Harshal Desai in the Spotlight

Harshal, whose piece ‘Pollination’ is published in the second issue of Lucent Dreaming, is an artist, writer, and photographer, charting identities through various art forms and taking on societal norms armed with nothing more than his cheeky wit and undeniable charm. He is the founding editor and art editor of Parentheses Journal.

What inspired your piece, ‘Pollination’ and how did it find its way to Lucent Dreaming?

The idea of creating ‘Pollination’ came across from a mixture of sci-fi fiction and documentaries that were swirling around in my head. They spoke of a theory that life on earth came from outer space, either through a passing comet or an asteroid impact. Building upon that notion, I wished to attempt portraying the cosmic seeds of life bursting from the original singularity point. Fractal art seemed to be the most appealing medium for me to bring this image to life. Thereafter, I showed the results to my wife and she immediately urged me to check out Lucent Dreaming. I knew I’m going to resonate with the publication as soon as I heard the name and believed pollination would be a perfect fit here. I’m delighted it agreed with you as well.

What does creating art mean to you?

Creating art is a negotiation of one’s own space, where individuality takes root and burgeons into a larger universal good. I’m interested in the ways in which art could bring about sustainability in the lives of individuals. Art encompasses plentiful meanings in my life.

What writing/creative projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I am creating a series of photographic manipulations exploring spherical geometry, burgeoning from one centre, one core and expanding into several ripples across a captured moment in time. It is difficult to explain in words at this time. For now, I am letting my intuitive subconscious process to focus on the creation aspect.

What are you most excited about right now and for the future?

I have been working on formulating intriguing ideas with reference to entrepreneurship enterprises. I’m interested to explore and engage with a path of pluralities in my endeavours. The prospect and completion of the projects excite me.

How and where do you find inspiration to do your craft?

I do believe that creativity is an amalgamation of all constituents and I derive it from my inner resources and experiences in the scientific and artistic background. I also think everything is interconnected and thus, I feed my subconscious with words and images by exploring my surroundings, that later take form into my own expression of art.

What advice would you give those who want to do what you do?

I would say that it is imperative to understand the aesthetic of one’s belief and follow them. There are no set limitations that one must apply on themselves. Most of all, it is important to resist pigeonholes that society may attempt to fix you into, and instead, concentrate on the voice that leads you ahead. I have also begun to realise the relevance of mindfulness and being around individuals that seek to raise the ideas and voices of one another. The harmony and equilibrium are derived from within yourself.

Where can people see more of you and your work?

We put up latest published work by our editors on our Twitter and Instagram networks. You can also follow my work on my portfolio.

Lucent Dreaming is an independent creative writing magazine publishing beautiful, imaginative and surreal short stories, poetry and artwork from emerging authors and artists worldwide. Our aim is to encourage creativity and to help writers reach publication! Subscribe to Lucent Dreaming now, support us on Patreon and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.