I am a Canadian artist/writer/poet of South Asian descent so all my work has a strong undercurrent of my heritage. I was born in India but left over 30 years ago. I have lived in Africa, the Middle East and Canada and all these places have influenced me. Some of my work reflects nostalgia and the pain of leaving my native land. 

My art and writing are one way of coming to terms with my ethnic identity and its relationship to the world I have chosen to live in. Anything can inspire me – my cousin’s cat, flowers, Muskoka (a scenic spot in Canada) or yoga teachings. I have undertaken some commissions for private buyers. I paint mainly in acrylic and oil mostly using bright vibrant colours. I believe in freedom of expression but I would say my art is mainly impressionistic.

My writing and poetry has no boundaries – it encompasses anything that interests me. Words, for me, are art in motion!

Journalism

• I was the Dubai-based staff reporter for Emirates News, the UAE government’s only English language newspaper, between 1994-2000.
• I freelanced for several publications including The International Herald Tribune, Khaleej Times (Dubai), HSBC magazine and Arabian Woman.
• I wrote a weekly column for Khaleej Times’ weekly magazine Weekend between 2006-2008, while based in Canada.
• I freelanced for Canada-based Anokhi magazine between 2005-2010.
• Also wrote articles for Desi News, Star Buzz and Weekly Voice.
• In 2004, I was on the Toronto Star’s community editorial board for one year.

Education

Though I am an economist by education and a yoga teacher and journalist by profession, my art is what makes me tick. I have completed a Fine Arts Certificate from Sheridan College, Oakville (2003-2004). My dream is to write a book and illustrate it with my own artwork.

Work Experience

From the age of fifteen, when I was Art Editor for the school magazine, I have done illustrations and taken photographs for various publications. Currently, I have sold several paintings privately.

Art Exhibitions

• “Boatman”, a painting rendered in acrylic, was chosen for the juried 2004-2005 bi-annual Delta Meadowvale Art Exhibition (inside the hotel) in Mississauga, Ontario.
• Participated in a juried exhibition “Glimpses of a South Asian Heritage” at The Learning Club art gallery, Streetsville, Mississauga, Ontario, between August 13, 2004 and September 4, 2004.
• Participated in a group exhibition in Beaux Arts Gallery, Brampton, the Central Library, Mississauga and Caledon Town Hall. This was part of an initiative “Artists Rallying Together” (ART) funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation in March 2006 under the aegis of Peel Community Connections.
• Displayed at the Malton Village’s (home for assisted living) 1st Annual Multicultural Festival in Mississauga on 6 May, 2006.
• Participated in exhibition “Shades of Asia:From Turkey to Japan” at Gallery Streetsville, Mississauga, between May 4-June 16, 2006.
• Had a booth for artwork at the Bread & Honey Festival, Streetsville, Mississauga, July 2006.
• First solo exhibition at Meadowvale Public Library, Mississauga, Canada, November 1 – December 31, 2006.
• A series of six paintings commissioned for Anti-Violence Against Women Day, 25 November, 2006, held at Burnamthorpe Library, Mississauga, Canada. A South Asian women’s group, Sawitri, staged a play and held a panel discussion to discuss the issue.
• Exhibited three paintings at Beyond Boundaries 2 day art and culture festival at Burnamthorpe Library Auditorium, Mississauga, 29 June-30 June, 2007.  
• Was invited to set up a booth in the Artists Walkway, Masala Mehndi Masti South Asian Festival, CNE (Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto), 27 July-29 July, 2007. The show was curated by Tushar Unadkat, a well known Art Director and Film Producer/Maker.
• Have been commissioned to paint two huge murals for two living rooms, one in Canada and the other in Long Island, New York (2006 and 2007).
• Exhibited at two venues during the Streetsville Arts Festival May 23, 2008 – June 5, 2008.
• Participated in a rotating art exhibit for the Region of Peel government offices during May-June 2008 to showcase South Asian culture.
• Have donated two paintings for the silent auction at the Martys Arts Awards for the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) in October 2007 and October 2008.
• Hosted a two day exhibition in my basement with 3 other artists under the umbrella of the group The Arts Circle (theartscircle.net). Entitled “Reflections”, the joint show was held on November 8 and 9, 2008.
• Did a live painting with two other artists to raise funds for the Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Centre of Peel (SARCCP) in 2009.
• Painted live art to raise money for Amnesty International in 2010.
• Was on the jury to select 10 artists for Mississauga’s Mosaic Festival (July 2010) for the exhibition entitled “Dislocation”.
• Instructed kids aged 13-18 in art and poetry for Positive Expressions summer camp at Burnamthorpe Community Centre, Mississauga, in July-August 2010.
• Raised money for the Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Centre of Peel by doing a joint live painting in December 2010.
• Held joint art exhibition (Group of Three) between June 13-June 29, 2011, at Emily Carr Gallery, Riverwood, Mississauga

Organizational experience

• Was one of the main organizers for a children’s art competition “Unity in Diversity” held in September 2006 at the Civic Centre, Square One, Mississauga. Was responsible for networking, promotions, writing press releases and registrations for participants.
• Acted as media and communications person for 2 day art gala, Beyond Boundaries(29-30 June, 2007). Wrote press releases, contacted the media and helped set up the art exhibition and poetry section which I also compered.
• Was a member of the Mississauga Arts Council’s communications committee in 2006-2007. Together with several other members, suggested policy initiatives to make art work for the community. 
• Helped to organize “An Evening With Tagore” to commemorate the poet/writer/Nobel prize winner’s 150th anniversary, on May 7, 2011, at the Courtney Park Library, Mississauga.