Brush with happiness

Shivani Bhakoo

The lockdown has brought out the best and the worst in people. While many are suffering from depression and anxiety, there are a few who have turned creative.

Businessman Vikas Joshi is one such person, who has taken up painting. He has titled his recent oil painting as Parineeti. Joshi says, “Art should be promoted in the current times as life is stressful. Art is like meditation. It relieves stress, curbs depression and anxiety.”

During the lockdown, Joshi started with oil painting. It took him almost four months to complete this art work. “The little girl is wearing a sweater and I have painted those 4,000 knits with oil, just to provide a real touch to my work,” says Joshi.

“One of the best things I have learnt while painting is patience. Art is a form of meditation. It has the power to engage you. The stress you have just evaporates, resulting in a relaxed mind. It also helps you develop a positive outlook. It is the painting of a small girl I met in Barot (Himachal Pradesh). There was innocence and calmness on her face and I tried to bring that out in my painting,” says Joshi.

He feels happiness comes from within. Even with limited resources, we can be calm and creative. The smile on Parineeti’s face reflects his message!