Meet our new Artist of the Month... Arathi Ayyangar! @thegildedstory. Arathi has always had a creative background, but had to put her hobbies on the backseat as she navigated the corporate world for many years. Today, Arathi has re-ignited her passion with the discovery of calligraphy, and hasn't looked back since. Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
I hold a postgraduate degree in Commerce and an MBA in Finance, both of which have profoundly shaped my professional journey. Over the past 15 years, I've navigated the corporate world, gaining extensive experience in Banking and IT Services. While numbers and strategies have been central to my career, my passion for calligraphy, lettering and gilding emerged much later.
My connection with the performing arts began in childhood; I'm a trained singer and play both the piano and the veena, an Indian string instrument. However, as I became rooted in the corporate world, these hobbies gradually took a back seat.
After more than a decade, the routine of corporate life was interrupted when I stumbled upon calligraphy by chance—a discovery that reignited my creative passions. In 2019, I also discovered Instagram and was captivated by the vibrant community of calligraphers. I began practicing diligently and explored gilding along the way.
In the past four to five years, I've had the privilege of learning from renowned masters of calligraphy and gilding. Balancing my analytical corporate role with the creative outlet of this raw art of creating beauty with your hands has been a deeply fulfilling journey.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
Inspiration often strikes in the most unexpected places. Long walks in nature help clear my mind and spark new ideas. I’m continually inspired by the creativity of fellow artists; their unique perspectives, challenge and excite me. I find inspiration—in the mundane, the extraordinary, and everything in between. It’s about keeping an open mind and finding beauty in the ordinary and it always begins with a question for me-What unique perspective can I bring to life from all that’s inspired me?
To be honest, my most profound bursts of inspiration come when I let go of the search entirely. Often, it’s in moments of boredom (yes, I know, it’s a bit quirky) that ideas emerge. Whether I’m reading a book, or travelling, doing my chores or even during random moments with friends (it’s become an inside joke that I might suddenly start sketching or noting something in the middle of a conversation). Creativity for me, flows most freely when I’m in a state of relaxed awareness.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
In the creative industry, the hardest part is often the constant pressure to generate fresh, innovative ideas. Now that has been amplified by the pressure of putting it out and keeping up with social media trends, which can lead to self-doubt. Of course, then bringing in the business aspect of it along with balancing client expectations while maintaining your artistic vision can also be a challenging tightrope walk.
However, the rewards are equally significant. Seeing a client's excitement as their abstract concepts transform into tangible creations is immensely fulfilling. Learning new lessons daily also has aided my overall development. In those moments of shared joy, appreciation and growth, the challenges become secondary, making the entire journey worthwhile. For someone like me, who typically relies more on analytical thinking the opportunity to let my heart guide my work is a liberating experience.
Do you have a favourite style?
I have moods! Rather than adhering to a single aesthetic, my preferences shift based on how I’m feeling and what I’m exploring. When I’m studying or learning a new script, I might be drawn to something edgy and bold, or I might crave something classic and understated. But, If I had to choose one script, it would be delicate scripts like Engrossers or Spencerian. These styles capture a certain elegance and intricacy that I find particularly appealing.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
Most projects excite me, especially when I’m given creative freedom to develop an idea after an initial discussion with a client. But, one of my favorite projects was the Symbiosis Exhibition organised by The Art of Letters (brain child of Dorothy Lim Chew from Singapore).
This event that took place around the time of the pandemic. It brought together 12 artists—three mentors and nine mentees—to showcase their creations in a collaborative exhibition. The entire process happened for almost a year and the teams would meet over Zoom calls each month to discuss our progress, challenges, and innovative ideas with our mentors. One of our assignments involved adding our unique touch to a piece of art and then passing it along to the next artist. Mind you, all the artists were from different countries! This project profoundly impacted me and provided the impetus to start my own art studio, The Gilded Story.
I'm currently working on crafting a medieval-themed book featuring the verses of the Bhagavad Gita, adorned with illuminations and beautiful calligraphy.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
Calligraphy and gilding offer a serene counterpoint to my typically restless nature. The meticulous focus required for these crafts provides a much-needed escape from the daily hustle. In a time, where distractions are inescapable, these art forms allow me to slow down, center myself, and temporarily disconnect from the world.
For me, engaging in these crafts has become a deliberate act of self-care. I trade the noise of everyday life for the soothing sound of music and the calming order of my workspace, where my pen, paper, and gilding tools invite me into their magical world.
What are your favourite tools to use?
As both a gilder and calligrapher, I deeply value my tools. For calligraphy, my favorite tools include a variety of nibs—I love the Hunt 101 for pointed pen calligraphy and for the broad edged I love the Pilot parallel and the brause and Speedball C nibs. I am particular about the quality of my tools- be it the ink or the paper. I feel that they are essential for achieving the depth and nuance I aim for in my writing.
For my gilding work, I can’t do without my gold leaves, gesso and a good burnisher, with its smooth, polished surface, adds to the final touch.
I realised as an artist, your tools are an extended version of you, and they hold a place of their own in what eventually comes out in the form of a finished art for everyone to enjoy.
As Jean-Michel Basquiat once said- " Every artist is a thief, stealing from the tool that makes the best of what they have."
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
Entering the creative industry can be an exhilarating journey, but it’s important to approach it with patience and intentionality. Rather than diving straight into the frenzy of trends and competition, take the time to build your craft thoughtfully first. The rest will eventually fall in place.
As Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun. "
Focus on honing your skills and nurturing your artistic style. Allow your work to grow from a place of genuine passion and purpose. Embrace the process of growth and self-discovery both of which can feel painfully slow. But trust me, the results will speak for themselves in time. Lasting success often comes from a deep connection to your craft rather than the pursuit of fleeting trends. I believe, the most fulfilling creative achievements are built on a foundation of authenticity and dedication.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Arathi Ayyangar (@thegildedstory) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month.
