My first artwork sold for Rs 300: Sajid Bin Amar

Sajid Bin Amar started working as a professional artist after he completed his Masters in Fine Arts in 1991, but he had made a mark much before that. He specialises in graphic art and pencil drawings. And below, is his story...

Q How did you take up art And when did you sell your first artwork?
I come from a family of artists. My dad was a good painter and he also painted signboards, while my mother was very good at drawing. I guess I inherited my talent from them. I sold my first work when I was doing my BFA from JNTU, back in 1985. It was a simple pencil drawing of rocks and it sold for '300. That was an achievement for me and it gave me the confidence that I needed to move ahead in this field.
 
Q Who is your inspiration?
I’m inspired by my family and then artist Laxma Goud. Both Laxma Goud and I do drawings and I found a connect between us. He was also responsible for my first art show and he is the one person I look up to.

Q A turning point?
My turning point, too, came in the year 1985. That was when I took part in my first art show with a group of artists in Bengaluru. This show made me realise how passionate I was about art and after that there was absolutely no turning back.

Q Any regrets?
None at all. Yes, there were very difficult times... but almost all artists have gone through financial difficulties. But despite that phase, I did not walk away from this path I had chosen. Since it was something I wanted to do... no matter what happened... no regrets.
 
Q Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years from now, I want to be a much better artist. I see myself improving my technique and achieving several more milestones in life and career.