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A peek into Meghna Verma Darkim’s Creative Space Where Humans and Animals Connect

Born and raised in India, I grew up amidst the dynamic environment of military life, which instilled a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. Now settled in Mizoram, my surroundings continue to fuel my artistic imagination. With a professional background in marketing, I approach my art by merging research with creative expression. My work predominantly features acrylics and watercolors, chosen for their capacity to produce vibrant, contrasting colors that reflect the emotional depth of my subjects. My art is a testament to animals’ influence on our lives, expressed through bold narratives that encourage a deeper understanding of our shared existence.

Meghna Verma Darkim

In this week’s studio visit interview, we get a peek into the creative world of Meghna Verma Darkim from India, who now calls Mizoram home. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind her work, her love for animals and nature, and the story of how she reignited her passion for painting during the COVID-19 lockdown. We get to explore her creative process, the chaos of her workspace, and her dreams of a secluded studio in the hills. Accompanied by her two Dobermans snoozing nearby while she paints, her current studio smells like a comforting mix of coffee, vanilla, and a hint of dog.

1.   Meghna, Can you describe your typical studio day and creative process?

A typical creative day starts for me not in the studio but out on the road during my morning run. I like to run in the dark before the sun rises, which usually means I am alone outside, with barely any human in sight. That is when my creativity is at its peak, and strangely enough, ideas, layouts, colors, and stories come to me during this time. Once an idea comes to me for a painting, I normally spend a week or so toying with it, creating mood boards and thumbnails, and reading about things associated with it (especially if it is an animal). Then I will finally get down to sketching it on paper or canvas. From this point on, the process is rather meditative for me. From priming to undertones to the final piece, the painting takes on a life of its own at each step. I’m afraid to say that more often than not, my final piece evolves into a whole different being than the starting point; it’s almost like I am living inside that painting for those few weeks I spend creating it. I usually prefer to paint at night once everyone has gone to sleep, and I can be in a small bubble of my own. Conversely, sketching and drawing are things I do during the day. There is also the fact that I have a whole other job to give time to in the daytime. A typical day is a moving feast, so I can read or sketch during the day, but I always paint at night.

2.   What is the primary inspiration behind your current body of work?  

I am most inspired by nature, specifically fauna and its relation to our world. This could mean animals in their natural habitats, extinct creatures, their presence in symbols, mythology, and literature, or even pets and their relationship with their humans. Rarely do people inspire me, or to be precise, my husband plays muse at times—the only time I paint portraits from life.

3. What is your favorite memory or incident from your studio?

I would have to say the first six months of the COVID-19 lockdown. Due to the nature of my work, I had gone a couple of years without creating regularly prior to the lockdown. When the world came to a standstill and I found myself locked in with a cat for a few months, I took to painting every single night. And I haven’t stopped since!

4. Do you have any studio assistants, or do any visitors like pets or kids often accompany you?

I have always had dogs and cats around. Currently, I have two Dobermans, who each find a cozy spot for the day and snore away while I work. They sometimes jump on over to check out what I am up to. Unfortunately, they never seem very impressed!

5. How would you describe a dream studio for yourself?

I am actually in the process of building said dream studio and can’t wait for the autumn of 2025 when I can move in there. It is located on a secluded farmhouse, an hour out of the city in the hills of north-east India. A large room looking out into the woods filled with books, records, art supplies, and incense.

6. What does your studio smell of right now?

Coffee, Vanilla, and a bit of Dog!

7. If you could set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Right here in Mizoram.

8. Can you discuss any ongoing projects or future plans you have for your work?  

I have just started work on a new series that explores the relationship of women and animals with each other and individually with the world around them. The pieces are inspired by my own personal experiences with animals as well as those I have read and heard of from other women.

9. How do you organize your space?

I have a bit of an OCD about how I store art supplies. Paints are sorted by category, sketchbooks and paper are arranged by size, canvases are stowed properly, and brushes and pencils are in dedicated containers. I even have an old coffee bottle full of erasers! But, when I paint, it’s chaos – I like to paint sitting on the floor with the surface either on the floor or pinned to the wall. As long as a piece is in progress, all the material will be sprawled across the entire floor, and lights will be positioned in a certain way.

10. What is your favorite corner in the studio?

I live in a one-bedroom apartment, meaning my dining room doubles as a studio, and my bookshelf contains my art supplies. I technically do not have a real space, but the bookshelf is my favorite. Just looking at all the supplies lined up gives me happiness.



Meghna’s studio is cozy and full of creative energy. The air smells of coffee, vanilla, and her two Dobermans, who love to nap nearby. It’s a space that feels personal and inspiring, whether she’s working late into the night or dreaming about the peaceful hillside studio she’s building in Mizoram.

Visit our website to explore other artists’ virtual studio spaces. To be featured on our website, remember to apply for this month’s call for art.

Read more about Meghna Verma on her Website and Instagram.

Arts to Hearts Project is a global media, publishing, and education company for
Artists & Creatives.
where an international audience will see your work of art patrons, collectors, gallerists, and fellow artists. Access exclusive publishing opportunities and over 1,000 resources to grow your career and connect with like-minded creatives worldwide. Click here to learn about our open calls.

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