Artist's long career leads to place in art book

Sardul Gill is an artist whose creative journey has spanned many decades and continents. Born in India, Sardul faced a major change early in life when his father passed away, leading him to move to Kenya. While working at a garage in Kenya, he continued to pursue his passion for art. In 1959, he painted a piece called Sita, which won first prize at an exhibition. Although someone offered him a thousand shillings for the painting, Sardul could not bring himself to sell it, as it marked the true beginning of his artistic career.

In 1963, Sardul moved to the United Kingdom, and by 1972, he had settled in Nottingham. There, he studied for diplomas in Art and Education, earned a master's degree in Fine Art, and began teaching at South Nottingham College. For nearly 30 years, he inspired students not only through his lessons but also by sharing his own artwork with them. Many former students still approach him in Nottingham, expressing gratitude for the motivation and encouragement he provided during their studies.

Over the years, Sardul's artistic style evolved. He started with landscapes and realistic paintings but gradually shifted towards abstraction, collage, and installation art. A unique aspect of his work is his use of recycled materials such as polystyrene, cardboard, and scrap palettes. Sardul believes in the importance of recycling and making use of whatever materials he finds, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

His wife, Inderjit Gill, has played a significant role in his career, managing communications, organizing exhibitions, and allowing Sardul to focus on his creative process. She describes how deeply absorbed he becomes in his art, often forgetting about everything else, even his tea. Sardul's work often explores themes of cultural memory and spirituality. For example, he painted a portrait of Guru Nanak for his mother, choosing a style she could relate to rather than his usual abstract approach.

Sardul was also a key member of Nottingham's Asian Artists Group in the 1980s and exhibited his work in various venues, including Leicester Museum and the New Art Exchange. Now, at 87, his home is filled with his artwork, reflecting a lifetime of creativity. Recently, he received national recognition when his piece Earth Shrine was featured in a new book from Tate Publishing, titled A Brief History of British South Asian Art. The painting, which combines texture, natural forms, and metaphorical elements, showcases Sardul's intuitive and layered style. Sardul says he does not plan his work completely; instead, it comes together naturally, much like life itself. He feels honored and surprised to have his work acknowledged in the book, describing it as a gratifying experience for any artist.