means to be a UK based Indian artist. You can explore my latest works and learn more about my artistic journey on my website.
Comments