In our new column Women Leaders at Leisure, we put the spotlight on women leaders and their passion projects. In the first installment of the column, meet Dr Sushma Mahajan, a radiologist by day and an artist by night. In a candid conversation we get introduced to Dr Sushma’s foray into art and her style as a painter. She also shares sound advice for women leaders to balance their profession and passion simultaneously. Meet Dr Sushma at leisure.
For Dr Sushma Mahajan, precision is an important tool; both at her day job as the HOD for radiology at Jaipur’s Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and in her alternate career as a painter & artist.
“I come from the medical field, where precision and attention to detail are crucial,” says Dr Sushma.
A seasoned radiologist with 24 years of industry experience, Dr Sushma brings a similar precision to her work as an artist as well. A maverick with water colours, she borrows her eye for precision to craft beautiful paintings that represent life in its most beautiful yet realistic form.
Looking at her exceptional paintings, it would be hard to gauge that Dr Sushma is a self-taught artist who only began her art journey in 2020. But through practice and sheer talent, she has acquired appreciation from all corners of the art world. Her artworks are displayed in homes of notable figures such as Ajay Shriram, Alok Shriram, Vinita Singhania, and even Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, and in several suites at the Taj Hotels.
Dr. Sushma recently teamed up with Art Historian & Consultant Author, Curator, Dr. Alka Pande, who curated her solo exhibition ‘This Beautiful World’ at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
With her art being recognized and appreciated by art enthusiasts across the country, the mother of two believes she is just getting started in her journey as an artist.
Chance Discovery Illuminating Path to Painting
A self-taught artist, Dr Sushma found painting through serendipity. “I never imagined myself as a painter. It was a chance discovery,” she says.
It was early 2020 and Dr Sushma’s daughter had to create a watercolour poster for a project in her 12th Grade. In enlisting her mother’s help to create the poster, her daughter helped Dr Sushma discover her penchant for painting, especially watercolours.
The Covid induced lockdown acted as a catalyst as well. “With my hospital being closed for two months and water colours at home, I decided to spend time by painting.” Before she knew it, Dr Sushma was hooked.
But it wasn’t smooth sailing from the very first day. “Initially, I was unaware about different painting mediums or techniques. In my naivety, believed that water colors would be the easiest medium to begin with. But I soon realized it’s difficulty.”
Dr Sushma struggled for three months, “In the first few months nothing seemed to go right, and my results didn’t match what I saw in YouTube videos. It was frustrating.” But an optimist at heart, she did not give up. Through rigorous practice on a daily basis, within six months she gained ample proficiency and her art-work began adorning the walls of her home.
“Once I began seeing results, there was no stopping me. By the end of the year, I had created 100 paintings.” As her confidence grew, the idea to exhibit her work to the public took shape.
Recognitions & Endorsements
Narrating her journey of taking her work out in the world, Dr Sushma says, “When I began painting in 2020, I had some apprehensions, since I wasn’t confident in my skillset. After six months of practice and upon seeing progress, I began participating in contests to test myself.”
Soon her work started receiving recognitions in national-level competitions. She joined an online global community for artists called the Pan Art Review. “Over two years, I consistently posted and was ranked among the top three traditional artists, which was a significant achievement. I also participated in a local competition at Jaipur’s Kalaneri Gallery, where my painting A Child with an Accordion won first prize in the realism category,” recalls Dr Sushma with gusto.
But Dr Sushma does not count awards as her biggest achievements. Instead, it is the endorsement of art lovers and enthusiasts that truly make her happy. And Dr Sushma has won some noteworthy endorsements. Her very first exhibition showcased in Delhi last April, was curated by the celebrated art-curator Dr. Alka Pandey. “Having Dr Alka agree to showcase my work has been my greatest achievement. She has curated another exhibition for me this year. I am deeply grateful for her support,” says Dr Sushma.
Realism with a Side of Optimism
“Realism is my forte as a painter,” remarks Dr Sushma.
For someone who spends long hours in drab environs of a hospital set-up, Dr Sushma ensures that her work as an artist exudes a love for life through bright and vivid colours. Contrasting to the despair she observes while working in a cancer hospital, she ensures that her art-work is happy and positive. “I want my work to bring a smile on the observer’s face, often connecting them to nature or evoking nostalgic moments,” she adds.
Dr Sushma doesn’t believe in complicating or overly intellectualizing her art or inspirations. “I don’t seek out inspiration. I believe it is all around us. Nature itself is the best inspiration. whether it’s the sky at sunrise or sunset, the blossoms of spring, the foliage of autumn, or the stillness of winter. There’s so much beauty around us, you don’t need to look for inspiration; it’s everywhere.”
This clarity of thought and appreciation of nature reflects in Dr Sushma’s work in abundance. She currently works on portraits, landscapes, architecture, and, most recently, temple art.
Balancing Act: Profession & Passion
Time is the scarcest commodity in a professional’s life. Its only tougher for women leaders who not only have demanding professions but have added household responsibilities as well. Dr Sushma believes, prioritization is the key. And through that she has been acing her profession and passion alike.
A disciplined person by nature, Dr Sushma believes that if one is passionate about doing something, then there is no room for excuses. “It can be tricky to manage two things that are close to your heart, but once I commit to something, I make no excuses,” she says. In order to prioritize painting in her free time, Dr Sushma let go of several other hobbies and activities that she earlier used to enjoy.
She also acknowledges the support she receives at home. “As a woman, especially in a demanding profession, there are societal expectations to manage the household and children efficiently. Luckily, I have help at home, and my children are settled in their professional lives.” Dr Sushma makes a special mention of her husband who is one of her strongest pilar of support while also encouraging her to pursue her dreams.
Invest Time in Self to Find Self-Fulfilment
One might wonder, what is the need for individuals to look for passions beyond their professions and family. But Dr Sushma explains it perfectly. She says, “It's crucial to recognize what brings you fulfilment. Four years ago, as a medical professional heading a department, with two children succeeding in their studies, I felt content and settled. Nothing was missing in my life. However, after discovering my love for painting, my life’s puzzle has found its last piece.”
She believes that many individuals possess hidden talents but aren't aware of them until they step out of their comfort zones. She suggests that we must step out of that zone to discover our hidden passion.
Dr Sushma also gives sound advice to women professionals. She says, “Cultivate a passion for learning and exploration. Only by stretching our boundaries can we discover our potential. But you must be patient with yourself. Set small goals and celebrate each milestone. Lastly, don’t compare yourself to others. You are only in competition with your past self.”
She concludes the conversation by quoting Nelson Mandela, 'Don't settle for a life less than the one you're capable of living.'
