local stories: Voyage Magazine
Meet Nishi Patel | author & artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Nishi Patel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nishi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is scary, especially for an introverted South Asian girl like me. Creative careers just aren’t in the books for a cultural society that prizes over more traditional ones. I would often wonder, “What will people say about me?”
Creative work requires vulnerability, and hiding it leads to isolation. I have always wondered how my paintings and poetry would be received publicly. Posting one of my poems about grief on Instagram was a huge step out of my comfort zone. I quickly learned that other people also resonated with my work and the emotions I expressed through my writing and artwork. Not everyone will connect to my work, which is okay, but when one person expresses how much something from my work has affected them, it means the world – it makes both of us feel less alone.
Learning and taking it one step at a time led me to where I am today. I am proof that an introverted play-it-safe kinda girl can take risks, no matter how small, build it over time, and still make an impact.