Charmi Shah

Artist Statement

Born and brought up in Mumbai, India, I declared at age 8 that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I learned at a very young age that I could make things with my two hands that brought joy and created connection to others--and I haven't wanted to stop since that day. I also believe that my art is a reflection of my deep cultural Indian Eastern roots which are amalgamated with my time spent here in the West. I love the bold colors and textures found in fabrics and weaves and my pieces tend to dance with both of these themes. Gratitude I have for living each day is at the base of everything I do and many times I carry those positive affirmations in my work. I believe we are here for a short time and that it deserves to be celebrated.
Process:
My approach to painting is intuitive and personal, I paint quickly and in many layers using acrylic and mixed media, creating washes, embracing drips and other happy accidents reflecting nature’s unpredictability while building up layers, texture and pattern. I enjoy the physical, mechanical nature of making art, preferring scrapers and my own fingers to brushes for painting.