Today we’d like to introduce you to Debanjana Bhattacharjee.
Hi Debanjana; it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I am an artist based in Myrtle Beach, trying to capture those fleeting, beautiful moments outdoors. My paintings are my instant reaction to the scene and how I feel the best. I am originally from Mumbai, India, and moved to South Carolina from Texas in 2015. I was born in 1973 in Mumbai, India, where I lived with my parents and siblings. My father was a scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Center, so my siblings and I grew up in the Atomic Energy Residential Area in Mumbai. I went to school there, too, attending Atomic Energy Central School. While in school I became a state-level badminton player. Growing up in a science-oriented area, I had no choice but to study science. I graduated with a bachelor’s in mathematics from the University of Mumbai and a post-graduate diploma in computer applications. After marriage, my husband was transferred from his job and we moved to the US in 2001.This started a new chapter in my life, and I became a homemaker. For 10 years, we lived in many cities in the US and Budapest, Hungary until, eventually, my husband quit his job and went for his Ph.D. in Texas. In those 10 years, I became a mother to a wonderful boy.
In Texas, I had an opportunity to learn painting from a Mexican artist Romy Guevera at Edinburg Public Library, Edinburg, Texas. A famous sculptor, Dr. Lorenzo Pace from New York, bought my first painting. That was a huge encouragement, and there was no looking back. I realized the need to study art history. Soon I found myself back in Mumbai and got a post-graduate diploma in Modern & Contemporary Indian and European Art History from Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai, India. With new confidence, I returned to Edinburg, Texas, where I had a chance to learn sculpting using the lost wax technique under the guidance of Prof. Douglas Clark. All this while, I juggled being a mom and desperately wanted to follow my passion for painting. The beginning of my art career was full of challenges, but I think those challenges pushed me forward, and giving up wasn’t a choice. I wanted to and am still working on creating my identity as an artist. I have exhibited nationally and internationally and have collectors in the USA, Europe, and India. Over time, my art has changed, leading my works to span a variety of styles and subjects, though currently, I am primarily painting landscapes plein air. Besides exhibiting at Seacoast Artists Gallery and William H. Miller Studios in Myrtle Beach, I am also a co-owner at Georgetown Art Gallery in Georgetown, SC.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It wasn’t a smooth ride, but it wasn’t impossible either. With a small child to take care of and wanting to follow my passion with no immediate family around, there were obstacles. My schedule was and still is as per my son’s school hours. Once I figured out a system and my limitations, I worked around it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist and I paint in-studio and en plein air, which is painting outdoors and on location. Chasing sunrises with a brush is what I have been doing every summer since 2019. In 2022 I did 30 sunrises in June, en plein air. The sale of 28 paintings helped me give $1000 as a scholarship to kids in the Carolina Forest High School Marching Band. I am back again this year chasing sunrises in June and plan to complete this yearly self-challenge using gouache, a medium I am still exploring. In addition, I am also working on commissions, allowing me to paint a wide variety of subjects. Yet, even with so many subjects to paint, the Myrtle Beach sunrise remains my favorite. It’s my work ethic which sets me apart from others. I am a daily painter; to me, the brush miles can help me progress with my art. Also, I am always inspired and not waiting for inspiration, be it painting landscapes outdoors or it could be a cupcake from Publix; there are endless subjects to paint, which keeps me going every day.
This year I was juried into Oil Painters of America (OPA) and the 45th Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition in Charleston, SC.
In 2020, I was selected as the Curator of Twitter Art Exhibit, an international art show that helps raise money for local charities. The exhibition was successful, receiving art from 900 artists worldwide and raising $20,000 for Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs in Conway, SC.
I have once again been chosen as Guest Artist at Village Gallery, Oriental, North Carolina, where my works are on display as part of a solo exhibition for the month of June 2023.
Before leaving Texas, I received a Proclamation from Edinburg Mayor for my artistic endeavors. I am pleased to say I was juried into Artfields, Lake City, SC, in 2018.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I want to credit my parents and siblings and their families, who have consistently supported and encouraged. Thank you to my husband. My son, Shantanu is my biggest supporter and my critic; he stood by me in all kinds of situations. I had two good mentors early on in my art journey, Diego Monterrubio from California and Geert Hermsen from the Netherlands. Both are artists who helped me build my work ethic. Fellow artists Michael Shimoji and Clay Johnson have been great friends and have constantly encouraged me in my art journey. I would also like to thank all my collectors for their support in every step of my journey. A big shout out to all my friends & followers on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: debanjana.faso.com
- Instagram: @debanjana05
- Facebook: Debanjana Bhattacharjee
- Twitter: @debanjana05
