Our Head of Art Luke Baker recently spoke with Little Van Gogh artist Naini about how her move to paint in a more minimalist way is helping her to achieve greater depth within her work.

What inspires you?

The universe, its connectedness and omnipresence. In other words, essence of life.

How has your practice changed over time?

My work has recently moved towards being finer with a greater focus on depth. Currently I am exploring more of a minimalist style of painting and I am excited to see where that takes me.

What’s your favourite artwork?

There are quite a few artists that I can think of and to name one painting is quite tough. However at this moment it would be Mark Rothko’s No1 (Royal Red and Blue). The colours and balance are so powerful with so much depth that I could just sit there looking into that painting and embark on the infinite journeys within.

There are others like Rembrandt, JMW Turner and Vincent Van Gogh to name a few whose work I have always admired. Van Gogh is the only one with whom I feel a connection when it comes to how much art means to me, as I feel I am just as passionate and committed as he seemed to be.

Describe a real-life situation that has had a direct impact on your work?

Experiencing nature so completely is the most dramatic thing that has happened to me, which is why I attempt to express in colour through my artwork. The joy, excitement and that sense of awe when we see the bud of a flower or a butterfly is amazing.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

‘Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible’ – Dalai Lama