Dreams: Food For the Soul

Childhood dreams hold a unique magic, pure reflections of who we want to become, shaped by curiosity and an unfiltered belief in endless possibilities. This collection of stories, brought to life through photography and art, delves into those early aspirations, dreams that my friends and I once nurtured as children and that still resonate with us as young adults. These photographs are not mere portraits; these are glimpses into the ambitions that shaped us and the lives we imagined.

To create this series, I asked my friends a simple yet profound question: What did you dream of becoming as a child? Their answers revealed deeply personal stories, ranging from the thrill of flying planes to the comforting joy of baking. Each response spoke not just of professions but of emotional connections to the worlds they once longed to be part of.

This series begins with my self-portrait, representing my own childhood dream of becoming an artist. Art has always been my sanctuary and passion, and while life led me toward a different path, my connection to it has remained unwavering.

The photograph below symbolises that bond—a vivid reminder that dreams do not vanish; they evolve. From there, the collection unfolds into a tapestry of diverse aspirations, each one carrying its own essence and meaning.

By blending photography and art, I sought to craft a layered narrative that captures both the nostalgia and the enduring power of these dreams. Each image is paired with reflections that highlight how these aspirations continue to shape our identities, offering a deeper understanding of how our childhood imaginations remain integral to who we are, even as we grow and change.

This self-portrait captures the harmony between two worlds—art and reality. Growing up, I envisioned a life immersed in colours and creativity. While life led me to pursue management studies, I never let go of my artistic aspirations. Creating art is not just a passion; it’s a part of how I see and interpret the world. This photograph reflects that balance, blending the structured world of management with the free-flowing creativity of art.

Every brushstroke reminds me that the canvas of my life is still unfolding. Perhaps one day, I will merge these worlds, curating a gallery that not only exhibits my work but also reflects the innovative mindset I have developed through both art and management.

Art shapes my decisions, inspires creativity in my life, and keeps me grounded in the belief that passions can coexist. For me, this is not about choosing one path over another but embracing both and creating something uniquely my own.

Even as a child, she dreamed of the runway—the shimmer of lights, the click of cameras, and the art of self-expression through fashion. Modelling represents more than just glamour to her; it’s about confidence and creativity, a way to express who she is without words. She stays close to that dream as an active member of the fashion modelling club.

Dressing up and experimenting with styles is not just a hobby; it’s her way of expressing herself, blending creativity with confidence. For her, every outfit and pose are a small celebration of the dream she still holds close, a reminder that passions can exist alongside other pursuits.

The photograph above reflects her balance, an individual who has found her stride without letting go of the creativity that fuels her. It’s a testament to how dreams, even when set aside, can find new ways to thrive in unexpected places.

Baking has always brought her joy. She once dreamed of owning a bakery, surrounded by the aroma of fresh pastries and the warmth of shared smiles. Baking, for her, is about comfort and connection—a way to bring people together through something she loves. She brings her dream to life in small ways, baking for her friends’ birthdays and celebrations in the hostel pantry. Despite working with minimal equipment, she creates magic with her hands, pouring love and creativity into every treat.

As a member of the culinary club, she continues to share her passion, finding happiness in every recipe she creates. During holidays, she often takes short-term baking courses, adding layers to her craft and keeping her dream alive. For her, baking is more than a pastime; it’s a way to stay connected to the joy and creativity she once imagined as a career. 

 Every time she sees a plane soaring through the sky, her heart skips a beat. To her, it’s not just a machine; it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the dream of touching the clouds. As a child, she imagined herself in the cockpit, exploring endless horizons, chasing sunsets from above. The idea of flying represented more than a career; it was a way to embrace the boundless possibilities of the world.

Though her journey led her elsewhere, that dream never truly faded. Her fascination with flight still lingers, sparked every time she looks up at the sky. This portrait captures her quiet longing, her gaze directed upward, reflecting the hope that while her feet remain on the ground, her dreams continue to soar. It’s a reminder that some dreams, even if left unfulfilled, remain a part of us, shaping how we see the world and inspiring us to reach for new heights.

Speed has always thrilled her. Growing up, she would ride her elder brother’s bike and go on bullet rides with her father, cherishing the rush of the wind and the freedom it brought. For her, motorcycles represented power, independence, and breaking free from expectations. Even though her path led her elsewhere, her love for motorcycles and racing never wavered. She dreams of breaking stereotypes and showing that passion has no gender. Racing, though unattainable as a full-time career, is something she hopes to pursue as a hobby after graduation.

The image above reflects her determination to keep her dream alive, a testament to her belief that some aspirations, even if delayed, are worth chasing. The fire inside her hasn’t gone out; it burns brightly, fuelled by her desire to challenge norms and carve her own path.

Sculpting has always been her quiet passion. As a child, she spent hours shaping clay with her grandmother, creating pieces that reflected her imagination. Those moments were filled with creativity and connection, a bond forged through shared artistry. Though she knew sculpting wouldn’t be a practical career, she carries that love in her heart. She sculpts during her free time, finding peace in the familiar rhythm of her hands at work. It’s not just a hobby but a way to reconnect with her past and the joy she once felt creating art.

The image above image captures her connection to a dream that remains alive through her creativity, reminding us that some passions don’t need to follow traditional paths to hold meaning. Her story is a reflection of how the things we love shape us, even when they remain in the background.

Photography has always been his way of seeing the world. Inspired by his father, a wildlife photographer, he grew up captivated by how a single frame could tell countless stories. Although life led him down a different path, his passion for the craft remains unwavering. For him, photography is about capturing the beauty in the details that often go unnoticed—a moment frozen in time, telling its own quiet story. He continues to find joy in capturing moments, using his lens to preserve the essence of the world around him.

The image above reflects his perspective—how dreams, even when not pursued as a profession, can deeply influence the way we see and experience life. Through his lens, he shows that creativity can coexist with practicality, and that the things we truly love have a way of staying with us.

Her dream of becoming a social media influencer is rooted in the desire to connect and inspire others. However, insecurities tied to her acne have held her back, making her hesitate to share her true self online. This portrait captures her duality: one side of her face bare, embracing her imperfections, and the other side adorned with makeup, reflecting her attempt to meet societal expectations. She dreams of challenging beauty standards and using her platform to empower others. Though she hasn’t yet pursued this path fully, her story is a reminder of how difficult it can be to overcome self-doubt and external pressures.

Her dream remains alive, waiting for the courage and confidence to step into the spotlight. This image reflects her inner strength and the hope that she will one day redefine beauty on her own terms.

Her journey with makeup began as a way to hide her insecurities. Over time, it became a form of self-expression and creativity. She dreamed of becoming a makeup artist, helping others feel confident and beautiful. She often does makeup for her friends during events, finding joy in the process. This photograph captures her transformation—a girl who turned her insecurities into strength, using her passion to uplift herself and others. Her story is a reflection of how dreams can evolve, blending seamlessly with the person she’s becoming.

 For her, swimming is freedom. From a young age, the water became her sanctuary, every stroke bringing her closer to her dream of becoming a competitive swimmer. Though life led her to focus on her studies, her love for swimming never faded. This painting, with its blurred strokes, represents movement and the fading connection to her dream. Yet, like ripples in water, her passion remains—a quiet force beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to resurface.

Dhruvita is pursuing Management at Shiv Nadar University. This visual project has emerged out of a course on photographic image taught by Sreedeep Bhattacharya.