Interested in Folk Art since childhood, Rakesh became a paper mache artist who also loves to create paintings. He is an art teacher who conducts workshops to teach the students and teachers working for NGOs.

Rakesh Vyas is a Paper Mache Artist. He has been into this art for thirty years. He is also an art teacher in a school through which he conducts workshops to teach students the art of paper mache.

Rakesh belongs to a small town in Jaipur. He spent his childhood in Jaipur and was fond of art since his childhood. He developed his interest in art in his grandmother’s town where they used to create toys using sand.

Rakesh says that, initially, it was difficult for him to convince his parents to let him pursue his career in arts. However, along with his graduation, he did his diploma in Fine Arts and with his diploma, he developed his interest and started learning paper mache. After his graduation and diploma, he started teaching paper mache and folk art in schools.

Talking about the challenges he faced, Rakesh says that when he started his journey in folk art, he had no clue how to sell those pieces. Also, another challenge he faced was the lack of funds due to which he was not able to buy the material, and pay the money for the exhibitions and transportation.

Regarding his mistakes, Rakesh says that he had this bad habit of procrastination. However, due to this habit, he suffered a loss. He thereafter learned a lesson from his mistake and overcame his shortcomings.

Getting selected for the National Award for an art piece that he made with much effort is his biggest achievement, he says.

When asked about his role models, Rakesh says that his role model is an artist Lal Chand Prajapati who got selected for the Rashtrapati Award in 1982.

In his free time, he loves sketching and listening to flute music.

To deal with mental stress, Rakesh lies down on the floor and listens to flute music which gives him peace.

Advising the youth, Rakesh says to work on their dreams, and not worry about what people will think or say. Just focus on your dreams, work hard, and achieve success.