insight from eco-friendly artist Ayushi Delvadia
Why do you feel the need to create?
Art is just my creative outlet. In picasso’s words, every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. I really believe those words and think that everyone has their way of voicing themselves through a creative form whether they use it or not.
Throughout different points in life, what I wanted to express through my art has changed. As a little girl I drew EVERYTHING as any kid would. I wanted to know things. Mountains, dogs, the cookie monster, rivers and mangoes and stick people. I was curious and I wanted knowledge. As a teenager I drew a lot of portraits- looking back I think it was a cross between discovering who I was as a person and understanding others. Right now, as “girlwithagreenbrush” I create my art in hope that I will be able to reconnect people to nature. I want to contribute to solving the environmental crisis and I don’t know if coffee grounds and 2d artwork can achieve that, but I will keep trying and exploring new creative ways until I find the right one. All I am sure of is that visuals, and emotion stirring art and creativity in general will speak to people on a more personal and positive level than statistics and news articles will and that is what I want to use.
What’s the last thing you created?
I have two or three projects going on at once usually! And sometimes I don’t quite know if I am ready to call it completed just yet. The last thing I shared with the world however, was a watercolour painting of a girl in a spacesuit growing cotton on Earth's moon. I was inspired by the Chinese scientists attempt to grow plants on our moon earlier this year.
How do you brand yourself?
In one word, I would say “change”.
Partly because at this point in my life I am still experimenting with my creativity, and exploring things as time allows. Right now I create temporary installations with coffee grounds and paint with low waste, eco friendly art mediums, but I know a message in a painting may not be enough to spring people into action. Therefore, eventually I'd like to discover how I can create things using the principles of effective altruism. I want to be using my resources to help others and do the most good I can. Which means I shall be changing too.
Yep that’s it - change. I also choose the word change as a representation of my goals. I want to be able to change people's perspective on nature. To not to look at it as an external concept but as an inner being. We are nature. I want to people live consciously and mindfully in order to sustain the existence of ourselves and our environment.
What do you do in your isolation?
With college lectures and part time jobs there is barely any time for isolation - the bitter sweet truth of my life right now but, when I do get time, I devote all of it to activities of self growth and learning. I read books, practice yoga, journal and drool over the lives of other eco activists, artists and leaders. I binge watch Netflix and do movie marathons of Harry Potter and spend time with friends. Watch funny animal videos, go for walks in seasons that Toronto allows. Just a human in her natural state. But, books for sure, I try try to read a lot of books.
What’s the last album you listened to?
I was asked the same question in my last job interview and half nervous and half intent to be honest, I said that I listened to various genres, no albums in particular that I can remember of but the last playlist I was listening to on Spotify (and listen a lot to) was of ocean and rain sounds. Helps with focusing, for both studying and art.
The interviewers had this question on the list to gauge the applicants shyness, because the follow up question was can you sing a favourite song from the album. But now they didn’t know what to follow up with, so they looked at each other and said “umm can you make ocean /rain sounds?” I made seagull cry sounds. I sat there in the silent room and screeched and ...I got the job. So now I don’t hesitate in telling people that I have no specialized and particular album and genre I am into, but I listen to nature! I think it's my lucky charm.
What are your tips for creators?
I would urge creators to look into effective altruism if they have not already done so. I think it just adds to the purpose of your work and if we are able to do any additional good with what we create, the world would be a much better place.