Meet Bijay Biswaal, a ticket collector-cum-artist who captures railway platforms on canvas

When you speak to this humble man, the last thing you would remember is that he is on his way up the success ladder. Composed, yet enthusiastic about his paintings, Bijay Biswaal is only pleased to answer questions that come his way.

An avid acrylic artist, Bijay spoke to Folomojo about his journey as a painter, why wet surfaces absolutely fascinate him, and why the ‘roots’ motif can be found in many of his initial works.

1.  You mentioned in an interview that you first began with chalks, and then moved on to oil. Can you tell us more?

That’s true. Back then there weren’t crayons or sketch pens. So I used to draw with chalk and charcoal and preserve these, since they were rare. I would then draw on the walls and on the floor. Later I began working with oil. But then in 1995, I came across acrylic and there was no turning back. It’s a fantastic medium. I like to complete my works and see them finished quickly. Oil takes time to dry, but with acrylic, it’s faster and I like that.

2.  There is a sense of abstraction in your realism. Is there a certain motive?

That’s a compliment (laughs). But, I am basically a realistic artist. Wet surfaces fascinate me and you will see that motif in many of my recent works. I am fascinated by how things are reflected by wet surfaces and I find beauty in that. My job, as a ticket collector also allows me to experiment a lot. I simply love the monsoon season. You will find fire too, but water amazes me. People love the wet platform series, they are very popular.

3.  The Banyan tree motif can be found in many of your works. Is there a reason behind it?

I don’t know. I am not entirely sure. Yes, you will see roots of the tree in many of my initial works. Maybe it’s got to do with my native place. Whenever I go to Odisha, I make sure I go back to my place and see the tree. I have so many memories of the tree, praying and playing under it.

Maybe that has had a part to play in my works. Now I have outgrown it and moved to wet surfaces. It’s good to keep changing, otherwise it gets boring.

4.  Who are your favorite painters?

I absolutely love Raja Ravi Varma and I have been majorly influenced by R.K Lakshman’s work too, though he didn’t paint. But I cannot forget how his characters spoke to me.

I also love to study other artists like Salvador Dali, the great Da Vinci, Van Gogh and so on. But, nobody beats Raja Ravi Varma for me.

5.  Does anybody else at home paint?

My children used to, but now they are busy with their careers and have very busy schedules. My wife doesn’t paint. But, I can tell you that for an artist to reach his peak, it’s important to have an understanding and encouraging life partner and I have that. She takes care of literally everything at home so that I can chase my dreams.

6.  Do you take any regular classes or workshops?

No. I love to paint and there is hardly any time to teach. I don’t want to lose too much time. I do get invited all over the country and internationally and we do workshops, but nothing regular. I also have my job to take care of.

7.  What is your message to upcoming artists?

You should be passionately in love with whatever you do. Initially it’s okay to imitate. When we start with an art form, like singing, we will in the beginning try and sing like another well-known singer, but as time goes by we find our own style and this is important.

Go outdoors, look at nature and learn the art from nature. Learn the basics well and then you will develop your own way of dealing with it.

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