Hashtag campaigns or challenges crop up out-of-the-blue on social media, either reminding people of a grave social issue or as just a fun activity that gathers takers in a matter of hours and catches up like wildfire. Many such hashtag-supported acts die slowly, soon to be replaced by another, none of those to have any effect on the participants, may be, except short-lived fame. But a few stand apart.
When Nanda Kummar, a freelance artist in Kochi, decided to start #100daysofsketching challenge on Facebook, he had only one aim — to inspire people to hone their artistic skills. A graphic artist in advertising and film fields for over two decades, Nandan has been trying to work using mediums like traditional canvas, watercolour, pen and paper -something that had taken a backseat when technology took over his craft. “I have been presenting my social media friends surprise gifts on their birthdays by painting their portraits. The responses included not just appreciations; people were curious about the medium, paint used, how long does it take to work, etc.”
Seeing that his works piqued their interest, Nandan realised that there’s an artist in many - for some, long-forgotten and for others, yet-to-be-discovered. “Many had been painting or doodling during school or college days. Their talents were pushed back when priorities changed and they found themselves busy or lazy,” says the artist, who put up a post in December announcing that he was to start a #100daysofsketching challenge on New Year. Professionals, amateurs, novices — anybody could join. Pen, pencil, watercolour, charcoal, canvas, paper, wall, digital art — any medium could be used. He adds, “Bring out one art work a day, for 100 days if possible. It’s ok even if you can’t deliver it every day. The attempt is all that matters,” he adds.
Now, having completed one successful month, the challenge has 40 artists posting amazing works every day. “The beginning would be tough, but as days progress, the skill improves, strokes bolden and the artist becomes confident and above all, happy. The appreciation and responses lift their spirits. And as in any art form, practice perfects the skill,” adds the artist, who, earlier through another challenge, had raised nearly Rs1 lakh for flood relief. “I made free portraits of all those who contributed to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund and sent me receipts. I made portraits of around 40 persons, a task I completed in mid-October,” he says.
The 100-day challenge was also a revelation about seve al undiscovered artists, like Manoj Pattatt, Vineeth Edathil, Musthapha Fathima Mohamed, Sunitha Sachi… For Nandan, it’s a matter of pride. “Manoj has been a friend for years; he is active in political discourses and reviews the books he reads, but none of us knew that he could draw, until he joined the challenge. He managed to post his work even when his father was hospitalised. Likewise, Sunitha, who works in Kalamassery ITI, takes part in the challenge in the midnight, after her office hours and household chores. Such is the passion,” he gladly says.
What Nandan set off is a self-esteem-booster activity. Many like Musthapha, an NRI who hadn’t touched a brush or sketch pen after his school days, and Nandan’s brother Vijayakumar who used to work on excellent enamel paintings around 30 years ago, came out of their shell.
“It’s very refreshing and inspiring to see the timeline flooded with imagination, talent and colours on logging in to Facebook every morning,” says Nandan, who plans to focus more on his art and hold an exhibition soon.
