Draft:Himanshu Sekhar Parida

Himanshu Sekhar Parida  (born July 14, 1986), is an Indian sand sculptor and designer known for his work in various mediums such as sand, stone, wood, clay model, mix media, handicrafts design, and digital media.

Parida's talent and creativity have earned him recognition in the form of prestigious awards and titles. He was honored with the Bharat Vikash Sangam award, Youth Conclave Award, Kalashree Ratna as well as being a guest of honor at the Ayodhya Film Festival and Shaheed Mela.

Throughout his career, Parida has showcased his innovative designs and unique artistic vision through his sculptural works. His mastery in manipulating different materials and mediums has enabled him to create truly captivating pieces that often blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.

In addition to his sculptural work, Parida has also delved into digital media, using technology as a tool to further enhance his artistic capabilities. His versatility as a designer allows him to constantly push the boundaries of his creativity and explore new artistic territories.

Parida continues to be a prominent figure in the Indian art and design scene, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and passion for his craft.



Early life
Parida was born in Cuttack, Odisha, where his father, Gagan Bihari Parida, is a renowned painter and sculptor. At the age of ten, Parida began assisting his father with sculpture work, sparking his interest in art and design. This early exposure laid the foundation for Parida's future career as a sculptor and designer. His upbringing in an artistic environment fostered his passion for creativity and honed his skills in various mediums. Today, Parida is recognized for his innovative works that blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.



Education
Parida embarked on his artistic journey by enrolling in a bachelor's degree program in Visual Art following the completion of his 12th exam. His dedication and talent were recognized when he was awarded a prestigious gold medal from Utkal University of Culture for his outstanding work in Visual Art. Eager to refine his skills, he pursued a master's degree specializing in sculpture. Parida's focus on sand media led to the creation of numerous impressive sand sculptures throughout various states in India, garnering attention not only nationally but internationally, resulting in opportunities to showcase his art in Europe - including countries such as Italy, Slovenia, and Austria - to inspire the younger generation through sand sculpture exhibitions. Additionally, he represented India at the South Asian Conference in Nepal, showcasing his expertise and contributing to the art community. Amidst his artistic endeavors, Parida also utilized his talents as a designer in the Handicrafts sector under DC (Handicrafts) within the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished artist.



Work
Parida is a talented artist whose deep love for the art of sand sculpting blossomed in his youth as he spent countless hours along the serene rivers of his hometown, meticulously shaping and molding sand into breathtaking creations. His dedication and hard work over the years have propelled him to widespread recognition and admiration within the artistic community and among art enthusiasts.

Renowned for his visually striking works imbued with powerful messages, parida's portfolio includes the famous Bani Thani relief work in sand media, a stunning embodiment of Rajasthan's traditional painting style. His artistic prowess transcends conventional boundaries, evident in his intricate sand sculptures like the iconic face of Mahatma Gandhi in Kargil, Ladakh, crafted to inspire the younger generation to follow the great leader's path.

Apart from sculptures, Parida has also skillfully depicted iconic figures such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekananda, and numerous freedom fighters through his portrait work, utilizing art as a medium to shed light on pressing social issues. A distinguishing feature of his artistry is the diverse range of media he employs in sand installations, from striking murals to exquisitely detailed sculptures, reflecting his creative versatility and unwavering commitment to his craft.

Continuing to push the boundaries of sand art, Parida's work promises to captivate and inspire global audiences. His exceptional ability to seamlessly blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes establishes him as a remarkable artist in the realm of sand sculpting, poised to make a lasting impact on the ever-evolving landscape of artistic expression.