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. I use old unusable Indian saris where the gold weaving 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 at 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
Art is a combination of numerous techniques, which when used creatively, produces beautiful magic. Weaving is one such technique and I grew up with vibrant, gorgeous woven saris that hit my eye in every direction, growing up in India. The idea of using parts of the sari came to me when my mother gave me a part of her wedding sari (no longer usable as a sari). The silk was soft and pliant and intricately woven with silver and gold threads. So I began a new art series, using parts of saris that dear friends and family were good enough to give me. It felt like I was paying homage to my Indian roots and at the same time preserving a legacy.
As in the case of my personal journey, a sari has its own voyage. The weaver begins by giving it shape, color and flair. It is then sold. The wear and eventual tear by the person who bought it adds layers to the story and when I used part of it in art, I feel like I have fulfilled its journey.
‘Letting Go’ is a culmination of thoughts that came to me during meditation. Women (especially in patriarchal societies) tend to feel trapped within the confines of their homes and society. The image in the middle was my first piece to represent the ‘letting go’ of constraints. In truth, it helped me let go of things which held me back.
Deciding on a triptych to complete the series, I created the first and last ones which, as you can see, represent the confined status and finally the freedom. Together, this represents a journey – my rich and meaningful personal journey.
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.