Artist Shankar Devarukhe

My workspace is located at 20/1/7 in Dhanakawadi, inside Ganesh Heights. You can find me right opposite the K K Market, which is always buzzing with shoppers. This isn't a gallery with white walls and spotlights. It is a working artist’s studio, which means there is paint on the floor and brushes soaking in jars everywhere. The light comes in through a large window, which is the most important part of the room. Ganesh Heights is a busy building, but once you step inside the studio, things feel a little different. I spend most of my time here, working on whatever project is currently on the easel. There are stacks of canvases leaning against the walls and the smell of oil paint is quite strong. It is a bit disorganized to an outsider, but I know exactly where every tube of color is hidden. People from the market sometimes look up and see me working through the glass. I don't have a secretary or a fancy waiting room. If you come by, you might have to move a palette or a cloth just to find a place to sit down. It’s a simple, honest way to spend the day. I’ve been in Dhanakawadi for years and I like the energy of the people here. It keeps the work grounded and real, just like the neighborhood itself. There are always sketches taped to the door and old charcoal pencils scattered across the desk.