The Artist
Bharat Makanji,
a watercolour artist, born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania in 1958
moved to Ashton-under-Lyne in 1970. A career in engineering
prepared him with design and technical ability. Upon being made
redundant in the 1980s he took up his interest in drawing and
painting in watercolours.
Bharat,
who is self taught has been inspired by artists such as Wimslow
Homer and Sir William Russell Flint. His attraction to the medium
of watercolour in the first place was the combination of freedom
and fluidity, but still the necessity to retain the element
of control.
"For
me, I paint each time as if I am doing a signature-once I
have committed paint to paper, I will not stop halfway through"
Having lived
in Africa, India and England, Bharat has been equipped with
a wealth of inspiration with which to paint. Watercolour has
served as a universal communicational tool, where the restriction
of language is surpassed by the visual alone. His paintings
are loosely painted landscapes which have always provoked a
reaction - feeling that is generated within, one that makes
him WANT to paint.
His latest
innovation is creating modern abstract artwork on glass using
acrylic paints, creating vibrant unique pieces of work. He says:
"My
artwork on glass is based on what's happening at the present
time and how nature and mankind interacts"
He has also
done bespoke etched glass designs; commissioned pieces of artwork
which involve spraying the glass with sand, which results in
the surface having a translucent frosted appearance. Various
tones, depths and textures are created using this technique.
Bharat Makanji
may be contacted by email:
info@bharatmakanji.com
A collection
of Bharat's artwork can be seen on his website: www.bharatmakanji.com.
If
you are, or know of any local artists (painters, photographers,
potters, sculptors, etc) located or based in and around Manchester
please let us know, and if appropriate, we'll try to include
them. Contact us directly by email.
