LIFE AS AN ARTIST
Through my paintings, I depict the balance I experience between the Eastern and Western cultures within me. I appreciate the delicate details in Indian art, especially Tanjore paintings, where chalk and glue layers are applied to create an embossed effect over which gold leaf is applied. I use old, unusable Indian saris, the gold weaving of which is still beautiful and intact. I believe each piece has the history of the weaver, the particular memory of the person who has worn the sari, and now it is used to create yet another purpose in my art. I also admire free expression and creativity and the skill and craftsmanship of traditional artists, thus combining these two aspects in my visual expressions.
I take my inspiration from various cultures and represent this through my paintings in the “travel series.” I use fabric, unique, simple everyday objects, or images from these places to capture that place or culture’s essence. After I visited Africa, I incorporated Massai fabric and jewelry into my art to capture Africa’s beauty. For a painting inspired by Australia, I used an art piece bought directly from an aboriginal artist in Ayres Rock, Australia. The original painting depicts people around a water hole and the community. I expanded the image to represent the influences of various cultures on our lifestyles. The Buddha painting is an inspiration of a stone Buddha head around which a giant Banyan tree grew in Ayutthaya, Thailand. This picture represents the spiritual self that grows within each of us. I hope to add to this collection as I travel to many more places and bring out the uniqueness of the culture, place, or scenery through my art.
To use any of this art as a print or for any other purpose, or to buy original art or prints, please write to sangeetaprasad2663@gmail.com
Click here for a look at my portfolio. It gives you a glimpse into my world as an artist. Explore at leisure and I would love some feedback.
HIGHLIGHT: Triptych “Letting Go”
Take some time to read about how I conceptualized this series below the image. I would love feedback if you are so inclined.
Art Series - TRAPPED - LETTING GO - FREEDOM

Title: Letting go…
There are three pieces of acrylic and fabric on canvas, each 30” x14” by Sangeeta Prasad, M.A., ATR-BC.
I began incorporating old Indian sarees into my art when my mother gave me a piece of her beautiful wedding saree, woven with gold and silver threads. Since the saree was torn, she felt she could no longer use it. Since I love Indian silk and its intricate weaving, I began artistically using these precious vintage sarees collected from dear family and friends. Using the saree fabric reminds me of my rich Indian heritage and all those who contributed to my new creations.
Like my personal journey, a saree has its voyage– beginning with the weaver, then the wearer adding her memories, and now, with my art, another new narrative. This triptych is the story of a person’s transition from feeling trapped to letting go and feeling free. I began with the center painting that came to my mind during meditation. Creating this piece helped me let go of things I was holding on to. After almost a year, I made the first and last pieces, which depict my rich and meaningful personal journey, when joined with the middle painting.
Participation
2016 – 3rd place at the Virginia Art Therapy Association art show.
This image represents a woman letting go of her past and becoming free as she begins her spiritual journey.
2015, Mask Making Workshop, November 2015
Presented a mask-making workshop at the Expressive Arts Summit in New York with Jennie Kristel.
2015 – Vale Arts Show – Oakton, Virginia
Participated with the Vale Arts artist in the spring show as a visiting artist.


Tanjore painting is a classical South Indian painting style. The art form draws its immediate resources and inspiration from way back about 1600 AD. These paintings are characterised by rich and vivid colors, simple iconic composition, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems. They serve as devotional icons, the subjects of most paintings are Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints.
The pictured Tanjore painting was painted by Hareni Ramaseshan.