Portrait of a Cover Artist Indira Sarker Chaity

Cover artist Indira Sarker Chaity has devoted her life to art since childhood. When her fellow classmates aspired to be doctors and engineers, she dreamt of filling her canvas with creativity. To make her dreams come true, Chaity studied art in Faculty of Fine Art (FFA), University of Dhaka. This year, in The Ekushey Grantha Mela, this promising artist has designed around twenty books by different writers. She talks to The Daily Star about her work.

What are you expecting from this year's Ekushey Grantha Mela?

I want it to be more colourful than ever. I want to see more young writers and cover artists.

Tell us about your work in this year's book fair.

I primarily worked for Tamralipi Prokashoni this year. I designed book covers for a lot of talented writers including Shah Jalal Jonak and Tashfikal Sami, among other young aspirants. 

What medium do you use for your artwork?

I use watercolour techniques. I do not use digital mediums as of yet.

After you receive a script, how do you approach the cover design?

I want my covers to reflect the gist of the script. Different people will look at the cover from different perspectives, and that is natural. However, I want my design to tell the story that is intended by the writer.

Are you inspired by any artists in particular?

I admire the work of Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of FFA, DU. The works of Mostafiz Karigar and Shohag Parvez also inspire me.

Do you have any suggestions to those who want to study art?

I think parents' support is very important in this regard. I feel lucky to have a mother who always encouraged me. My request, hence, will be to all parents instead. I hope they support their children if they want to study art.