• Trisha Dullu’s journey of self-discovery

In the delicate dance between career and calling, Trisha Dullu’s journey is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. From the bustling corridors of multinational corporations to the serene sanctuaries of her art studio, her path meanders through the labyrinth of life’s choices, ultimately leading her to the doorstep of her true passion.

At the heart of her artistic odyssey lies a profound question: what inspires a woman to trade the certainties of a successful corporate career for the uncertainties of the creative realm? For Trisha, the transition was not a leap, but a gradual unfurling – a conscious choice to prioritise the nurturing of her family over the demands of corporate ambition. Yet, within the cocoon of domesticity, seeds of self-reflection took root, stirring a dormant longing for self-expression. The Daily Morning Brunch had a chat with her about her artistic journey so far and ‘Alchemy’, an exhibition of her art displayed at Gallery FourLife until 31 May.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What inspired you to transition from a successful corporate career to pursue your passion for art?

The transition wasn’t a direct one, particularly from leaving a corporate career to pursue art. Instead, I made the decision to step away from my successful career to focus on raising my two daughters. It’s a familiar challenge for many career women – balancing home life with work responsibilities. Despite our best efforts, there often seems to be a losing side. For me, prioritising my family became paramount.

As time passed and my children grew older, I found myself contemplating my own journey and what I had achieved in life. After years of independence and establishing my identity, I found myself primarily wearing the hats of mom and wife. In that process, I began to feel somewhat lost in the roles I played.

It was an innate need to rediscover myself, to reclaim my voice and identity, that drew me towards art. Initially, I started exploring art as a personal endeavour – a way to do something meaningful for myself. However, this initial step gradually evolved into a profound, life-altering calling.

Art became more than just a hobby; it became a means of self-expression, a journey of rediscovery, and a pathway to finding my true purpose.

Your exhibition ‘Alchemy’ seems deeply personal. Can you share a specific moment or experience that served as a catalyst for this artistic journey?

Absolutely. It is deeply personal. The catalyst for my artistic journey, culminating in my exhibition ‘Alchemy’, stems from a pivotal moment in my life. It was during the years spent prioritising my family, primarily focusing on raising my daughters, that I began to sense a growing need for self-discovery.

“Are these the sole roles I was meant to fulfil?” As my children grew older and became more independent, I found myself reflecting on my own identity and aspirations. Having spent years dedicating myself to the roles of wife and mother, I realised that I had lost touch with certain aspects of myself – particularly my own identity. So many emotions bottled up needed an outlet.

This realisation prompted me to begin a journey of rediscovery. It led me to reconnect with my passions and interests. Art presented itself as a natural outlet for this exploration. What began as a simple desire to do something for myself gradually evolved into a profound artistic calling.

Through art, I found a means of expressing myself in ways I hadn’t before, probing into emotions, thoughts, and experiences that had long been buried. Each brushstroke became a form of catharsis. 

‘Alchemy’ embodies this journey for me – a process of turning life’s challenges and uncertainties into sources of inspiration and growth. It is a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, and ultimately, to transform us.

Your artworks utilise a minimalist palette of black, white, and gold. How do these colours symbolise the various phases of your life and journey as an artist?

The artworks featured in my exhibition ‘Alchemy’ have been created over a period of time. I have created works using many palettes but time and again, I’ve been drawn to the simplicity of black and white and the profound emotions they can convey. To me, black and white perfectly capture the dichotomy that lies within each of us. In my pieces, black symbolises the tough moments when things have felt uncertain to me, white embodies the inner strength I’ve cultivated, and gold represents the magical realisation of my passion and purpose in life.

Can you elaborate on how your upbringing and diverse cultural experiences influence your artistic expression, particularly in the context of your abstract style?

Coming from a simple middle-class background where achieving milestones like education, career, marriage, and starting a family were prioritised, I followed this path. However, amidst these expectations, I sought an emotional release. This release came through embracing abstraction once art found me. Creating my unique patterns on my canvas gives me a sense of freedom and liberation. The canvas becomes a space free from judgment and allows me to express myself in countless ways.

Having travelled extensively and lived in various places, I’ve had the opportunity to closely observe human relationships and emotions. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds has not only shaped my personality but also influenced my artistic style. While my artworks are deeply personal and reflect specific aspects of my life, interactions with individuals from different cultures have subtly influenced my creative process.

From witnessing the resilience of people in Sri Lanka following the Easter attacks to experiencing their unison during the Arayagala, from reflecting on the Kashmir narrative to embracing this culture through my marriage, or from being raised solely by my mother after my father’s passing – every life experience, past and present, informs my art. These experiences continue to shape my thought process and artistic expression in some way or the other. I feel it enriches my work with depth and complexity of emotion.

Your artist statement mentions a preference for abstraction and impressionism. How do these artistic styles allow you to communicate your emotions and experiences more effectively?

As Pablo Picasso said: “I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.” It is something similar for me. I paint things, experiences, and influences as I feel them. It is what the heart sees. For me, it’s challenging to depict these emotions through specific objects or figures. I find the true freedom of expression in the abstract form, where creativity flows effortlessly and intuitively. 

The beauty of abstract art lies in its universality, I feel. It allows each person to connect with it in their own unique way, without imposing a particular interpretation. I embrace this freedom of interpretation, both as an artist and as an observer, as it opens the door to endless possibilities and connections. I truly love that.

Throughout your journey as an artist, what role has experimentation played in shaping your creative process and the evolution of your art?

Experimenting with various styles and mediums has played an important role in my artistic endeavour and in shaping my creative process. Through this I have learnt valuable lessons in composition, colour theory, and the interaction of different materials. Each experiment, whether successful or not, teaches me something valuable and contributes to my growth. It’s through trial and error that I’ve discovered what resonates most deeply with me and how I can best convey my emotions and experiences.

Moreover, experimentation has led me to unexpected discoveries and breakthroughs in my practice. Initially starting with acrylics, my inquisitiveness led me to experiment with other mediums like charcoal and ink. Further experimentation has now led me to embrace mixed media art as a means of expression. I’m always eager to learn new techniques to enhance my artistry. Each new medium I explore dips a little deeper into a new aspect of my soul leading to beautiful discoveries.

As someone who didn’t receive formal training in art, how do you navigate the challenges of self-study and experimentation while staying true to your artistic vision?

That’s a great question. One of the key ways I navigate these challenges is by embracing a mindset of continuous learning and growth. I want my thirst for learning never to end till my last breath. 

I immerse myself in books, online resources, and tutorials to learn about different techniques, art history, and theory to hone my skills and knowledge further. This self-directed study allows me to learn at my own pace while also giving me the flexibility to explore areas of interest that align with my artistic vision.

Additionally, I often seek feedback and guidance from mentors, fellow artists, and peers to gain new perspectives and insights. Constructive criticism helps me refine my techniques while staying true to my vision.

I have realised that one can stay true to one’s artistic vision through self-study and experimentation through a strong sense of authenticity and self-awareness.

I continue to evolve as an artist every day.