Former MP, Dr. Bharatiben Shiyal inaugurated the Art Exhibition
Newz Daddy Fashion and Lifestyle Updates
Bhavdip Jidiya, a young artist, says,
“It was a proud moment in my life when my painting exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Bhartiben Shiyal, former Member of Parliament from Bhavnagar and former National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Having someone of her stature and kindness accept my invitation and grace the opening of my show is something I will always cherish”.
When I met her and invited her to inaugurate my art show, she accepted with a warm smile and a humble heart. Her presence added a special glow to the event, and the moment she lit the lamp and officially opened my exhibition, I felt a sense of fulfilment I had never felt before. For me, it was not just an art event—it was a celebration of my roots, my journey, and my identity.
I belong to a family deeply involved in the brick-making business for many years. Since childhood, I have seen the hard work, discipline, and dedication that go into this craft. My elders worked tirelessly—often in tough weather and dusty conditions—to turn raw soil into strong, beautiful bricks that would become the foundation of someone’s home or dream.
Brick-making is not an easy job. It involves mixing the right kind of clay, shaping it with skilled hands, and baking it in large kilns using coal and fire. It takes a team of hardworking people and many hours of labour to produce high-quality bricks. It’s hot, heavy work—and yet my family did it with pride, never complaining.
Watching them day after day, I learned something very important: dignity in labour. Whether you’re an artist, a labourer, or a leader, the effort you put into your work is what makes it beautiful.
As I started exploring art, I realised that I carried those brick kiln images with me, like a treasure box of inspiration. I could still feel the textures of the clay, the heat from the fire, and the rhythmic sound of hands shaping bricks. That world began to appear in my artwork —sometimes clearly, sometimes subtly.
My artworks are not just about colours and lines—they are about stories. They are stories of workers stacking bricks, of families working together under the open sky, and of dusty hands building strong foundations. Even when I use abstract forms or play with modern art styles, you’ll find hints of those brick kilns, the earthy tones of clay, and the glowing reds of fire.
Through my artwork, I try to express the untold story of thousands of hardworking people, including my own family, who contribute silently to the world around us.
Having Dr. Bhartiben Shiyal at my exhibition made the event even more meaningful. She didn’t just attend the event—she appreciated the thought behind my work. When she walked through the gallery, observing each piece of art, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. It was like my personal and professional journeys had come together in a full circle.
Her presence also brought attention to an important message—that art can be deeply connected to real life, to tradition, and to the spirit of the common people. Her appreciation encouraged me to keep going, to keep creating, and to keep telling stories that matter.
My goal as an artist is to shine a light on their efforts through my work. Whether it’s through a painting of a brick kiln worker or an abstract piece inspired by fire and clay, I want people to feel that connection. I want them to see the beauty in hard work, the art in labour.
My journey from watching bricks being made to creating paintings inspired by them is something I feel deeply proud of. I feel like I am carrying forward my family’s legacy—but in my own creative way. While they built physical structures, I am trying to build emotional connections through my canvas.
Their strength became my foundation. Their dedication gave me discipline. Their hard work taught me the value of staying true to one’s purpose.
This entire experience has taught me that every artist needs support—not just from family and friends, but also from people who believe in culture, creativity, and change. Dr. Bhartiben Shiyal’s encouragement gave me that extra push to dream even bigger.
I hope that as I continue to grow as an artist, I can use my work to highlight the power of tradition, the dignity of labour, and the stories that often remain untold.
Sometimes people ask me, “How did you become an artist?” And I smile and say, “It started with a brick.” Because truly, my art is built on the strong foundation of my family’s hard work.
I will always be grateful for where I come from and the support I have received from leaders and well-wishers. It reminds me that while I hold the brush, I am never painting alone—I carry with me the spirit of every person who inspired my journey.”
You have just read a true story of an aspiring artist, Bhavdip Jidiya.
This was his second exhibition and first solo exhibition. He is planning to organise such shows in other parts of the country and also plans to display his art internationally.
All the very best to Bhavdip Jidiya.
