Patna, April 22: Jyotirmayi Prasad, a self-taught artist, is on a journey to explore her creativity. With roots in Bihar, Jyotirmayi has come back to the state for her first art exhibition.

Jyotirmayi said: “Now, I am ready to begin the second innings of my life with great enthusiasm and a yearning to learn. It is interesting to wait and see what lies ahead. While I was busy in my role as a teacher and homemaker, my desire to find creativity in everything I did was always evident. I painted whenever I found the time but the artist within me was never satisfied. It still is not.”

The three-day exhibition — Tints and Strokes, A Quest by Jyotirmayi Prasad — that has been organised by non-governmental organisation (NGO) Prayas Bharti Trust was inaugurated by art, cultural and youth affairs minister Sukhda Pandey today on the premises of College of Arts and Crafts, Patna.

Jyotirmayi’s, who began painting taking inspiration from nature, uninhibited use of strokes and colours further invoked her sense of experimentation.

Oil, acrylic and mixed are the medium she uses on her canvas where her work is mostly influenced by the life of a common man and natural creativity.

“I would like to further explore myself and the world around me through my art,” said Jyotirmayi, adding she is grateful to her family and friends who boosted her confidence through constant encouragement and the NGO for their initiative in organising this event. “I promise to bring more exciting work in the future,” said Jyotirmayi.

There are around 23 paintings on display at the exhibition where Jyotirmayi has portrayed beauty of nature, village life, the various modes of pottery and women empowerment.

Pandey said: “The paintings show a great form of artistry by the painter. What I like in the paintings are the amalgamation and immaculately blending colours. I wish for the success of this exhibition. I am proud that now artists are coming here to exhibit their art. It’s a new beginning.”

“As far as visual art is concerned, it has not received the respect it deserves in the state. But the government promises to bring back the state’s cultural affluence,” she added.

The minister also said in November, the art and cultural affairs department would set up an art camp where artists from different regions will come to participate.

There is also a plan to make arrangements for their travel to important sites of the state.

A seminar, including artists both from and outside Bihar would also be organised. “All this would be done to create a cultural environment in the state,” she said.