TFOD Profile Of The Week: Sanjeev Joshi, Pune

Many creative people dabble in myriad creative fields and explore varied avenues to kindle their creativity. Architects particularly, are often seen to be seriously inclined to explore other art forms. Sanjeev Joshi is one such. The Pune-based architect who has graduated from the J. J. College of Architecture, has been helming an architectural practice along with his wife Mita - since the last 30 years! Working primarily on residential architecture and interiors, the practice has earned a fine reputation in the chosen niche. Sanjeev, however, also has a remarkable flair for capturing his observations on paper, in the form of sketches! 

The mostly pen-and-ink renderings, often enhanced with coloured inks and/or water colours; present snapshots of architecture and urban design – buildings, streets, landscapes – and showcase people and activities typically seen there. Each sketch captures the ‘spirit of the place’ – and serves as a beautiful memoir from the architect-artist’s many travels in India and overseas. 

Inspired by a group of Urban Sketchers in Singapore, Joshi formed a group for like-minded people in Pune – an ever-increasing group of people passionate about sketching! “I took part in Singapore International Urban Sketchers Symposium in July 2015. I conducted three workshops, and attended the various sketching related activities. After experiencing the fun in group sketching, I decided to start an urban sketching group in Pune, with few of my sketching enthusiasts and friends.” The group meets every Sunday, at various locations in Pune and each of the artists – young and old, trained or self-taught – bound by their passion for sketching – draws what he/she sees and experiences. 

Calligraphy is also an art that Joshi is passionate about – and believes it should be a ‘way of life’! “I love to communicate through letters,” smiles the versatile artist. “I am interested in fine arts, which include calligraphy, watercolour paintings and sketching. I also do pottery, when time permits. I find a similarity in all these forms of art, in which I indulge.” Often, the calligraphy weaves its way onto the sketches, giving interesting twists and a defining character to the rendered image.  

It is a pleasure and privilege to host such versatile people on TFOD – The Future Of Design; and we wish Sanjeev Joshi all the very best on all the creative journeys that he chooses to pursue!