Ryewood International School, Lonavla

Reedam Sancheti bonding with Suhani Bhagat (Hearing Impaired, Samvad Shala Lonavala )
ART TO CONNECT 2.0
Teaching art to Suhani, a hearing impaired 12-year-old girl, turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It pushed me to rethink not only how we communicate but also what art truly means. It showed me that art, as a universal language, can break down barriers and give people a way to express themselves when words fall short.
When I first met Suhani, I knew almost nothing about sign language. She was shy, often hiding behind her sketchbook rather than interacting with others. Her hearing impairment had made traditional schooling difficult and left her wary of new teachers. I quickly realized that if I wanted to help her grow as an artist, I needed to earn her trust and find a way to connect.
In the beginning, our sessions were all about figuring each other out. I learned a few basic signs to get by-colors, shapes, emotions-and used a lot of visual aids, drawing instructions and relying on gestures. Suhani, however, was incredibly observant. She noticed everything: my body language, facial expressions, even the energy I brought into the room. Slowly, our lessons became more collaborative as we found ways to bridge the communication gap.
Art became our shared language. Suhani’s drawings were incredible-filled with intricate patterns, expressive characters, and vibrant scenes. Through her work, I got to know her better: her joys, fears, and the stories she wanted to tell. She had a natural gift for capturing emotions, and I encouraged her to lean into that. My goal was never to impose my style or expectations on her but to help her refine her skills and build confidence.
To keep things interesting, I introduced new mediums-watercolors, charcoal, even clay. Clay, in particular, lit a spark in her. The tactile nature of sculpting seemed to resonate in a way that drawing and painting didn’t. She created tiny, detailed sculptures, each telling its own story. As she experimented more, I noticed a shift. Suhani’s confidence grew-not just in her art but in herself. She started taking risks, trying out bold colors and new textures she used to shy away from.
One of the most powerful moments came when Suhani created a series of paintings based on emotions. She painted anger as a storm of red and black swirls, joy as a burst of yellow and orange light, and sadness as soft blue streaks dripping down the canvas. When I asked her what inspired her, she simply pointed to her chest and then her head, signing: “Feelings inside.” That moment hit me hard. It reminded me that art is not about perfect technique-it’s about honesty, connection, and expression.
Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were times of frustration, when I couldn’t find the right sign or Suhani didn’t quite understand what I was trying to explain. But those moments taught me patience and flexibility. Instead of relying on words, I demonstrated more and let Suhani observe and interpret. Often, she found creative solutions that I hadn’t even considered.
The most rewarding moment came at a local art exhibition. Suhani’s work was on display, and she stood proudly next to her pieces, explaining them through sign language to visitors. Seeing her confidence and pride was unforgettable. She had transformed from a quiet, reserved girl into a bold, expressive young artist who knew her voice-silent as it may be-mattered.
Teaching Suhani reaffirmed everything I believe about the power of art. It showed me that creativity isn’t limited by language or ability-it thrives when we give people the freedom to explore and express. Suhani taught me as much as I taught her: about resilience, perspective, and the many ways we can communicate without words.
In the end, our time together was never just about learning art techniques. It was about storytelling, building trust, and discovering the profound connections that can form through shared passion. Suhani’s journey as an artist continues, but she left a lasting mark on mine. She reminded me that true teaching isn’t about passing on knowledge-it’s about inspiring confidence, nurturing individuality, and meeting people where they are.
Above all, she taught me that if we really listen-with our eyes, hearts, and minds-we can help others find their voice, in whatever form it takes.