A master of the arts, Amandeep Singh is getting set to launch a new line of children’s books which will be available in December 2015. Using the inimitable technique of Indian inks, Amandeep has built a reputation of creating thought-provoking and inspiring pieces of art namely through focusing on religious figures from the Sikh faith.
In his new project of children’s books, Amandeep has certainly paved the way for south Asian illustrators and is quickly becoming recognised on an international platform. With his work akin to the likes of Banksy, Asian World was keen to explore his talents and give him the opportunity to re-design our logo! Check out www.asianworldnews.co.uk to see how he got on.
Amandeep has always had an interest in art, from a very young age. His parents were his biggest critics and his biggest support system. Amandeep explains: “I used to draw from a very young age; I used to draw on the walls of my house! But especially now, in the last four years since I adopted the name Inkquisitive. But academically I’ve studied a lot of art; I did my degree in art and my masters in illustration, so I’ve always felt passionate about art.
“I think I picked it up from my dad because my dad does calligraphy, so I grew up watching him. The funny thing is, when I told my parents I want to do illustration, my dad was like, ‘awesome! You want to be an architect!’ after I explained what it actually was, he was still very supportive about it. I would say I’m lucky that I’ve got that support network there, because I know a lot of people who do things they don’t really enjoy- so I’m very thankful.”
Amandeep goes on to explain the importance of choosing the right name to represent your work. So we wanted to know where the name Inkquisitive derived from. He said: “The thing about my work is that it poses a lot of questions and the meaning of inquisitive is to pose questions. I also tend to use a lot of Indian inks in my work. So one day my mum and I were looking at my work and she said to me, ‘Your work is very inquisitive’ and that was it. It worked out from there.”
In many cases, art is about the representation or expression of something and for Amandeep, “illustration is all about freedom. If you look at graphic design- no disrespect to graphic designers- but there are a lot of rules to it. But with illustration, it’s all about communication and expression of freedom. I can get my pens out and design whatever I want and there are no barriers.”
It’s refreshing to see so many young Asians like Amandeep pursuing a career they love, whilst incorporating the sometimes very sensitive issue of religion. Amandeep explains:
“Especially in the Asian community, were not typically known for art- not as much as we should be. You touched up on the Guru’s and there’s so much story telling involved and there’s no one putting it into visual.
I remember my dad would take me to the Gurdwara as a child and I would listen to all these stories, but for me and so many other kids, we would be so much more interested if there was some artwork to see and help relate to. I’ve also done pieces on Eid and Diwali; so I just want to focus on the Asian side.”
But for Amandeep there was bigger reason behind creating his artwork. “The issue I had was I would grow up listening to stories and that was it. I want to create something different for this new generation. If you look at some of my pieces about the ten Guru’s, it makes you question why I’ve used a certain colour or why is there an arrow pointing a certain way. These decisions all lead to stories about the Guru’s. I think it’s important to say something and engage with it. I always say art work should be emotionally responsive and visually pleasing.”
Amandeep followed his passion and it opened the door to so many more young and talented artists. He explains: “When I first came out, it wasn’t my intention to be anyone’s role model or represent any particular group, it was just to express my voice. It’s a lot of pressure but I’m glad people are finally picking up a pen.”
As an artist, Amandeep has a signature look, which incorporates vibrant colours and radiates an air of ethnicity. Apparently, that was all an accident! “I burn paper all the time and once I was working on something. My elbow knocked over the ink onto the burnt paper and it splattered everywhere into these amazing, vibrant colours, and that was it… It’s all in the shoulder.”
As an avid reader, Amandeeps biggest passion is to be involved in children’s books. He said: “One of the first books I ever read was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and that opened up a whole new reality for me- so I ended up getting the golden ticket! (Shows tattoo on wrist). I feel like it’s a big reminder to me to always use my imagination.”
Amandeeps new collection of children’s books, are targeted towards anyone aged 13 years and over. Many of the stories are based on “dreams that are very vivid- and sometimes scary. So many of the illustrations in this collection are based on my dreams. They will be available to buy at my exhibition and world tour in December 2015.”
