“Each day is a milestone in itself; we learn each day, grow each day but forget to acknowledge it to ourselves.” quotes Reema. It certainly is surprising to see such a thought provoking quote coming from a very young girl, who took to painting at the age of three and went on to have three solo exhibitions by high school!

Reema is a very proud product of Lady Sri Ram College, New Delhi and presently planning on pursuing doctoral studies in psychology.

It was wonderful to have interacted with Reema and to see her practical views, opinion and general stance on life even with the challenges that she faces on a daily basis. I hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I did.

You can view her paintings and accomplishments by visiting www.reemabansal.com

Q You are an accomplished young girl who comes across very charming and at the same time philosophical, for your age. You are certainly a great example and role model not only due to your accomplishments, but due to your mental strength and dedication. What aspects of your upbringing or the family support has helped to shape the person you are?

My father is a doctor; education and hard work always got valued. Mom being a very loving person, my friendships got valued. The combination, I suppose, led to best results……(smiles)

Q You stared painting at 3 and continued ever since. Your formal training to art was your 7^th Grade teacher. Would you say that this teacher inspired you to realize your inner painter or are you a born painter?

That’s a tough one. However, he wasn’t my 7^th grade teacher; I wanted some professional coaching, so papa arranged for a private tutor who taught me basic oil painting techniques. I can’t call that ‘inspiration’, but, without him, I might not have ventured into oil painting.

Q Your first exhibition was when you were in 11^th Grade. Till date you have 3 exhibitions to your credit. You have great family support. What would you tell to the kids, who unlike you, have set off on their own in an artistic journey?

If you really want anything noble, just begin working towards it… Rest follows. Be open and discuss your thoughts… we all have some natural resources (it COULD be family, it could also NOT be family; look at inherent talents, mentors, books (!)…); use them to the best, and, you’ll repeatedly feel and/or see that you can do it.

Q How do you choose what to paint? Do you paint with a context? Do you think a context helps to create a relationship between art and the rest of the world?

Yes. I usually I have an idea before I begin a painting. It certainly relates the painting and the world and the world around.

Q Should I call you a “literary artist”. Along with being a painter, you also write and have written for different magazines and publications. Tell us little about your writings. When did you start writing, what or who inspired you into writing and what inspires you to continue?

Writing gives me a voice. Nothing extraordinary about this – Seeing my name in print inspires me. I think it’s easier to pen down one’s thoughts and/or ideas than discussing them. I LOVED writing essays etc for school work, and joined a very well-established Writer’s Bureau course from England on my father’s suggestion. It honed and professionalized my writing. However, I still feel amateurish when it comes to writing… So ‘literary artist’ would be an overstatement for me. I can’t really categorize my work, because, one day I see myself writing a short romantic story, and, the other day, a smart-living article. It just comes.

Q You deal with Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, which is a neuro-muscular disorder that entails weakening of hands, arms, feet and legs. The things that other people take for granted might pose as challenge and struggle for you on everyday bases. In spite of this, how do you get strength to continue painting and writing and not give up?

Does a flower amidst million others not keep trying to grow, whether (or not) it looks different? (well, not to sound poetic – With all the aids like mobility scooters etc, managing my physical challenge is easier in the present day, than, perhaps, it would have been ages back..)

Q Would you like to share some challenges that you face due to your ailment, while painting or while writing?

It’s more of a challenge repeating ‘How a challenge is not necessarily a challenge’. ABC might see his/her weak eye-sight as a disability, a challenge, or just a ‘little-something-to-be-coped-with-using-spectacles-or-lens’….

All the same, being more pragmatic — when I want to promote my work, or visit a place to write about it, or need to meet people; my being unable to drive is a little distressing.

Q How do people react to you once they know about your ailment? Do they continue to behave normally or you observe any reactions and changes?

I see varied responses from varied people.

Q Does it ever bother you that you got an unfair deal?

No, What would you suggest to the numerous people(especially kids) suffering from any neurological disorder or physical disability?

You can do it…. Believe yourself. And, try not to keep wishing/working for correction of the ailment. If it can be treated, it will be; but if not, playing with your own hopes would become a disability in itself. Perhaps ‘Acceptance’ is the key word here…

Q Do you have any other hobbies or talents that we should know about?

Hiding my nervousness during such interviews(smiles) and reading of course.

Q Do you plan to have your 4^th exhibition anytime in the near future?

I want to, but, not a solo-show. Solo exhibitions demand tremendous expense and time… As of now am more interested in a group show and/or advertising through net. Let’s see……