Edited by Jose Morales
Artist Tejbir Singh lives in Bahrain, an island in the Persian Gulf. With a Bachelor Degree in architecture, Singh’s interest in art blossomed at a very young age, showing a passion for sketching and painting. Growing up, one of his teachers encouraged his love for art and introduced him to oil painting. During our conversation, we discussed his work and his passion for landscapes and cityscapes.
– What do you look for in a scenery/landscape that would make you want to re-create it?
I do not consciously look for a subject in particular, and just let it happen. That way, I end up with something I feel is amazing and surprising; subjects that awaken my creative instincts, and sometimes I find in unusual places.
For example, when traveling in the underground (subway), the sight of people of different sex, age, and races holding on to the same grab bar becomes a subject of my painting or the sight of footprints or tire marks on a beach. While traveling, I am always looking out for inspiration, and recently, I converted views from airplane windows into my paintings.
– Which places would you like to travel to next to draw inspiration from for your paintings?
I love traveling. Europe, especially the U.K, has been a favorite haunt of mine because of its rich and varied architectural heritage, and scenic landscapes that appeal a lot to the architect and artist in me. However, due to my current focus on cityscapes, I would like to capture the vibrant, throbbing, and modern essence of New York City and other cities of U.S A. Hopefully, my upcoming visit to the Big Apple for my first exhibition in New York City will give me that opportunity.
– Do you create with the intent to send a message? If so, how important is it that your audience understands the message?
Generally, most of my paintings are a celebration of the beauty around us. Therefore, the message that goes out from my paintings is to be observant. To look around you rather than be lost in your laptops and so-called smartphones. Being observant and aware of your surroundings enhances your experience of being in that place because you will notice beautiful things and details that will enrich you and give you joy. When you start doing that, life will be more fulfilling and satisfying.
– Who or what are your main influences and inspirations?
I have always been a great admirer of impressionists, and have always admired the way they manage to transform a seemingly mundane scene or landscape into something magical with their use of colors.
– What does creativity mean to you?
Creativity is everything and is everywhere. It is not just restricted to the arts. Someone can show creativity in their cooking. An athlete can show creativity in the way they play sports, and even an accountant can be creative in the way they organize their accounts. Creativity can give you unbridled joy. The kind you may not get if you make millions.
– Which of your creations gives you the most pride and satisfaction, and why?
It’s hard to pinpoint, but one of my paintings titled “Rest at Piccadilly,” depicting a scene of people resting on the steps of the famous fountain at Piccadilly Circus, in London, gave me much satisfaction. Mainly done with markers, sparing use of watercolors, and primarily in grey monotones, it just turned out to be perfect. Also, a painting of the Golden Temple I did earlier with soft pastels was a very satisfying experience. More recently, some of the aerial cityscapes I have done for my upcoming exhibition in Manhattan have also turned out to be very gratifying. – GM
Images courtesy of Tejbir Singh
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