For over a decade, Heena Kapadia was a
familiar figure to local children learning the fundamentals of drawing. For 12
years, she dedicated her days to nurturing young talent, grounded in the quiet
routine of her studio practice. Yet, as the world of art education evolved and
interactive workshops began gaining popularity, a new path presented itself.
Her son saw an opportunity for her to expand her reach, encouraging her to lead
workshops for broader, adult audiences.
Initially, Heena hesitated. At 50,
stepping out of her comfort zone felt daunting, and she questioned whether she
could relate to a newer generation of learners. Yet, she took a leap of faith
and hosted her first session: a tote-bag painting workshop. Experiencing the
delight of adult creators gave Heena the confidence to launch a wide variety of
workshops. More importantly, it enriched her personal creative practice,
bringing newfound joy to her own artwork. Through her teaching, Heena quickly
identified the main obstacle holding back most beginners: the fear of making
mistakes.
"I think the most common mistake
beginners make is being afraid of the outcome," Heena explains. "They
worry about whether their artwork will look perfect or if they can do it
correctly."
In the end, art is never about chasing
perfection, it is an authentic expression of oneself. When painters trade
self-criticism for personal expression, every brushstroke becomes a celebration
of individuality rather than a test to be passed.
Heena Kapadia
