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Who Is Artist S. K. Gusani ?
Early life - Growing up in Dubai.
Smeet K. Gusani, a young boy who loved drawing, sketching and painting in his spare time, was born in Vadodara, India, and spent most of his childhood in Dubai, UAE.
Coming from a family with a rich generational history in the jewellery business, both in India and in Dubai (Dubai since the mid-1900s), he was exposed to the beauty of precious metals and gems from a young age.
It was in Dubai where his artistic abilities truly flourished, thanks to his supportive parents, and the influence of other renowned artists like the late Sir Andrew Vicari (at one time dubbed "the highest-paid painter in the world"). One of the highlights of his early life in Dubai was winning a Kellogg's national art competition at 6 years of age against participants of all ages, which granted him and his family an all-expenses-paid trip to the enchanting land of Disney World in the USA. This incredible experience further fuelled his passion for Art and instilled in him a determination and confidence in pursuing his creative endeavors in the future.
The Academic move back to India.
Smeet completed his high school education in Dubai and decided to return to India, to a part completely foreign to him - Mangalore, South India, to pursue a degree in Dentistry - inspired to be a great field for those with good handwork i.e Artists, and by many family members as a "real job." He enrolled at ABSMIDS, a renowned institution in India known for its Dental course, and spent six years living the hostel academic life and learning and enjoying the diversity of southern India.
During his time at Dental school, Smeet met his classmate and long-term partner, Elaine Ang - an international student from Malaysia. Despite his busy school schedule, Smeet managed to indulge in his passion for painting and even sold a few of his artworks to patrons in India.
As a parting gift on his last day of university, Dr. Smeet gifted all the staff members a caricature of theirs. Following graduation, he practiced Dentistry in Mangalore for a period before moving to Jamshedpur, where he worked at the prestigious Tata Main Hospital and lived in comfort with his maternal family of jewellers for some time.
Tough times in Sudbury, ON, with a Silver lining.
Smeet, who was seeking a new start in a diverse and multicultural environment, found his new home in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Having grown up in Dubai, he was drawn to the idea of exploring different parts of the world, and Canada was the first to welcome him.
From 2017 to 2020, he resided in Sudbury, where he pursued his studies in dental hygiene sciences, specializing in oral health maintenance. However, it was in Sudbury that his passion for Art began to transform into a potential career.
Faced with the challenges of finding employment and mounting expenses in his new surroundings, Smeet discovered a profitable talent for quick landscape paintings depicting the local scenery. In fact, his artwork gained rapid recognition within the Sudbury Art community, and he started teaching Art classes at Metamophosis Studio during his weekends from school while selling his original landscape/pet/portrait art.
Smeet participated in and won a few 'Art Battles' of Sudbury, he sketched peoples portraits in the bus and at Tim Hortons regularly, and his paintings were exhibited at 'One Sky Art Gallery' and "The Laughing Buddha' at different points of time, and he gave back to the community by participating on multiple Art-for-cause events. Customers at Tim Hortons, where he worked part-time, started to recognize him and affectionately referred to him as "the artist" during their regular drive-thru visits.
Growth in Kamloops, BC, Canada.
After completing his course at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Smeet decided to make a move to Kamloops, British Columbia. Just days after obtaining his Canadian driving license, he packed up his belongings and embarked on a 5-day road-trip journey out west. This experience holds a special place in his heart, as he met many friends, old and new, along the way while driving through the different provinces.
Currently, Smeet works a few hours a week as a dental hygienist, dedicating the rest of his time to his true career and passion: Art. His long-time partner, Dr. Elaine, has also joined him on his Canadian adventure after enduring a 7-year long-distance relationship. She now practices dentistry in Kamloops.
Smeet's Art career continues to flourish, some of his art was displayed and sold at 'Kamloops Artisans' Bazaar And Soup Desire Cafe' and 'The Art We Are Cafe', while he conducts regular weekly painting workshops for the community on Fridays. His personal specialty lies in portrait painting, where he incorporates precious metals and gems, staying true to his Jeweller heritage. His Art ships worldwide, and has been shipped to Dubai, India, Ireland, USA and all over Canada.
Smeet strives to spread joy and upliftment of the community around him through his public workshops, and he gives back to the community with his Art donations for different causes. For his private clients and patrons, Smeet passionately paints Golden Portraits, that are Forever Treasured by them and their families. Forever Treasured.
Different studio setups from Sudbury to Kamloops at S.K.Gusani Arts
Smeets' Paintings depicting Sudbury and Kamloops
S.K. Gusani Arts in Canada
Art Career - history & current.
January 15 1996 – 3rd prizewinner in Group C – age 4-5 years in the “Whizkids Drawing Competition” held at “The Center,” Dubai.
June 7 1998 – 1st prizewinner of the “Kellogs Competition” all UAE open, with the theme of “Why breakfast is important.” Won 4 return tickets to USA and a trip to Disneyland LA.
April 11 1999 – 1st prizewinner at Dubai Water and Electricity Board drawing competition held at the Town Center during the Dubai Summer Surprises.
April 18 2000 – Letter of appreciation for one of the best participating entries for a plate design for “Westwood.”
March 22 2001 – Certificate from Coca Cola for the “Folk Art Competition.”
May 2002 – Interview article in the “My Newspaper” Magazine titled “Budding Artist of the month.”
February 2003 – Awarded certificate of appreciation from Dubai Gem Private School for participating in the Environmental Exhibition (youngest participant in the exhibition(6th grade, all other entries were by 10th/11th graders)
July 4 2003 – 2nd place in “Dubai Summer Surprises Color Competition.”
February 2004 – Certificate of appreciation from BEA (Better Environmental Agency Scheme 2004) by Shell – Federal Environmental Agency.
September 2006 – “Top Prize Honor” certificate from the late Artist Mr.Andrew Vicari, among children all over UAE.
February 12 2007 – Some paintings selected by “Al Noor School for Special Needs” for their seasonal greeting cards.
September 12 2007 – Plaque and Letter of Appreciation presented by “Al Noor School for Special Needs” for donation of his art for their Season’s Greetings collection.
November 1 2017 - Self-employed artist - Greater Sudbury, ON
December 7 2017 - Won ArtBattle Sudbury - Live painting competition, voting by spectators.
June 19 2018 – September 18 2018 Exhibited paintings at ‘The Laughing Buddha”
August 3 2018 - Won a Cambrian College “selfie” competition (Sent in a painted self-portrait)
October 6 2018 – Salute Coffee Company – paintings exhibited (Alix Voz – “voz_artistcurator” [instagram]
October 14 2018 - EV Fest – Sickkids Fundraiser – live art auction (2 paintings were created on-the-spot “Campfire,” “The farm” - both were sold raising $850 combined)
October 26 2018 – Arden’s Army Silent Auction (fundraiser for a family of a baby suffering from cancer and undergoing stem-cell transplant at Toronto) – Donated one painting “Ledo Hotel” (it is now in Ottawa).
November 6 2018 – 4 – 6pm - Participated in painting workshop hosted by Cambrian College with renowned artist Leland Bell.
November 7 2018 – 830 – 10pm - Participated in ArtBattle Sudbury as a non-competitive entry – Painting sold to a collector at the venue.
May 05 2019 – Conducted Mothersday Paintball Jam at Metamorphosis studio, Valcaron.
June 2019 - Muskoka Chair painted to raise money via the charity auction for the Manitoulin Children’s Foundation for sending kids to camp.
April 27 2019 – Jan 2020 - Weekly Art workshop instructor at Metamorphosis, Sudbury, ON.
Sept 2019 - Jan 2020 - Weekly Art workshop instructor at WaterCrow studio, Sudbury, ON.
Sept 2020 – managed a social drawing/art initiative to raise awareness about the “positive side of Covid19” at Taco Sol Restaurant, Sudbury, ON.
Sept 2020 - Road trip across Canada for 5 days to Kamloops, British Columbia.
2021-2023 - Started specializing in high-end portrait art and exhibited and sold original paintings at "Kamloops Artisans' Bazaar & Soup Desire Cafe" and "The Art We Are Cafe," Kamloops, BC.
2024 - Donated 3 portrait paintings for auction to support the local Brock Middleschool music band to compete in the Canadian Nationals.
April 2024 - Full-time private portrait paintings incorporating pure 24K Gold leaf and natural Diamonds for his patrons & clients, and started "Weekly Painting Workshops" every Friday evening at 6-8pm at Mauryas Restaurant Bar Banquet, Kamloops, BC.