Appreciating and incorporating art in our daily lives is an experience, says N Kalyani
Art is about beauty, art is about utility. Art is in the mundane, art is in the ethereal. Art is expressed in the tangible, art finds its expression through the intangible. Art seems to encompass life in all its myriad forms, in all its diversity and multiplicity.
One finds art to be ubiquitous. Indeed. Art can be seen. Art can be listened to. Art can be an olfactory experience. Art can be experienced through the sense of taste. Art can be a tactile experience. Art is much more than what it is understood as in the conventional sense of visual arts and performing arts. Because art has a wide sense, meaning and significance in terms of its connotation, approach, view and presentation, the term ‘art’ is used in varied contexts and activities and referred to in various situations. For instance, we use expressions like ‘art of communication’, ‘art of storytelling’ and ‘art of cooking’. According to Pune-based parenting coach Rommal Surana, who has authored the book Awakening Parenthood, parenting is an art. In Surana’s view, “Parenting is often described as an art because it requires creativity, patience, and adaptability to raise happy and responsible individuals. Just like an artist tailors their strokes to create a masterpiece, parents must adjust their approach to suit their child’s unique personality and needs.” Surana, who is the founder and director of Nanhaagyan Foundation, and a child and adolescent counsellor, illustrates thus: “When a child struggles with schoolwork, parents, instead of resorting to criticism, could find innovative ways to make learning fun. They might use storytelling to explain math concepts or play interactive games to strengthen problem-solving skills. That is how parenting becomes an art.”
She further points out, “Parenting also involves fostering emotional growth. If a child feels upset after losing a game, a supportive parent teaches resilience by sharing their own experiences of setbacks and how they overcame them. By combining love, creativity, and wisdom, parenting becomes an art that shapes not just the child’s future but also strengthens the bond between parent and child.”
Cooking too is an art. Central to our lives, cooking and food bring many aspects of life and emotions and feelings together from sharing and caring to joy and togetherness to art and nutrition, to name a few. From the perspective of art, one observes, for instance, that in the making of a dish like avail, an assortment of colourful vegetables mixed with curd, coconut and a blend of mild spices, there is an element of art in the cutting of the vegetables. When the vegetables are cut in an appropriately complimenting style there is a distinct aesthetic appeal to the dish. So too in artistically created salad. Or cake decorations. Even the simple bread pakora whether in the shape of a square, rectangle or triangle has an element of art in its creation.
Kuntal Kumar, a wellness and hospitality expert and chef with over 25 years of experience, both in India and internationally, refers to food as “a canvas of culinary art.” Says Kumar, “Food transcends sustenance, embodying art in its finest form. Like painters or dramatists, chefs’ express creativity through their craft, blending tradition with innovation to evoke emotion and connection. From ancient times to modern kitchens, food remains central to human life, reflecting culture and artistry.”
Drawing from his experience he says, “Working with luminaries like Michelin-starred chef Michael Wignall revealed how chefs meticulously transform ingredients into masterpieces. Today, cuisine is more refined and adventurous than ever, driven by the relentless pursuit of excellence. Chefs are now celebrated as cultural icons, their creations elevating dining into an immersive experience of texture, colour, and flavour.”
Author of the highly acclaimed cookbook The Original Organic Cookbook, Kumar, currently based in Thailand, goes on to explain, “Fine dining exemplifies food as an art form, where chefs explore uncharted territory, crafting trends that inspire and redefine gastronomy. With every dish, they paint on the plate, offering a sensory symphony that resonates deeply, making food not just a necessity, but a profound artistic expression.” Another aspect central to our lives is communication. And communication refers to a whole wide spectrum. From written and verbal communication to body language to forms of subtle expression.
Let us see what Kiran Misra, a media and communication skills professional, who has worked as a broadcaster with All India Radio for 35 years, says about communication being an art. “When it comes to communication in English whether over a medium like radio or TV or OTT or YouTube or face to face, just because you know the language, it does not mean that you will be an effective communicator. Because it is a fine art. It is the art of communication. It is not just your choice of words, but it is also your intonation, the rhythm with which you speak, the pauses that you take, the pregnant pauses, the words that you lay stress on and the pronunciation. This calls for a lot of concentration, practise and hard work. And there is always scope for improvement. And, yes, if you do manage to deliver your words effectively whether it is the written word or the spoken word, you will be regarded as an artist. Because it is indeed a fine art.” Currently based in Noida, Misra, who now teaches creative writing in English, adds, “Communication as an art needs honing. That is why there are so many training classes available to develop effective communication.”
Teaching in itself is an art. Says Dr Urjaswita Singh, assistant professor in the department of economics at the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, “Teaching is not merely a transfer of knowledge, it is an art form that requires creativity, passion, and emotional intelligence.
While technical expertise and subject knowledge are vital, it is the ability to inspire and connect with students that distinguishes great teachers. At its essence, teaching is about communication. A skilled teacher uses creativity to convey complex ideas in ways that resonate with different learners. Whether through storytelling, visual aids, or interactive activities, the art of teaching lies in making lessons engaging and meaningful. Empathy also plays a crucial role in the art of teaching. It allows teachers to create an inclusive and supportive environment. Teaching also requires adaptability. Spontaneity, akin to an artist improvising, keeps the learning process dynamic and enriching.”
Co-author of the recently published book, Ethics in Economics, Dr Singh points out, “Teaching is more than a profession- it is an art that shapes minds, builds character, and transforms lives.” Teaching is an art. And what is being taught could also be an art. Shehla Hashmi Grewal, who has been part of a street theatre group, then taught geography at school level and thereafter has been teaching pottery since 20 years, says art is all pervasive. “To me anything which is beautifully done and executed is a work of art. Designing a building, decorating a room, arranging flowers, painting, parenting, listening, talking, and storytelling, displaying your child’s medals on the wall and, of course, teaching can all be art. For teachers the ease and beauty with which they communicate messages and values to the minds and hearts of their students is an art in itself.
Another important skill for a teacher is to help develop the capacity to observe in students. Sharp observational skills help sensitise them towards their environment and society, and provides the basis for them to make positive interventions.” Grewal, who is based in Gurugram, goes on to explain, “When we are educating a new generation which we presume will bring positive change in our society we cannot ignore the importance of art in its various forms and manifestations.”
It is insightful and fun to explore art as an underlying aspect and a way of expression vis-a-vis the various facets and activities of our life. We can both appreciate art and bring in art through what we do in our day-to-day activities.
