Hi there, I’m Sandipan Dutta, a geologist at Cairn Oil & Gas for the past decade, and I have a deep passion for art. Despite my journey starting with dreams of becoming a learned artist, destiny led me to geology. My time at IIT Kharagpur showed me the beauty of blending science with art. From studying landscapes in nature to creating PowerPoint models for my team, art has always been a part of my life, often drawing more interest than my technical skills.
I enjoy experimenting with various subjects and compositions, from pen and ink sketches to watercolours (an alternate reason would be my love for buying art supplies now and then!). Currently I’m exploring acrylic impasto technique, inspired by the bold, vibrant style of Modern Impressionism akin to artists like Vincent Van Gogh. My goal is to create visually captivating landscape compositions that resonate with viewers.
Art not only provides me with a creative outlet but also helps me balance work and life. Serving as a travel companion and helps avoid distractions. I’ve also dabbled in digital art and mixed media themes like mandalas.
My gurus, Sri Arun Sarkar and Late Sri Tulin Mallick, emphasised the importance of regular practice, which has been my guiding principle. My geological background has taken me to remote parts of India that inspire art alongside my career.
I have exhibited my works in numerous national and international exhibitions, including the India Art Festival and shows in cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bangalore.
I’d like to take a moment to thank my family who always valued art over academics and have been my biggest supporters and critics. I encourage everyone to pursue their passions or explore new hobbies, as they can provide solace and inspiration in the face of daily challenges.
Story by: Sandipan Dutta
Beautiful paintings Sandipan!