The Heroine’s Journey of Arpita Biswas Dasgupta

What is the best thing that I love about my work? The best thing about my work is witnessing transformation — when art becomes a bridge between emotion and expression. I love seeing people discover their hidden creativity and confidence through colours, lines, and stories. Teaching art isn’t just about skill; it’s about healing energy and emotional connection. Each student brings a new way to see the world, and that inspires me endlessly. My studio feels like a safe place where creativity breathes freely. I love that my work unites art, emotion, and purpose. It gives people a voice without needing words. I see every artwork as a small step toward self-awareness. What I love most is knowing that my art leaves peace behind.

What is my idea of happiness? Happiness, for me, is balance — between giving and creating, between silence and expression. It is found in a quiet morning spent painting, or in a student’s smile after completing their first artwork. True happiness is when my inner world and my work feel aligned. It’s when I’m surrounded by calm energy, meaningful work, and honest people. Happiness is not noise or recognition; it’s peace of mind and purpose in the heart. It’s living a life that reflects my values. Every day that I create, guide, and inspire — I am happy.

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is losing emotional connection — with myself, my art, or the people I care about. I fear becoming so busy that I forget why I began this creative path. I never want to create without feeling. My fear pushes me to stay grounded and authentic. It reminds me that art without emotion is just decoration. Staying real and soulful in a fast, digital world sometimes feels like a challenge, but it’s also my strength.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Sometimes, I overthink — I feel deeply and take too long to let go of small disappointments. I can be too sensitive to energy around me. But I’ve learned to transform that into empathy and creative depth. My sensitivity is my challenge, yet it’s also what makes my work honest and emotionally rich.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I admire creative educators and emotional designers who bring mindfulness into art. People who use their skills to heal, teach, and inspire — not just to impress. I look up to artists who live simply, teach beautifully, and create with integrity. They remind me that creativity and compassion can coexist.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? What I dislike most is how often creative people are undervalued — emotionally and professionally. Art takes heart, time, and dedication, but society often sees only the result, not the journey. I dislike the rush and comparison culture that tries to measure creativity in numbers. I believe art should breathe, not compete.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? One of my happiest moments was when someone looked at my painting and said it felt like I had painted their emotions. Whenever my art helps someone feel understood, I feel an immense sense of purpose and happiness.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I would like to learn to take breaks without feeling guilty. My mind is always dreaming, planning, imagining — but sometimes I forget to rest.

What is my greatest achievement in work? My greatest achievement is building a space — Creative Art Centre — where people grow emotionally and creatively. Watching my students evolve into confident artists and thinkers is my proudest success. I didn’t just teach them art; I helped them find themselves.

Where would I most like to live? Somewhere peaceful, surrounded by nature and colours — a place that feels like a canvas. A quiet space that nurtures thought and creativity, where I can teach, paint, and write without noise.

What is my most treasured possession? My sketchbooks. They hold my emotions, my growth, and all the little inspirations that shaped me. They remind me who I was, and who I’m becoming.

What is my most marked characteristic? Calmness. People often tell me that my energy feels peaceful and grounding. I listen deeply, observe quietly, and create meaningfully. My calm nature allows me to connect without words.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My studio corner is the most inspirational place for me. The light that enters through the window, the smell of paint, and the silence of that space make me feel deeply connected to my creative self..

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? In my city, my favourite place to eat and drink isn’t some fancy cafe. It’s the fast-food corner where the burger is bigger than my artistic ambitions and the milkshake is thicker than my patience.

What books influenced my life and how? Bhagavad Geeta — for clarity, detachment, and understanding the quiet power of purposeful action. Ikigai — for reminding me that a meaningful life is built on small joys, daily discipline, and doing what you love with calm consistency.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? On my last day, I think I’d choose music that feels like dissolving colours — soft flute, drifting like a quiet sky. Something that carries the gentle rhythm of the Hare Krishna chant… not loud, not ceremonial, just a whisper of peace. The kind of sound that doesn’t say ‘goodbye’ — it just opens a door and lets the soul breathe its way out.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I’ve always been drawn to sharp, observant minds — so my favourite fictional heroes are detectives. From the classic brilliance of Bomkesh Bakshi to the stylish confidence of 007, I love characters who see the world in layers. I also admire Indian mystery icons like Feluda and Byomkesh, and strong detective heroines like Durga Rani Singh or Vidya Bagchi from Kahaani. They remind me that there’s always a hidden story beneath the surface — just
like in art

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Anyone who keeps creating despite struggles. Teachers, mothers, artists, and healers who give without expecting applause. They are the real heroes of creativity and compassion.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? Finding Forrester — for its message about mentorship, trust, and the courage to express one’s truth. It captures the spirit of teaching and creativity beautifully.

What role play stories in my life and work? Stories are the soul of my work. I use them to teach, heal, and connect. Every artwork tells an emotional story — sometimes mine, sometimes my student’s. Stories remind us that we’re not alone in our journeys.

What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me? They remind me that every choice is a brushstroke. I can’t control everything, but I can choose my colours. Life, like art, is made of patience, emotion, and perspective. I am the artist of my journey.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My greatest fan, sponsor, and partner in crime?
Honestly… me — and fried, tasty food. No one hypes me like I hype myself, and nothing supports me like snacks that never judge and always refill my happiness.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?
– Art therapy and emotional wellness organisations
– Mindful education platforms
– Creative collectives promoting community art
– Artists and designers exploring emotion-based creativity
– Cultural centres encouraging women artists
– Educational NGOs
– Online learning platforms
– Spiritual and wellness retreats incorporating art.

What project am I looking forward to work on? An artwork series that blends art and emotional awareness — where people can explore healing through creative expression. I’m also developing new workshops that unite mindfulness and design thinking.

Where can you see me or my work? You can explore my work and creative vision on my website: arpitaart.carrd.co

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