“My connection with art goes back to childhood. My father occasionally sketched, and his portraits of me and my brothers still hang in our home. As a child, I recreated cartoon characters from observation, later using online references. The pandemic brought me back to art as a way to de-stress, and after my pregnancy, it became a comforting outlet that I kept returning to.

I’m a multidisciplinary visual artist whose work moves across mediums, blending tradition with personal expression. Rooted in Indian craft traditions, my practice often intersects with textiles, embroidery, fashion, and surface design. What began as making handmade décor for my home soon drew me into Indian folk and tribal art such as Patachitra, Warli, Kalamkari, and Lipan, each with its own visual language.

Over time, I explored terracotta jewellery, sculptural pieces, embroidery, and garment design where stitches became storytelling. I even taught myself the art of mehendi. At its core, my work celebrates Indian tribal and traditional arts while evolving into contemporary forms.

Family encouragement gave me confidence, but the deeper push came from within, from a desire to create work that carries my name and story. Even as a mother to a three-year-old, I’ve kept creating, thanks to my partner Patruni, who shares responsibilities and inspires me to prioritise art.

Recently, a video of my work went viral, reminding me why I started and pushing me to dream bigger — of my own gallery with handmade crafts. Right now, the goal is simple: I want my art to fund my art. To keep creating, I need something that sustains the practice itself. And I’m also excited about collaborating with other artists—especially in the areas of fashion, DIY crafts, and visual storytelling. There’s so much potential, and I’m just at the beginning of it all. To new mothers balancing family duties, I know how overwhelming those first months can be, but a creative passion can be a lifeline. Even ten minutes during a nap can help you reconnect with yourself. If you can give sleepless nights to your baby, give a fraction to your art. It’s not always about money — sometimes it’s about finding yourself again.”

• Rajeswari Devi, Artist