Written by Tanisha Cardozo
“Make art when no one cares. Make it raw, make it real.
That’s where your true voice takes shape—not through perfection, but through consistent, honest expression.” – Sharmila Coutinho
Sharmila Coutinho’s journey as an artist is one that beautifully blends resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. She recalls how drawing came naturally to her, never forced or taught, but simply present as her happy place—a space where the world made sense. At just seven years old, a simple Santa gift of a 24-shade colour set opened a world of endless hues and possibilities. That magic box was the first spark that set her on a path she would later choose to embrace fully.
Blooming Where She Was Planted
Encouraged by her mother, Sharmila joined Bal Bhavan, where her creativity was nurtured in countless ways, from the art studio to the music room, from clay modeling to the library where she first discovered Vincent van Gogh’s letters. These experiences shaped her perspective, revealing not only the struggles of an artist but also the beauty of persistence and self-expression. Although she initially chose the conventional path of science and computer studies, her heart was always drawn back to colour and canvas. Dropping out to pursue Fine Arts was one of the most defining choices of her life, one that came with struggles but also profound fulfillment.
Her path as an artist was far from smooth. She faced doubts—both her own and those of others—but chose to bloom where she was planted. She worked hard, supported herself, and learned the ways of the art market through experience and even through setbacks. Her studio in Goa became the place where her work reached people across the world—Spain, the UK, and beyond—all without her chasing opportunities. Instead, her art spoke for itself. Among her many milestones, two stand out: conceptualizing and designing the Lusofonia Games torch, a seashell-inspired piece that symbolized unity among coastal nations, and creating the official IFFI poster when the festival first came to Goa.
Today, Sharmila continues her creative journey as Deputy Infographic Editor at The Times of India, where she works with visionary editors and design professionals who recognize her talent. She sees art not as confined by borders but as an evolving practice of growth and expression. For her, creativity begins in silence, in stillness, and in the ability to declutter both the mind and surroundings. Travel, music, psychology, and deep conversations fuel her inspiration, while minimalism helps her maintain the clarity to create.
Creating for Meaning, Not Metrics
She acknowledges the challenges—self-doubt, external pressures, fleeting digital attention spans—but believes true growth lies in creating for meaning, not metrics. For aspiring artists, her advice is simple yet powerful: create when no one is watching, create without applause, and create because it fulfills you. Recognition may come, but fulfillment lies in the process itself.
Looking ahead, Sharmila hopes to reconnect with the tactile side of art after years of working in the digital realm. She dreams of returning to hands-on creation—painting, experimenting, and building with materials directly.
Her journey is ongoing, her canvas still open, and through it all, one truth remains: stay true, don’t lose yourself in the noise, and let your creativity continue to bloom without borders.
