“I have always believed that art chose me long before I ever chose it. My earliest memories are intertwined with the joy of creating. I was barely old enough to recognize letters when I started drawing. My mother tells me I first picked up a pencil to sketch before I learned to write my name. The proof is still in my parents’ wedding album, a rough little drawing of a tree, a hut, and some hills. That drawing wasn’t perfect, but it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair.

As a child, I was the kid who signed up for every art competition. Whether it was sketching, painting, or crafting, I was there, eager to make something new. Back then, I had a dream of studying fine arts and diving headfirst into a world of colours and creativity. But life had other plans. I couldn’t pursue that dream. Instead, I stumbled upon NATA, the National Aptitude Test for Architecture. It felt like a compromise at first, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, a bridge between the worlds of art and design.

Architecture school was a revelation. It wasn’t just about buildings; it was about stories, balance, and the incredible marriage of form and function. I remember standing in awe of historical monuments, learning how every line and curve carried a purpose. The principles of design, proportion, harmony, and rhythm became second nature to me. Those years didn’t just teach me to create; they taught me to think like a creator.

Outside of school, my passion for art kept growing. I experimented with every medium I could get my hands on. As a child, I loved acrylics and watercolours, but as I grew older, I discovered zentangles and dot art.

My journey with dot mandalas began with an insatiable curiosity. While experimenting with zentangles, I was drawn to mandalas. At first, I used a pen on paper, but as someone who loves observing and experimenting, I wanted more. That’s when I discovered stippling, a technique of creating art with dots. I was fascinated and thought, “What if I use paints instead of pens?” Colours have always been my comfort zone, so I began blending stippling with mandalas, and dot art became my passion.

What I love about mandalas is their history and philosophy. In Buddhism, monks create intricate mandalas only to erase them, symbolizing impermanence and detachment. That idea resonated deeply with me, reminding me to focus on the process rather than the outcome.

Experimentation has always driven my work. Mixing styles and trying new techniques often leads to unexpected results, but that’s the fun of it. Some of my best pieces came from this trial-and-error approach. I bring the same mindset to my workshops, encouraging participants to create original designs rather than simply replicate something. When you create from your own imagination, it becomes truly yours.

I still remember my first mandala, drawn meticulously in a quiet corner of my room. It was a meditative experience, one that hooked me instantly. Over time, I began merging different techniques, creating mandalas with dot art and finding my own voice as an artist.

What I love most about art is its unpredictability. There is always something new to learn, a mistake to embrace, or a breakthrough waiting to happen. That’s the beauty of it. And that’s what I try to share with my students. I always tell them, “Don’t just copy. Create something that’s yours. Art is about finding your voice.”

Teaching wasn’t something I planned for. For the longest time, I doubted whether I was even ready. Sharing your craft requires a depth of understanding that goes beyond creating. But in 2024, I took a leap of faith and started hosting workshops. I was nervous at first, but those workshops turned into something magical. Seeing my students light up with excitement reminded me why I fell in love with art in the first place. Teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s a two-way street. You grow as much as you give.

Balancing art with life hasn’t always been easy. I’ve always kept my art separate from my job. I never wanted the pressure of deadlines or client demands to steal the joy of creating. My work provides the stability I need, allowing me to invest in my passion without compromise. That balance has taught me discipline and helped me prioritize what truly matters.

There was a time when my artistic journey took an exciting detour into set design. I got to work on projects like Blenders Pride Fashion Show, Chandana Brothers, Hotstar’s Save the Tigers, and even some Gemini TV series. Some of my personal artworks were featured on the sets of Save the Tigers, and seeing my creations on screen was a moment of pure pride. But while the work was exhilarating, the demands of the industry eventually made me step away.

Now, I focus on art that truly speaks to me. My dream is to take Indian art to global platforms, showcasing the rich traditions and intricate beauty of styles like dot mandalas. I imagine my work under gallery lights, telling stories that connect with people across the world.

For me, art is deeply spiritual. I still prefer traditional methods over digital creations. There is something irreplaceable about holding a brush, feeling the textures, and watching colours come to life. Art, like life, isn’t something you can manufacture. It has to be felt, nurtured, and created with intention.

Looking back, every moment, every zentangle I doodled, every mandala I perfected, every wall I painted, has shaped the artist I am today. This journey hasn’t just been about creating art; it has been about finding myself. And as I move forward, I carry with me the same excitement and wonder that began with a simple drawing of a tree, a hut, and some hills.

Art is not just what I do, it’s who I am. And I cannot wait to see where it takes me next.”