Addicted to applause
The Hindu
Twenty-two year old graphic artist talks about his varied awards and prizes he has accumulated over the years
Steven Harris, is a graphics designer from Bengaluru, now working in Abu Dhabi. The 22-year-old artist and graphic designer, who studied in Bengaluru and lived most of his life in Banashankari, says he dived into art at the age of two!
“I think my passion for art started when I learnt to hold a pencil,” says Steven on phone from Abu Dhabi. “I started replicating posters and images that I saw around me including book covers. Anything with colours fascinated me.”
When he was in third standard, Steven’s parents wanted him to pursue and upskill his art. “That is when I joined an art class and trained under Sheshadri Mokshagundam. He is my friend, philosopher and guide, not just for art but life as well. Many are not aware that he is the grandson of the late Sir M Vishveshwaraiah. He would teach art for free or charge a minimal fee for the classes.”
That is where Steven’s journey in art started. “I would visit his class straight after school, paint or draw and take his feedback,” recalls Steven, who has till date won over 155 medals, prizes and awards from at school, college and national level.
“It was an innate desire to excel and compete in art. A little push from my teachers and parents and I was hooked on participating in every competition. I am used to achieving things and winning applause so much that it has become an addiction for me now. The more I won, the more I wanted to compete. I wanted to be celebrated.”
Steven graduated from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru) and has also represented India at WorldSkills Olympics Championship Special Edition 2022 for Graphic Design Technology and bagged the Medallion for Excellence Award at Switzerland.
Steven is also the winner of the silver medal for the country at Eurasia Skills Championship (Russia) and Medallion for Excellence at the Global Skills Challenge (Australia) and was felicitated with The Indian Achievers’ Young Genius Award at The 64th National Indian Achievers’ Awards & The 10th CSR Times Summit 2023, held at New Delhi on August 21, 2023. He currently works in UAE with the Emirates Team as a WorldSkills Expert/Trainer for the Emirates Skills Team.