What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Art has been my passion for always but have been a teacher for last 25 years. However last year with almighty support my passion became my profession. now I am a professional artist based in Dubai. hence there is everything to love when your passion becomes your profession.

What is my idea of happiness?

My happiness comes from my creativity. a stone lying on the road, a broken piece of furniture, an unused piece of cloth, rings to hang curtains , old locks and keys all give me happiness if they become a part of my creative journey which I decide each day .

What is my greatest fear?

Frankly speaking I have no fear. My creativity works wonders in every situation providing meditative solutions to all challenges I face on daily basis. But if I was to describe a slight fear regarding art and my creative processes, it would be the fear of my work, or me art, becoming generic. I love to add my own creative artistic tweaks and twinges to all of my work and I feel as if that makes the piece complete. So if I’m ever unable to do that, it would make me uncomfortable with putting the artwork out there, and I really do love sharing my artwork.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

There was a time when I used to look for happiness outside. I can say it was the trait that I most deplored in myself. Over the last two years. I have worked on myself. My ardent practice of meditation and my daily creative endeavours have helped me to evolve into a wholesome better me. So now I can finally say that “Happiness comes from within”.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

I admire every single person I come across in my profession. There is so much to learn from each artist I meet or whose work I see.

What is my greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is my never-ending indulgence in the world of art. I am always excited to try out new techniques in art for which I keep collecting all sorts of supplies from all parts of the world.

On what occasion would I lie?

I’m not a person who lies often but the most common instance for me would be if I was asked of something from anyone outside my family while I was partaking in the creation of a product or piece. I don’t appreciate being disturbed.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I am an artist and in art everything one creates is a creation. I believe no creation can be disliked because there is no imperfection to dislike.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

Every day I am happy in my work as every day I take a step further towards achieving my artistic goals. On a day to day basis I create something and continue building on my previous creation.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

There is nothing I would like to change in myself. Yes, I would like to work on my skills continuously.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

The greatest achievement in my work has been my ability to transform my passion into my profession. I would like to thank my family in supporting me to achieve my dream profession.

Where would I most like to live?

My roots are from Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Its deep embedded culture and art attracts me. So, given an opportunity I would like to live in that part of India.

What is my most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my workstation, a room in my house where I have collected innumerable resources to create something which satisfies my soul.

What is my most marked characteristic?

My unwavering wish to create something from everything around me. For instance, when I’m out with my daughter and see an uninteresting object that could be turned into something magnificent, I quickly start whispering to her about all the thrilling and never ending ideas of what I could do to the object.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I have been living in Dubai, UAE for past 20 years as my family is settled here. Dubai is one of the best places to live on the earth. Whole of Dubai is an inspiration for the world.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?

Frankly speaking my home is my favourite place to eat specially delicacies cooked by my husband who is a fantastic cook.

What books influenced my life and how?

Alchemist – Its so important to follow one’s heart desires and pursue one’s dreams.

Ikigai – importance of finding one’s purpose in life.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

No one knows when your last day will be. So, it’s difficult for me to answer this. I live each day my fullest. But if it was to be my last day, I would listen to the famous Hindi song “Kal Ho Na Ho” from the Bollywood movie “Kal Ho Na Ho”.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Expectedly, I am fan of Sharukh Khan, famous Bollywood Superstar and one of his blockbusters just happens to be “Kal Ho Na Ho”.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

The soldiers and the medical staff of a country are my real-life heroes.

Which movie would i recommend seeing once in a lifetime?

Likewise, a movie I would recommend is “ Kal Ho Na Ho ‘ , an entertaining movie with a true message – Live each day of your life to the fullest because no one knowns if there will be tomorrow in your life or not .

What role play stories in my life and work?

Success stories in different fields inspire me to find my strengths and potential.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

I am the author of the story of my life. Every day I write a new page. Its better to write something rather than leaving it blank.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

I , Me , Myself is my greatest fan sponsor and partner in crime. I am the one who has decided my own journey and seen all the struggles and triumphs throughout.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?

I would like to get associated with like minded people who would help me to amplify my passion.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

A project that I wish to progress in, that has always been in my mind, is to shine a light on shy but massively creative people by helping them come out of their shells.

Where can you see me or my work?

Instagram – @soulartistshoma

Facebook – @Shoma#Artist

LinkedIn – @shoma banerjee

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

My passion, my art will stay with me till I live. It is my strength and keeps me going. So it can never leave me or retire in my life.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?

Shilpi Dabral – an artist

How can you contact me?

You can contact me at my email shomab2012@yahoo.com