Introduction
Welcome to a brand new episode of the Photo Country podcast! In this stimulating installment, we talk to the inimitable Vivek Patwardhan, an earnest mentor, inspired amateur photographer, accomplished writer, and all-around polymath driven by curiosity and creativity. Mr. Patwardhan generously shares his journey of balancing a successful corporate life with his creative pursuits, emphasizing the significance of hobbies as essential outlets for personal and professional enrichment.
A Passion Beyond Profession
The conversation kicks off with our host, Rajeev’s glowing introduction of Mr. Patwardhan, highlighting his diverse creative pursuits beyond his impressive corporate career. Mr. Patwardhan, with his humble and friendly demeanor, immediately lights up the conversation with anecdotes from his life and a sense of humor that’s as enlightening as it is infectious. He candidly discusses his foray into different domains of creativity, including photography, writing, coaching, and even sketching, firmly believing that these are the creative outlets that have provided him with immense satisfaction and personal fulfillment.
The Art of Street Photography
Mr. Patwardhan passionately speaks about his preference for street photography, explaining how those unexpected moments of everyday life fascinate him. He reflects on the potency of a decisive moment, emphasizing how the ability to anticipate and capture such instances is the true magic of photography. Mr. Patwardhan is not fixated on the conventional idea of ‘a successful photograph.’ Instead, he appreciates the beauty in ordinary moments—something that resounds in the anecdotes he recalls from his personal experiences.
Imagery and Inspiration
As Mr. Patwardhan delved deeper into the topic of photography, he discussed the sources of his inspiration. To our surprise, he did not claim to have studied the works of iconic photographers. Instead, his inspiration stemmed from a Coffee Table book from National Geographic and seeing the images in Life magazine. This spontaneous exploration of photography sparked a curiosity in Mr. Patwardhan that led him to view the world through the lens of his camera and discover his passion for photography.
Role of Hobbies in Personal Development
Mr. Patwardhan and Rajeev engage in an engaging debate on the concept of 'passion' and its relevance in contemporary corporate life. They suggest that extreme emphasis on ‘passion’ tends to oversimplify its depth and intensity. Patwardhan firmly believes in the transformative power of active hobbies in shaping one’s mindset. He notes that engaging in creative pursuits helps understand one’s strengths and weaknesses, fostering a journey toward self-discovery and conscious self-improvement.
The Intersection of Corporate Life and Creativity
Bringing his corporate experience into the conversation, Mr. Patwardhan reflected on the struggles of embracing creativity in the corporate world. He opined that the corporate world, being primarily left-brain dominant, often neglects the significance of ‘imagery’ and ‘symbolism’ – crucial elements to any form of art. He urges corporations to accommodate diverse thought processes, promoting creativity, which ultimately unearths the innovative ideas and strategies primitive to organizational growth.
Conclusion
Our conversation with Mr. Patwardhan beautifully encapsulates the notion of embracing life's rhythm and finding joy in its everyday moments. Through his wisdom, experiences, and insightful reflections, Mr. Patwardhan demonstrates how seemingly ordinary activities can lead to extraordinary self-discoveries. Essentially, the essence of this conversation reiterates that creative expression is not restricted to a chosen few; it's within all of us, waiting to be discovered and nourished.
We hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we did, and we look forward to having you join us on our next episode!
All images in this article are by Mr. Vivek Patwardhan.
Don’t forget to follow Mr. Vivek Patwardhan’s blog - vivekvsp.com and his photographs on Instagram - vivekpatwardhan
Photography, Creativity, and the Corporate World - A Conversation with Vivek Patwardhan - Ep. 47