Beyond the Canvas
In a small town named Palampur, nestled between rolling hills and whispering streams, lived two young boys named Ram and Shyam. Both were twelve years old and shared an unbreakable bond over their love for painting. The vivid colours and endless possibilities of the canvas fascinated them, and they would spend hours lost in their creative worlds.
Ram’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sharma, recognised his artistic flair from a young age and showered him with praise at every stroke of his brush. They framed his paintings and displayed them all around their house, like a gallery showcasing their son’s talent. Whenever friends or relatives visited, they marvelled at his work, making Ram feel like a celebrity in his own right. Their praises made Ram’s chest swell with pride, and he began to believe that he was destined for greatness.
Shyam, on the other hand, had a different story. His parents appreciated his art as well, but his father, Mr. Verma, had a critical eye. Shyam would proudly bring his sketches home, only to receive a careful critique from his father. He would often sit beside Shyam, gently saying “You can do better!” and pointing out areas for improvement. He saw beyond the strokes of paint, noticing every imperfection and misalignment. He believed that constructive criticism was the path to improvement. This puzzled Shyam. Why did his father seem to focus on the flaws when others marvelled at his creations? Shyam’s heart ached for his father’s unreserved appreciation. The more his father critiqued, the harder Shyam worked, determined to capture that elusive approval.
As time flowed on, Ram’s fame soared. His paintings adorned local art galleries, and he even won regional awards for his captivating compositions. However, his triumphs led to complacency. He believed he held the ultimate key to artistry and stopped seeking out new techniques, letting his growth stagnate. He felt content with his existing skills, convinced that he was the best artist around. Unbeknownst to Ram, a new generation of talented and ambitious artists was emerging, ready to challenge his reign.
Shyam, in contrast, was a seeker. His father’s critiques only fuelled his fire. The thought of seeking appreciation and approval from his father was behind every action he took. Deep inside, he felt that there was something wrong with this thought, as he was growing mentally tired. However, he didn’t stop. He read art books from the town’s library, watched tutorials online, and would spend hours experimenting with techniques, pushing the boundaries of his creativity. He became so engrossed in this process that he outgrew the need for seeking appreciation and approval. Now, every piece he painted was a step closer to perfection, guided by his unquenchable thirst for improvement. His room became a private sanctuary for his art journey, a place where each canvas told a story of determination and progress. Initially, his father’s critiques served as the driving force behind his determination to prove himself. Later, his determination became his dedication as he realised that fulfilment came from the process of creating art itself. Now, Shyam’s love for art wasn’t rooted in seeking approval; it was about the sheer joy of creating. It was the most significant realisation he had ever had, which made him feel truly happy.
Despite the contrasting experiences, both Ram and Shyam shared a common dream - to participate in an international art exhibition in Germany, which happens once in four years. The exhibition showcased the work of the best and most critically acclaimed artists, and participation was by approval only. One day, an announcement rippled that the submissions for the exhibition are open. Both, Ram and Shyam were waiting for this moment. The young artists had three months to submit their masterpieces for consideration. The catch was that the artworks would be judged solely on their merit, without any consideration for the artist’s reputation. Only the most exceptional talents would be selected. The selection process was rigorous, with a panel of esteemed artists and critics determining the participants. Both boys felt a rush of excitement, but their paths diverged.
Ram’s overconfidence led him to believe he could create a masterpiece in the eleventh hour and assumed that his usual techniques would suffice. He procrastinated until the deadline neared, leaving his canvas untouched until the final weeks. Convinced that his reputation and past achievements would be enough to secure his spot in the exhibition and he wasted precious time.
On the other hand, Shyam felt a surge of inspiration the moment he heard about the exhibition. His mind was a whirlwind of ideas, each one more intricate than the last. Every morning, he would walk to a nearby park, a sketchbook in hand, and sit by the blooming flowers to gather inspiration. He spent days sketching and discarding concepts, searching for the one that would truly resonate.
One evening, as the sun cast a warm glow over the hills, Shyam found himself sitting beside the stream, lost in thought. The gentle babbling of water seemed to whisper encouragement. He was thinking about his journey so far and remembered his Guru’s words: “True art speaks not just to the eyes, but to the soul.” It was in this tranquil moment that Shyam remembered his Guru’s words: “Art is the combined achievement & ability of presenting purpose and beauty.” Suddenly, the pieces fell into place. It struck him then that he was focusing too much on technique and perfection, neglecting the deeper purpose of his art. Shyam realised his painting needed a deeper purpose. He realised that his purpose was to convey a message through his art, to share a story that went beyond the strokes and colours. He wanted to convey not just the beauty of nature but also the fragile balance it held.
With renewed thought process, he began sketching a concept that night. He poured his heart into his canvas and over the next weeks, it evolved into a breathtaking masterpiece he titled “Harmony of Nature.” It wasn’t just leaves and sunlight; it was a testament to his connection with nature. It depicted animals, plants, and landscapes coming together in a symphony of life, conveying the message of interconnectedness. When he finally stood back to admire his creation, he knew he had poured his purpose into every detail.
Ram’s journey, however, was starkly different. He realised he had wasted precious time, and anxiety set in. The pressure of time hung heavy over him, and he painted feverishly in the final days. With only a week left, Ram finally started his painting. He felt a mixture of regret and determination. The process was gruelling, but it made him appreciate the effort that went into creating true art. His work, although impressive, lacked the soul that Shyam’s painting exuded.
When the day of submission arrived, Shyam’s heart raced as he presented his masterpiece to his mother. Her eyes brimmed with pride as she praised his dedication and creativity. Shyam eyes were still searching for his father. His mother understood Shyam’s desire. Hesitantly, his mother took the painting to his father. Unbeknownst to them, Shyam stood hidden, his heart pounding.
As Mr. Verma’s eyes fell on “Harmony of Nature.” his gaze softened. His critical demeanor melted away, replaced by a mixture of surprise and admiration. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he whispered, “This is extraordinary.” Shyam’s heart swelled with joy and pride. Filled with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of his artistic journey, Shyam submitted his masterpiece for consideration in the international art exhibition.
The day of submission finally arrived, and both boys turned in their work. As the exhibition opened its doors in Germany. The international art exhibition was a spectacular event, a kaleidoscope of creativity from every corner of the world. Renowned critics and artists wandered the halls, their discerning eyes appraising each artwork. Shyam’s painting, “Harmony of Nature,” drew viewers like a magnet. Its intricate details and underlying message spoke volumes. The critics were moved by its depth and the emotions it stirred within them. On the other hand, Ram’s painting struggled to make a mark among the brilliant displays.
As the judges convened, the weight of their decision hung in the air. When their verdict was announced, it was Shyam’s name that echoed through the halls. The judges were captivated by the depth and skill displayed in his creation. He had been selected as one of the artists to represent his country in the international art exhibition. It was a dream come true, a testament to his dedication, and an affirmation of his new found thought process. He remembered his Guru to express gratitude. He had earned his place not through accolades or shortcuts, but through the journey of self-exploration and mentorship.
Ram, too, had learned a valuable lesson. His last-minute efforts had not reaped the rewards he had hoped for. He realised that the path to excellence was paved with patience, learning, and the humility to embrace one’s shortcomings.
As the exhibition concluded, both Ram and Shyam returned home, forever changed. Ram committed himself to constant growth, eager to learn and evolve. Shyam continued to find solace in his art