Born: 1955
Hometown: London
Based in: London
Originally from India, brought up in London, lived in Paris, Singapore, Provence, Goa and now back in London. I have worked in a variety of industries all related to the arts and aesthetics and wellbeing.
I put my life experiences into the expressions of my art. I am a spiritual person by nature where introspection, meditation and healing play important roles.
My work is intuitive in nature where my inner world becomes my outer expression. Being a therapist and an artist, the two come together, converge, sometimes collide. While some work has an expansive exploration, with a series entitled ‘Cosmic Egg’, incorporating text, another reflects on an existential question, Who am I? In all cases the works are reflections of my inner canvas presenting a deeply personal series of works.
I use a variety of techniques including printmaking, collage, mark-making and Asian calligraphy inspired techniques, with inks, acrylic paints, charcoal, graphite and pastels on paper. I have also created small format artist books. My works are abstract and express reflections, observations and encounters, such a recent series on Rape in India entitled ‘Shakti Rising’. My colour palette sometimes is restricted emphasising the nature of the subject, red, black and white. Texture also plays an important role for me, as I am inspired by nature - weathered wood, tree bark, pebbles but also my travels to Japan and India.
My inner questioning led me to explore ‘Who am I ?’ which resulted in a series of A1 size prints in black and white depicting the ‘masks we wear’ printed on acetate but also on fabric which i will expand into surface design.
Whatever I make I feel strongly about. My series on rape was a gut-wrenching experience.
I have been influenced by the works of Joseph Cornell, Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger and Julie Mehrutu. And I resonate with the words of Picasso. ‘Painting is a blind man’s profession, he paints not what he sees but he feels’.
I meditate, listen, feel and then create.
What inspires you?
It really can be anything - a word, a film, an exhibition, texture on the ground, the majesty of the plane trees, the connectedness of everything in nature. I am visually receptive so I absorb what I see and store it somewhere and it will pop up later when I need it.
Describe your creative process.
Allowing the movements to come through my body, my emotions, exteriorising whats going on inside, consciously or subconsciously - allow it out, look at it, what does it say to me? expand, write, continue..a journey of discovery unfolds from my psyche, always a surprise!
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Art as Therapy
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Georges Braque, Klee, Albers, Lee Krasner, Bauhaus, propaganda art of the 1930's europe, picasso, jenny holzer, primitive art..
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Try it out - thumbnail, sketchbook, large format, just try it out
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Keep going! Every day create something, keep the creativity flowing, writing, drawing, painting.
Where do you go for inspiration?
inner guidance, nature, exhibition, film, every day life, a feeling...so much, everywhere!
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