“I picked up art again after a long hiatus – and today I use it as a form of meditation.” Self-taught artist Srijana from Darjeeling chats with Roots and Leisure about her passion for travel and storytelling – and how she welcomes people into her world through her beautiful sketches. True to this motive, we can’t help but wander into the quiet charm of the many corners, she showcases through her art. We delve deeper into her world to know more about the person and the artist behind these surreal works of art. Here is her story.
R&L chats with artist and storyteller, Srijana who grew up in the misty hills of Darjeeling, West Bengal. She talks about her love for art and travel, which are now sources of meditation and calm – and how she combines the two through her series of sketches.
Photo: Srijana, an artist and storyteller from Darjeeling, West Bengal.
-
Hi Srijana, so nice to have you here with us! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello! My name is Srijana, the self-styled artist and storyteller behind “Memoirs by Jana” and I’m originally from Darjeeling, West Bengal. I have lived in several cities all over the country through the course of my association with the hospitality industry and currently, I am staying in Mumbai.
“After having worked in the hospitality sector for over a decade, I decided to take some off to be with myself – to refocus on my passion for sketching and storytelling. That’s what I have been blissfully busy with for the past two years now.”
Farmstay “Auks Farms” in Darjeeling |Art by Srijana
Farmstay “Auks Farms” in Darjeeling |Art by Srijana
-
So how did it all start? What inspired you to create this type of artwork and storytelling?
As far as I remember, I have always been interested in drawing. However, I never took this passion seriously enough to develop it into a working professional. It was only a couple of years ago that my sister talked me into the idea of it and I found myself rummaging for my rusty old sketchbooks.
“What sparked my interest was the way my sister thematically styled my arbitrary thought-process and proved me into starting a ‘travel-gram’ to capture my favorite travel memories. We called it ‘Travel tales by Memoirs by Jana.’ What started as a personal ‘sketchologue’ gradually developed into a virtual gallery filled with my detailed sketchscapes and travel tales. It has now branched into my blog ‘Sketchy wanderer’ as well.”
“Discover hidden places & spaces” Travel Tales and Sketchscapes by Srijana, Darjeeling
“Discover hidden places & spaces” Travel Tales and Sketchscapes by Srijana, Darjeeling
Recently I have collaborated with a select group of authentic Homestay & Farmstays in and around Darjeeling area. What I love about them is the fact that they are much more than just a business venture and are being run by passionate individuals.
Their whole philosophy is so pure and stresses the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism in the truest sense; most of these folks also support a social cause alongside in their own special way.I strongly believe that these homestays run by passionate genuine folks provide a genuine experiential living option for the discerning world traveler.I am so fascinated by these little-known treasures .. and so I have included them as a part of an ongoing feature with ’Sketchywanderer’
Sketch of a bed and breakfast at Tieedi forest garden, Darjeeling by Srijana
Sketch of a bed and breakfast at Tieedi forest garden, Darjeeling by Srijana
Srijana’s sketch of ‘PaliGhar’ – a lovely homestay tucked away in Kalimpong, West Bengal
Srijana’s sketch of ‘PaliGhar’ – a lovely homestay tucked away in Kalimpong, West Bengal
Sketch of a charming homestay that was once a colonial heritage bungalow at Coonoor, Ooty by Srijana
Sketch of a charming homestay that was once a colonial heritage bungalow at Coonoor, Ooty by Srijana
-
Tell us some more about your style as an artist.
Every piece of my artwork has a special meaning. These art pieces are heartfelt renditions of fond memories, an inspiring capture or a picturesque frame as I keep seeking them out in my quest for hidden places & spaces.
I am a self-taught artist. My work is a veritable mix of graphite sketches, charcoal pencils, dry pastel colours and the use of a fine point multiliner on paper. I use a lot of unique hues of earthy pastel colours. I find myself instantly smitten with simple but intricate architecture – be it temples & forts, quaint scenes or old buildings. Earth, wood & natural foliage plays an important role in my sketches.
Amber Fort, Amer Jaipur | Sketch by Srijana
Amber Fort, Amer Jaipur | Sketch by Srijana
Work desk of an artist | Artist Srijana from Darjeeling
Work desk of an artist | Artist Srijana from Darjeeling
-
What do you want to achieve through your art?
Firstly, it is something that I inherently love doing. It is my source of meditation, calm and balance. However, through these pieces of artwork, I have been able to connect with a global audience who appreciate my style of art and its stories of timeless destinations, familiar backdrops or simple earnest efforts. My work definitely has a very select audience and is not everyone may appreciate this style of art… This, in itself is inspiring and motivates me to go on and create even more.
-
What do you hope people take away from your art?
In this generation, where there are apps by the dozen that can turn your photographs into sketches or digital options to perfect any type of artwork, it amazes me that my work has a place where fine-art is still valued. For the longest time I have been hesitant to share my work which I deemed as very personal but now that I have I could not be happier.
Every ‘sketchscape’ of mine is born out of sheer joy. It retells the story of a favourite memory or a fond capture. I put my heart and soul into my artwork and enjoy every minute of creating it. I hope people see my sketches for the positive spirit that they exude – and hope that this vibe reaches into the lives of people, and even help them begin their own beautiful stories.”
Clock tower at Darjeeling hills | Sketch by Srijana, Darjeeling
Clock tower at Darjeeling hills | Sketch by Srijana, Darjeeling
-
How can people get in touch to buy your art – or for any sort of collaboration? Tell us about your upcoming projects too.
My art gallery is available for viewing on my Instagram and Facebook page. My sketch prints are on sale with the option of quality canvas prints or mounted frames. I work from home and currently entertain custom orders from patrons who want my prints in a particular dimension or a series etc. I am also open to custom sketches as few people have approached me requesting a sketch of their own memorable frame in my style.
“I have just released a limited print of my 2019 Calendars. I have a few custom orders that I am working on right now. My collaboration with homestays and farmstays is an ongoing project. I also plan to sell my pieces online. I hope to have my original sketches appropriately curated for a showing in the near future and I look forward excitedly to new partnerships ahead.”
2019 Calendar by Srijina featuring a collection of her art work.
2019 Calendar by Srijina featuring a collection of her art work.
To see more of Srijana’s artworks, follow her on Instagram and Facebook 
Sketch by artist Srijana from Darjeeling
- Recipe | Learn How to Make The Famous Axone (Fermented Soyabean) From Nagaland - June 18, 2020
- A Chat With 19-Year-Old Keyicudauke Iranggau aka Keyi Zeliang, Passionate Singer From Nagaland - July 15, 2019
- Recipe of Mizoram’s Favourite Dish ‘Bai’ – Made With The Stalks Of Cauliflower | by Priya Iyer - July 13, 2019