​​​​I explore the complexities of personal and social transformation through painting, printmaking, and mixed media. As a first-generation South Asian American woman, I examine narratives of change, loss, and renewal of culture and identity that stem from my journey as a child of immigrants. 

 

I am an academically trained political scientist and educator. I approach political science as the study of power and its role in shaping us and our world, from states and institutions to history and societies. My education gave me the tools to 'see' how we are complicit in shaping ourselves and our realities. However, I could not study the rise and fall of empires or the dynamics of poverty and wealth without recognizing the profound hopes and fears that underlie human action and historical events. My art practice has allowed me to process and express the emotions I cannot convey through my scholarly research. 

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​From an early age, I've been enthralled by the mythos of Goddess traditions across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. This feminine divine, in all Her forms, is collectively known as Devī in Sanskrit and is reflected in the name of my studio. Her forms are often associated with and depicted alongside the lotus and the water lily. These flora are rich in symbolic meaning, reflecting consciousness and cosmic creation at both the individual and collective levels. My work often incorporates the lotus and water lily as symbols of transformation and self-actualization. When I begin a series or experiment with a new medium, I release nervous energy by depicting a lotus or water lily. For me, they serve as anchors for artistic exploration in both form and meaning. They reflect my method and remind me to embrace action without attachment to the outcome, because as an artist, I view my task as navigating the distance between recognizing my creative desire and cultivating the intentional practice required to actualize my vision.
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My artistic practice was cemented in 2017 during a period of significant personal change. During this moment of this upheaval, I asked myself: When we shed who we think we are, who do we become? This question continues to influence my work. From my experiences, I have come to understand that to evolve is an act of power. Through my art, I aim to inspire conversations about the importance of embracing change, confronting our fears, and reclaiming power through transformation. ​