They say art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed. True, living by this adage is coastal Karnataka’s very own Peter A Lewis who brings to life aspects that one comes across in day to day life, but fails to spare even a second to soak them up.
Evolving his own contemporary style of art, Lewis’ colours speak of his innate understand of his style and without fail they speak to onlookers and connoisseurs of art.
Born in a small hamlet called Tonse in Udupi, merely 10 kms away from Temple Town of Udupi, Peter A Lewis, fifth son of Anthony Lewis and Brigette Lewis showed at a very young age that his inclinations were different from his seven siblings. His love, life and passion revolved around colours and his surroundings only sowed the artistic seed in him. May it be swaying Arabian sea or the rivulets dancing by, may it be people toiling in the farms or the fishermen risking their lives for livelihood, Lewis captured the rustic essence in his inward eyes and recreated them on the canvas so to leave onlookers mesmerised. While Lewis’ artworks find place in some of the renowned art galleries across the world, his art stays connected to soil. His love for his land (coastal Karnataka) and his devotion to Jesus Christ too are reflected in his work.
From the days when those innocent young hands moulded figurines in the wet farm lands to the expert hands that breathe life into concepts on canvas, Lewis has gone places and simply continues to add feathers to his glorious cap of achievements.
Lewis has won numerous awards and has displayed his works at various art exhibitions at Bombay (Mumbai), Madras (Chennai), Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mysuru and USA. He has won awards from Kannada Sangha, Lalith Kala Academy, All India Dasara Art exhibition and several others oraganisations for his works. Lewis is one artist who has been feted for his art work almost all over India.
In conversation with newskarnataka.com, this artist par excellence talks about colours and about satisfying life as an artist.
The beginning
I was interested in arts and paintings from my childhood. During my school days, teachers and friends would appreciate my artwork and I would simply bask.
When I reached 10th standard, one of my art teachers introduced me to the artist in me and that is when I believed that I can showcase my talent without any hesitation because, by this time I was aware of my talent. My aspirations were ably supported by my family and my brother.
To live my dream as an artist, I first joined JJ School of Art in Mumbai. While initially I was in the art batches of morning and evening, my talent was recognised by the College Dean who then gave me a chance to study in the regular batches. At the school visits by many artists of international repute only inspired us more to excel in life.
After college education, I got an offer to work for as a textile designer in the Ministry of Commerce as a creative artist. During this time, I started exhibiting my artwork. My work started giving me opportunity to travel and this helped me develop as an artist by incorporating things that I noticed during my travel into my art.
Though Lewis did get opportunity to live in countries where he had better opportunity to grow as an artist he decided to live in his motherland and do the bit he could to encourage young artists to pursue their dream.
Lewis feels that appreciation is truly the greatest reward that an artist can ever get. He recalls that Sheikh of Sharjah who had appreciated his work and had also chosen one of his artwork to be a part of their museum.
Remembering another incident, he says, when Pope John Paul visited India,, two of Lewis’ paintings were on display and the Pope had personally appreciated the same along with other cardinals present at the occasion. “I considered that appreciation as blessings and that only made me a successful artist,” he says.
About upcoming/ modern artists
The present society is tempted with the richness and growth of our fellow members. An artist can earn money as an artist but it needs time, patience and perseverance Few artists who have managed to get instant fame have failed to show excellence. One can expect good work from only those hands which are patient and steady.
Unforgettable incident in artistic life
I am an artist, but despite several decades of work with colours, I still don’t call myself a complete artist. An artist simply makes a piece of art without expecting any returns, but when his work is appreciated it brings in great deal of happiness and encouragement I have had several incidents where I have felt honoured to be an artist and all of these moments have helped me grow. So, I cannot specifically point at one memorable incident as each and every moment connected to my artistic life has been worth cherishing.
About recognition from community and government
Lewis says that he has always been someone who never desired for awards and honour, but all of that came to him as both Karnataka and Indian government recognized his work. Peter adds, his work and passion of art is honoured and admired by all communities but Parsi community has shown great affection on his arts. Remembering some names like RJD Tata, Homi J Bhaba and other famous names of Parsi community always supported my art work at exhibitions as well as they visited my home to see my painting works.
Government support for art
Now a day’s government is giving many facilities to artist. Due to upgraded technologies and opportunities it has become easier to be an artist. But it is an artist’s responsibility to utilize available resources and enhance his skills without waiting for any kind of external help. Many artists stop improvising once they have reached where they desired to reach. For an artist, his art must be his religion and medium of communication. He should not stop his creation waiting for support and encouragement. He should live and love his art till his end.
Message to young artists
Whichever religion you belong to, do not stop your art. Instead make your inner feelings speak on canvas. Your dedication and hard work will pay you one day and your family will be proud of you and your accomplishments.
