Born into a culturally rich but yet stringent societal belief system, I conditioned myself to rebel against some beliefs but yet embrace several elements of what my heritage brought along. This paradox has driven in me a purpose to create art that defies its existing form, dissipates conventional forms while making use of elements that naturally come to me.
I was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan - a land of artisans and my ancestors. It is widely known for its palaces, cultural art and music which is deeply influenced by Moghul art and architecture. It is therefore no surprise that my artwork primarily draws inspiration from a confluence of Islamic patterns derived from simpler designs, arabesque styles and abstract vegetal patterns. Much like Islamic art is not specific to a time, place, or medium, I incorporate other cultural references to my work and use unfamiliar shapes, thereby creating my own dictionary of patterns. Another very strong source of inspiration comes from the celebrated Pichwai paintings that originated 400 years ago in Rajasthan. Intricate and visually stunning, these paintings require patience and skill to incorporate the smallest details with an uncanny precision, while narrating tales of Lord Krishna. These inspirations have shaped the format of my artwork and narrative, that highlight varied human emotions and thereby shed some light on the rationales that underlie my work.
Finally, the artwork is augmented by Sufism that emphasizes on introspection and attention inward...In my case Journey to Self. Hence at times, the Dervish is the chosen protagonist – sometimes he is depicted as he is to be yet at other times as I let go of a defined form and embrace fluidity, he appears in a variety of shapes and infinite improbabilities. His moving spirit exuberating peace and flow, is the mainstay of my compositions.
The complex patterns in my work embody a refusal to the rules and give me the freedom to create my art. My intention is not to make a perfect reproduction of Islamic art or Pichwai paintings but rather use their style and underlying philosophies to make it representational even in its non-representational style.
Background / Education Qualifications
I was brought up in Mumbai, and from my early childhood I dabbled into various forms of creativity. I am trained in design and acquired an Associates degree in Fashion Design from Parsons The New school for design in New York, where I graduated with honours. I also hold a Diploma in Textile Design (SNDT Women’s University) and an Advance Diploma in fashion Design (B.D. Somani Institute of Fashion Design). Prior to this, I completed my Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Sydenham College of Commerce And Economics in Mumbai, India.
My creative background, and formal design training allowed me to successfully build and manage my own fashion label for 7 years, supplying to various multi designer stores in India until 2012 when I became a trailing spouse. While I have pivoted from being a Fashion Designer, I continue to explore other forms of creativity today as an Artist, Branding and Marketing Consultant. In addition to this I strongly believe in nurturing creativity in young minds and have started an initiative to teach Creative processes and skills to children.
My Technical Process
Begins with an invisible grid layer, the use of various geometric strategies,
structures and tools that result in the desired symmetry, different pen inks such as microns, pigment inks and coloured acrylic inks are used on Canvas Textured acid free Paper. Occasionally, I make use of Mixed media for certain accents. Examples of my work are included below (Images included in my folio).
