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To Nurture Latent Talent -- Capt. Raj Likhari
Capt. Raj Likhari - Fellow , CMMI
Bursting energy, passion towards work and a sharp intellect is what captivates you about Captain Raj Likhari, a man with a vast sea career supplemented with a mid-career Master's degree in Maritime Management from USA.
He has had twenty years of sea going career followed by twenty eight years experience in management and downstream shipping operations role with a solid record of accomplishment in shipping and LPG trading as Shipping Co-ordinator (South Asian Region) and was responsible for the total co-ordination and follow up with customers in the region . He developed close working relationship and acted as the key interface with Port authorities, Government Inspectors, Classification Societies, Banks, Customs, P&I Correspondents and Agents.
He believes that to create something exceptional, your mind-set must be totally focused on the smallest detail. That's what reflects in his life's every aspect – career, home, presentation and fashion style.
A man known for wearing stylish 'Hats', Captain Likhari has had many roles to play in his shipping career spanning five decades.
An Ex - Dufferin cadet (1968-70 batch), Captain Likhari is a thorough gentleman and a professional with an outstanding sea career , a passionate fashionista and an artist. His passion for perfection is reflected not just in his lifestyle but also in the smallest detailing and personal interactions. Created with exceptional passion and zeal, the self-designed every nook and corner of his apartment and work study speaks volumes about his persona. He has been a pioneer in the 'home-office' concept and undertook all aspects of his responsibilities as a one man show. His wardrobe is a delight to watch, with his collection of hats and self-designed bespokejackets and tuxedos, that sets him apart at every social function.
A true bon vivant, Captain Likhari now 72, voluntarily superannuated from his full-time shipping career but still has his hands full with painting, social work, passion for cooking, gardening and fashion design. He has an eye for artefacts that adorn his house and office with his varied collections from across the globe.
Whilst in boarding school and on the T.S. Dufferin, he loved painting and received the Hobby prize on the T.S. Dufferin. He later presented his paintings to the Captain Superintendent and senior officers in 1970. He was recently surprised to discover that one of the officers still has the painting presented 52 years ago! These were painted on board with a limited supply of colours and shipboard enamel paints.
During his busy shipping career there was no time to pursue his hobby but the Pandemic revived his interest and now he has a large portfolio of acrylic paintings on varied themes.
A collection of some of his recent paintings are exhibited here.
CAPT. LIKHARI’S TAKE:
Earlier, in the younger days I painted with water colours and oil paints, but these days acrylic paints are a very popular medium. I have had no formal training in painting, but it came naturally as I used to paint school banners and posters. When I revived the hobby, I started out with simpler smaller paintings and surprisingly the flow of my brush strokes came back quite fast. I have now gradually moved on to more complex larger sized canvas board paintings with varied subjects like portraits, seascapes, abstract, female forms, animals, etc.
I regularly watch You Tube instructional videos on different painting styles to keep abreast of new ideas to try out like gold leafing, pouring, acrylic painting techniques and numerous other varied painting hacks including guidance videos by international artists.
I am also a member of an online international art group (artkula.com) where I upload my paintings regularly and get a feedback from other artists plus also get to see and learn from the works of other artists. It is a very interactive online platform to share and learn. I have considered the possibility of taking online classes for advanced painting ideas but for the present I rather keep exploring ideas on You Tube.
Many friends ask me how long it takes to paint the various art works. It really depends on the detailing the painting requires, size and the technique being used. Some paintings require more than thirty to forty hours of work and some smaller ones ten to fifteen hours. It depends on how much time I can devote each day. As a thumb rule I devote two to three hours a day and take a break after each painting. This gives me the time and space to decide on the next project and prepare the necessary requirements.
Why do I like painting?
Painting can be very relaxing and calming. Paintings, like many forms of art, can express ideas and feelings. Painting is a good way to take a break from the real world and the usual everyday life, in addition to stimulating the creative mind. We cannot imagine our life without colours as the essence of a painting lies in its colour schema itself.
I get a huge sense of accomplishment when I finish each piece, which further boosts my self-esteem. Furthermore, it is not my intention to monetise or put up my paintings for sale. I have presented a few to my friends and to charity through the LIKHARI FOUNDATION, a USA based non-profit organization founded by the Likhari family. Whilst I am painting, I completely forget about the world and surroundings, it is just me and my painting base and colours, it is a similar experience like meditation. Other than that, the appreciation gives one an immense pleasure and confidence of self-worth. It is totally a different world of colours in which one is the master and one can paint in his own way. It is like living another life of your choice!
I do hope that other fellow Seafarers can take up this relaxing hobby.
Dedicated to the International Day of the Seafarer - 25th June 2022