Hello everyone! In our second week of features, we are so excited for you all to get to know calligraphy artist, Arshia Narula.
1. What is your name, age, and location? Any fun facts about yourself and your hobbies?
My name is Arshia Narula. I’m 15 and live in Frisco, Texas. I am an avid artist; specifically, I do calligraphy. I was introduced to the art of calligraphy about 2 years ago and I have been in love with lettering since then! I enjoy writing quotes and spreading positivity through my words and love working with other artists around the globe to create beautiful art. Outside of my art world, I play the saxophone, love being around my friends, family, and my dog, and I’ve recently taken up the hobby of baking!
2. How did you first get into digital art and canvas paintings?
I first got into art, specifically calligraphy, through my friends when they gave me cards for my birthday. It was really fascinating to see how they used just a simple pen to make their handwriting look so elegant. Also, the colors blending together in their writing made me want to learn how to write so beautifully. I ordered some pens for myself, started watching videos, got help from my friends, and eventually loved doing it!
3. Who or what are your biggest inspirations that motivate you to create art?
My biggest inspiration to create art is a mindset of positivity and change. I see this concept in many of my art role models, such as Steffi Lynn, as she always promotes optimism and happiness. I create my art to motivate and inspire people to create change within themselves and around them because I believe that those ideas are the ones that drive our world today.
4. How do you plan on using your art to spread awareness or make a difference in the world?
I plan on using my art to spread awareness about the importance of positivity and happiness. In addition, I want to make a difference in the world with my art by creating works that can benefit global organizations to help individuals in need.
5. What is your favorite piece of digital or canvas art that you have created so far?
My favorite piece of art that I have created so far is a quote I have written in calligraphy that says “Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are” by Lady Gaga. I really believe that this quote defines me and should represent every individual in this world. It cannot be stressed enough that one should have the ability to be themselves without any obstacles. In terms of my art in this piece, this was one of my first times using watercolor and I loved the way the colors blended together. This piece continues to impact me each day of my life as I strive to represent myself in everything I do.
6. What are your current or future goals with your art?
My current goal with my art is to continue to learn new skills and calligraphy techniques. For my future goals with my art, I am looking into creating a group/organization in which artists, new and experienced, can learn from each other and connect with one another to create art to benefit people in need.
7. If you had the opportunity to spend a day with your favorite artist, who would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to spend a day with my favorite artist, I would spend it with Steffi Lynn, an art creator, drawer, muralist, and calligrapher. I love her theme of inspiration and all things happiness that shows in her art. Looking at her progress and how she has made art a career drives me to work harder and know that I too can make an impact on the world, even if it might just be through letters. I would want to paint a wall with her, make a mural, and learn more about her digital art techniques!
8. Do you have any advice or tips for people that are interested in art?
My advice for people who are interested in music and art would be to continuously practice. Treat it as more of a fun experience rather than a stressful thing to do where you have to get it right once you start. Also, the whole point of art is to make it your own! There is no right way to create art or music because it is more about the unique touch you put into it, so be confident with the way you express your art.
Here are a few examples of Arshia's brilliant work:
