02 Nov Vijeta Nayak
A new dimension made itself felt, the confluence of two dynamic worlds, architecture and photography, caused a powerful frisson in me.
The Past was all preparation: The Making of the Clay. My B. Arch thesis was the highpoint of my academic life. I designed a shelter for women affected by flesh trade. The project was meant to be a tiny candle in seemingly insurmountable darkness. In the course of my walks in the dusty by-lanes of Muddhol and Gokak, I learnt to think of space in relation to people and emotions.
The Laurie Baker workshop, I had previously attended, had brought out the creativity invested in materials. It was a dream within a dream as I shaped arches with mud and bricks even as I imbibed Laurie Baker’s principles of cost-effective, energy-efficient and sustainable construction at the Kanthari centre for differently-abled people. I learnt what it was to be a creator at Alternate Angles, the architectural firm where I was a brick in the wall of design and architecture. Participation in the restoration work of the Kodak house, a heritage structure in Mumbai, inculcated that even greatness needs nurturing and care for it to endure.
The place I lived in, my backyard, my playground, Borivali’s beautiful LIC Colony, was an enduring example of architectural greatness shaped by the benign hands of Charles Correa. The mind, I believe, grows in layers and veneers. Architectural tours to Dubai, France, Spain and Japan provided exotic impressions on the mind.
As life blessed me with opportunities to be overwhelmed by works of such great masters as Antoni Gaudi, Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Le Corbusier and I M Pei. I was also learning Japanese and this added a wonderful new element into the yet fluid mind material. And then NIP happened. The National Institute of Photography kindled a powder keg that lay hidden in my folds. A new dimension made itself felt, the confluence of two dynamic worlds, architecture and photography, caused a powerful frisson in me. I felt a powerful hand churning the clay, giving it individuality, personality, quintessence.
And when, then, my photograph ‘Ceiling of the Louvre’ was selected for a scintillating photo exhibition cum-competition, I knew I had chosen right. The clay was ready.
I focus on capturing the human emotions connected with the space through my photographs.
The present stands as something real and breathing. I call it the baking of the brick. I feel like a butterfly clean and polished, freshly out of its chrysalis. I am an Architectural Photographer. I combine the best of both worlds. The worlds of creation and reflection. I am passionate about being the bridge between two spaces. I use my knowledge of architecture to photograph spaces, thus being able to elevate my work to the level of craft.
I have had opportunities to teach the science of photography to students pursuing B. Arch. It gladdens me that I am well received. I am working my way up to be recognized as a consummate Architectural Photographer. A steady trickle of work keeps me engaged as one. I am making my mark yet. I am not yet accomplished enough to have a team working for me. I am not yet comfortable enough to own my equipment. I source my stuff, camera etc. all, by hire. Well, I’m climbing the ladder yet.
I am enjoying this fertile period which will someday give way to a more cushioned career. Thus, I am right now focussed on skill-building. Skill- building every day and every way. I’m focussing on how to give that subtle touch of artistry to the photographs I take. I’m paying scrupulous attention to details, lighting, composition, framing and styling. I’m focussed on creating drama through lighting and composition. I’m focussing on showing unique perspectives and making the viewer feel exactly what I am feeling about the space when I am in that space. I focus on making natural light to work for me and enhance the beauty of my work.
I focus on capturing the human emotions connected with the space through my photographs. I’m focussed on developing a work ethic that will surpass ambition and define my career. Today, I derive work-satisfaction when my pay-check is accompanied by a twinkle of delight in my patron’s eye.
When I’m not behind the lens or in the editing lab, I maintain a precious little blog ‘Frozen Dialogues’ which combines photography, art and, sometimes, poetry.
The idea is to find a role in the future that gives expression to the inner material-intellect, emotion and spirit-the inner material, in a way so as to commune with intellects, emotions and spirit in the outer universe.
The future starts now. I will build the structure. I will spread my wings. I’ll take flight. I shall widen the skies. And having done so, I shall occupy this widened universe. The possibilities cause thrill. Probabilities don’t distract. Something deep within seeks expression. And that will be the future.
The consummation of the internal with the external. Photography might remain the medium. The medium might change. But the process of evolution will run its course. I will aim to keep creating. I shall dive into ever expanding internal infinities. The spirit must find substantial expression. I shall pursue this course. Through my camera or otherwise, I shall continue to show never before seen beauty in objects of life.
I shall accept invitations to homes and establishments and continue showing newer perspectives of space you always visited. I have, for a brief stint, been a pedagogue. I might contemplate sharing my skills, accumulated experience with others in future. And I want to drink from the Holy Grail of success. That for me is to touch the world with an impression of my own. That for me is to leave behind an enduring legacy of work. As enduring as a Mozart symphony. In my opinion, true usefulness is the fountainhead from which true power flows. With the camera and otherwise, I shall look forward to be of true service to the world. I just have a vague idea of the future.
But I believe, vague is better than sure when it comes to the future. Concepts will change. Technology will change. Idioms change. Expressions change. The idea is to find a role in the future that gives expression to the inner material-intellect, emotion and spirit-the inner material, in a way so as to commune with intellects, emotions and spirit in the outer universe. I shall find my way. Sometimes, I shall break paths.
Sometimes, follow. But I shall stay relevant. I shall keep growing. With the camera. With the mind. With feelings. With the world. The vision will be beauty. The vision of inner beauty communicating with, communing with universal beauty.
Vijeta Nayak
DESIGN FIELD
Film making and Photography
LOCATION
Mumbai, India
STUDIO NAME
Vijeta Nayak Photography
ABOUT
A warm Hello! from Vijeta Nayak. I am a B. Arch, Mumbai University, and have studied Photography at the National Institute of Photography, Mumbai. I am driven by the aim of creating dramatic impressions in every photograph I take. Passionate about using the freshest ideas and techniques, I deliver professional photographic documentation services concerned with Architecture, Interior and Hospitality. I also share my experiences with budding architects through Architectural Photography Workshops and Photo Walks. I am driven by the urge to deliver state-of-art services to my clients through my strengths and acumen in Architecture combined with my talents in Photographic techniques.
