In conversation with a naga artist: Charazia Leo

We all know the story of the artist, nobody but except a handful is ready to spend a huge amount of money on art.But an artist usually spends months crafting a paint yet, in the end, all they could sell is a mere penny or would even end up as a gift to a friend because they literally plead you.

The artists need perfection and that's what they demand whenever they work, but yes living a life of an artist is not some bed of roses that we all dream about.  It takes the time to get a reputed name.
These days, if one is talented, it is not hard to be noticed in social media platforms, but  talents belong to those people who really hard work hard, have the passion and thirst to reached their attained goals.  

This time, I got hold of a naga artist who in now based in Delhi, interacted with her in facebook.

Well, she is none other than Charazia Leo, a 26-year-old from Dimapur, an upcoming artist from Nagaland, a lady who is trying to define her dreams,a graduate in B.sc Interior Design. Charazia has recently participated in an exhibition at Mavalankar Hall in Delhi. Let’s read on to know more about her.

Give us a quick glimpse of your background

Hi, I am Charazia Leo, from Dimapur. I did my schooling from Holy Cross School and then +2 science from St. John Residential School, Dimapur. I have completed my diploma in Interior Design from South Delhi Polytechnic for Women and B.sc Interior Design from Punjab Technical University. I did a freelancing consultation for a residential project in Dimapur. Now am currently working as a Graphic Designer for an e-commerce in Delhi. I do Ink illustrations, pencil sketches and paper cutting craft.

Tell us your story, How it all started?

There was not a specific moment of how it all started. As a kid, I was always into doodling (drawing/sketching). If you give me a pencil and a paper, I would end up doodling anything that caught my interest. My all time favourite subject for sketching is the human eye and a female form. I would always unconsciously end up doodling either an eye or a woman.

When did you decide you wanted to become an artist?

I was always confused as a kid or I still am haha. I never knew what to be as a child. Growing up to be an artist was never in my mind. All the inspirations and encouragement for it came from family and friends and I gradually knew that I had to pursue it.

Would you choose it as a profession or a part-time interest?

It is part of my profession. I have always been fascinated with creative challenges and understanding the creative process.

What’s could be your greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness will be my obsession with perfection. It is hard at times being a perfectionist because you are never satisfied with the end product if it’s not in its perfect form.

How often do you stick to your work?

I work according to my mood, sometimes when the inspiration kicks in, I would continuously work without any break; other times the project stays pending for a very long period. So basically depending on the deadline and the mood, the work is handled.

What is your biggest design career moment?

My greatest achievement would be the recent exhibition which was held in Delhi. It was my first ever exhibition as an artist and all my illustrations were sold out. I also got contacts with new prospective clients. It was a really proud moment to see your project being understood and well received.

Tell me something about your latest design projects

My current project is to do a test out of the craft store I am planning to put up in social media. It will be a big challenge career-wise to do all the sourcing, the legwork involved and the understanding of the current market demands.

What would you do if you could not be an artist?

Alternatively, I would be a makeup artist.

Where do you seek inspiration from?

Rain is a big inspiration for me. I always get really artistic and motivated when it rains. It reminds me of "Home". The beauty of how everything goes green after it rains, words can’t just define it. Well, I also follow and connect with artists in Instagram to know their techniques and understand any new form of art.

The story behind you struggles, what inspires you to motivate yourself?

My shyness and introvert nature is a big time struggle. People don’t understand how an introvert mind works so it becomes difficult to connect with people at times. I am learning to deal with it by doing an on and off switch according to the situation I am presented with.

Would you prefer to work in Nagaland or work outside?

Definitely, in Nagaland, I love where I am from and I would be back to the place I love.

How would you like market your products when you have one?

Social media is where I would market my products as a starter. But a physical store is a dream I would love to achieve someday.

Do you see any scopes in Nagaland, being a graduate from the industry, what is your opinion?

Nagaland is a growing market. People are more aware of the value of art and design. As a graduate of Interior Design, I believe the decor market is very promising at present. Nagas are always renovating and up to date with the latest "In" design. So, yes it has a good scope. Not exposed as they deserved to be but I believed it’s a gradual process which will take time. It would be a big help by fellow Nagas who are studying abroad or settled there to promote the products of the artist out there. Word of mouth is very essential in this field and they need to do so to put the artist in the market.

What is your message to people out here?

Message for all the artists: Be brave be confident, know your flaws and learn how to work with it. You as an artist are selling yourself as the product so seize any opportunity you get to put yourself out there. Understand your clients and incorporate that in your work.  

For the rest of the people: Help your fellow Nagas by promoting their talents and putting them on the map. Support artists and become an art patron.

You can follow her on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/characroco or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/char_croc/