Art, you see, grapples with an exclusivity problem. It often resembles a VIP club with a velvet rope, barring many from entry. Expensive art classes and tools can create a financial barrier, making art education a privilege rather than a possibility for all. Art should be an inclusive gathering, akin to a grand, open-air picnic where everyone is invited to bring their unique creativity to the table.

In my early years, my life was okay. It consisted mainly of the school grind, hours glued to the TV, and participating in nothing. Friendships were my saving grace, offering a refuge from the otherwise mundane routine. Television, my portal to the outside world, showcased activities—everything from FashionTV to Dance India Dance, Indian Idol, travelling shows, and Splitsvilla, of course.

Yet, despite my curiosity piqued by these shows, I never mustered the gumption to ask my parents for those extra-curricular classes. I mean, I could practically see their wallets weeping as they struggled to keep up with my private school fees. So, I embraced the role of the "moderately good student" who miraculously didn't require tutoring.

College ushered in a new chapter, one where I found myself amidst brilliant and gifted peers. It felt like trying to catch a speeding train while riding a tricycle. College was an empty canvas, a story best left for another day. Now, in adulthood, with some savings in tow, I've dared to explore my creative inclinations. It's the same as dipping one's toes into icy waters, with the pool representing artistic aspirations and the lifebuoys fashioned from "scarce resources."

The irony and frustration lie in watching those more privileged pursue their creative dreams effortlessly, while I sometimes feel like I’m building a spaceship with duct tape. I hold no grudge against them; it’s just disheartening to envision a thriving creative career without ample time, support, space, or a safety net.

Not everyone in my circle is a prodigious artist. What separates them from the rest of us mere mortals is their sheer audacity to pursue their dreams, even when the budget screams "no." I salute these determined souls while also tipping my hat to those who had a trust fund-shaped head start. Today, however, I want to shine a light on individuals like myself—adults juggling latent potential alongside the weight of responsibilities, striving to carve out time for their passions amid life's demands.

The world is unfair, but today I'm fighting it with my art, a borrowed camera, and my words—though the day after tomorrow, I'll return to work.