The Athens Chronicle
Stories of Art, Students, and Inspiration
01 Oct, 2025
Issue No: 01
Background & Journey into Art
Anjali Baj is a self-taught, passion-driven artist whose creative exploration began in childhood with rangoli, mehndi and simple colouring. Her artistic instincts took a more defined shape during the COVID-19 lockdown, where she deepened her skills in traditional crafts like Lipan art, Mandala, Dot Mandala And Remodeling. This phase sparked her desire to pursue fine art more seriously.
Inspired by a friend's fine art practice, she joined the School of Athens in Bangalore, where she now trains in classical painting techniques including graphite, colour pencil, watercolor and acrylic. Her artistic journey has been marked by patience, curiosity and a deep respect for technique and process.
Artistic Style & Interests
Anjali has gravitated toward classical forms and disciplined approaches to drawing and painting. She is particularly drawn to:
- Glazing and blending techniques in painting
- Graphite work, especially on larger formats (e.g., A3 pencil sketches)
- Landscapes and textured forms in acrylic
- Healing through Art, seeing her practice as both meditative and expressive
Her work reflects a balance between technical refinement and emotional grounding, often serving as a space of personal retreat and mindfulness.
Professional & Educational Background
Transitioned fully into art after exploring alternative healing and counselling, choosing art as a more natural extension of her inner rhythm and creative impulse.
Pre-primary School Teacher for 4–5 years
Reiki Healer & Counsellor (trained, limited practice)
Personality & Approach
Deeply reflective and process-oriented not driven by competitive outcomes
Believes in learning without pressure, valuing open, non-judgmental environments
Advocates for age-neutral creativity—believing that artistic expression transcends age and experience
Drawn to community-oriented learning, preferring shared growth over personal accolades
Vision & Future Outlook
Anjali is currently focused on being present in the process, rather than setting commercial or professional goals. While she occasionally wonders about recouping investments in time and materials, she actively avoids letting such concerns cloud her joy in learning. Her openness to exploration and her patience with progress suggest a long-term commitment to growth—both as an artist and a human being.
Family & Collaborative Learning
Anjali's art journey is also shared with her son Arham, who attends the same art school. Their relationship is a collaborative one—sharing techniques, giving each other feedback and learning together. Arham's confidence and structured feedback often inspire her, making their shared practice both nurturing and inspiring.
"Where Inspiration Becomes Mastery"
Instagram: @schoolofathens.art
YouTube: School of Athens Official
Facebook: @schoolofathens
Website: www.schoolofathens.art
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