BEHIND THE SCENES: ARTIST INTERVIEW WITH RAVNEET KAUR SIDHU. BY CINDY HUA

Ravneet Kaur Sidhu is a 3-rd year visual arts student. Born and raised in Surrey, BC, both of her parents are from India. Her works are based on her community and cultural connections. 

Cindy Hua: When did you focus on art?

Ravneet Kaur Sidhu: At the beginning, before university, I did art just to relieve stress... a way to relax. I did't really pay attention on how other people viewed it. With university, now my art is more of a way for me to express my feelings. A way to showcase my ideas, beliefs, to make a statement. It is something that I want to put all of my attention towards. Focusing or making art isn't something that I will only put 50 percent of my effort in anymore. 

The Ties of Our Past, Ravneet Kaur Sidhu, 2020

CH: Why did you choose visual arts as your major?

RKS: First of all I really like art. I ended up studying it because... well you have to understand that, especially in my community, getting a degree in art is not something you would typically do. But I had a friend who would always remind me that this is my life and I need to choose what I want to do with it, because I will always find people who will support me. I didn't want to get a degree in the sciences even though that is looked higher upon. Whenever I make art, or work on art projects, I feel joy, a freedom which I wouldn't have been able to experience if I went into science or business. This is also why I'm thinking of becoming an art teacher. Art is a way for me to relax, escape, express myself, and I want others to feel that too. I also want to show the Indian community, even if it is only the people near me, that getting a degree in visual arts is perfectly acceptable and a respectful choice. 

CH: What themes do you pursue when you are creating the artwork?

RKS: Most, if not all of my work is based off of my community. For example, I just completed a project which talked about body and facial hair. How it is such a taboo topic for females within my community, as well as how it is viewed by people. The way I was raised and the environment around me greatly impacts my art style. 

This is Normal, Ravneet Kaur Sidhu, 2020

CH: What's the next step for you?

RKS: I'm not sure about my next step... I think I'll focus on creating more artwork I'm proud of in and outside of university, while also trying to survive online classes. (Laughs)