House of Devi
Artist Binder
Biography
Amanda T. Silva is a visual multimedia artist born and raised by a strong Sri Lankan community in Staten Island, New York. Silva received her BA in Studio Art: Multimedia from American University in 2012 where she received the Glenn Goodman Scholarship and Elizabeth van Swinderen Scholarship. She has lived in Washington, DC, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Indonesia. In 2025, she relocated to Houston, TX. She has completed live performances and installations in Washington, DC, and Sydney, Australia. Her artwork has been exhibited in group venues at the Katzen Museum, Washington, DC; the Oxford Arts Festival, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sabine Street Studios, Houston, TX; and Spring Street Studios, Houston, TX.
Mayura Aarakshawa (Peacock Protection)
2026
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 60 in
$6,000 · Open for reservation
Pala Polonga (Sri Lankan Pit Viper)
2026
21 x 17 in
$700 · Open for reservation
Pala Polonga Nil Pata (Sri Lankan Blue Pit Viper)
2026
21 x 17 in
$700 · Open for reservation
Artist statement
I use painting, mixed media collage, sculpture, and performance to tell a story of self, ancestry, protection, and triumph. Drawing on themes from the universe and its cosmic laws, my work is rooted in spectacle, perception, and the exchange of shared experience between the artist and the observer.
Biography
Ami Mehta is a multidisciplinary artist and architectural designer primarily working in ink, pastel, printmaking and textiles. She was born in Louisiana but grew up in the Middle East and lived in twelve cities on three continents by the time she was twenty-five. Harnessing this "Fourth Culture" awareness, Ami's figurative work explores how immigrants and refugees lose their sense of place not once but in a recurring cycle of re-displacement, as memories of their homeland progressively decay with age. And with the erosion of these recollections, the trivial can start to transform into mystical symbols and their past world can linger not as nostalgia but as a haunting: a phantom limb, a crushing presence born of absence. Ami's work delves into the ways that this cyclical grieving & loss of belonging sediments into the bones of their future generations. Anchored with hand-carved block prints and embroidery inspired by traditional techniques, her collaged layers of raw Indian textiles retain a sense of misalignment and partialness, reflecting the inherently flawed, fragmentary quality of memory. The artmaking process is a medium just as tangible as paint and the sketch studies, color swatches & notes in the margins are preserved in every piece Her pieces can be found in institutional art collections such as the City of Houston, University of Houston, Fort Bend County, Houston Endowment foundation, the Alamo College System, San Antonio University Women and Children's Hospital, Northshore University Hospital, and Dallas Methodist Medical Center. Her abstract pieces on metal can be found in various hospitality spaces around the country such as Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Magnolia Hotel, The Gwen, The Westin and ICON's House Zero.
Until It Lets Me Go
2026
Colored pencil, found object print, ink, and thread on raw canvas; custom poplar frame
33.5 x 39.5 in
$2,800
Like Breath Held
2026
Colored pencil, block print, ink, and thread on raw canvas
26 x 35 in
Not for sale
Artist statement
My practice explores how immigrants and refugees lose their sense of place not once, but in a recurring cycle of re-displacement, as memories of their homeland progressively decay with age. With the erosion of these recollections, the trivial can start to transform into mystical symbols and their past world can linger not as nostalgia but as a haunting: a phantom limb, a crushing presence born of absence. My work investigates how this cyclical grieving & loss of belonging sediments into the bones of their future generations. I use broken mirror shards of memory (both mine and my family's) as a collage of textural, architectural underpinnings. The pieces retain a sense of misalignment or partialness to reflect the inherently flawed, fragmentary quality of memory. Anchored on handwoven Indian textiles or raw canvas, I often underlay them with hand-carved block prints and overlay stitching and embroidery to join the fragments. I believe process is a medium just as tangible as pencil, and I preserve sketch studies, color swatches and notes in the margins. I hope that these traces of art-making may trigger a faint recognition long after I can no longer remember making them.
Biography
Amisha Jay Dalwadi is an artist and ceramicist whose work explores ancestry, ritual, texture, and transformation through clay. Her connection to clay is deeply personal. Her grandmother once made clay toys to sell and later handmade bricks, shaping earth into objects of beauty, function, and survival. That family history lives at the heart of Amisha's practice. For her, clay is more than a medium. It is memory, lineage, and a way of honoring the hands that came before her. Through ceramics, Amisha creates work that feels grounded, soulful, and intentional. She is drawn to the physical nature of clay, the way it responds to touch, pressure, water, fire, and time. Each piece becomes a conversation between inherited craft and contemporary expression, holding both personal history and spiritual presence. Her work is guided by a desire to transform raw earth into objects that carry meaning, beauty, and connection.
LOVE Ceramic Bookends
2025
Hand-built ceramic and glaze
$225 per set
One of a kind. Includes two coordinating bookends.
LOVE Ceramic Bookends
"LOVE" transforms a familiar word into a sculptural object for the home. Hand-built in ceramic, the four letters are divided into two complementary bookends, "LO" and "VE", that come together visually while standing independently. The deep charcoal glaze allows glimpses of the natural clay to remain visible, celebrating the marks, variations, and imperfections created by hand. Both functional and expressive, the pair can support a collection of books or stand alone as a reminder that love holds us together.
The Devi Letters
2025
Hand-built and hand-inscribed ceramic, glaze, and fiber cord
$195 each
One of a kind (each)
The Devi Letters
Each work in The Devi Letters is a one-of-a-kind ceramic wall sculpture shaped, inscribed, glazed, and finished by hand. The writing is not applied afterward; it is held permanently within the clay. A red fiber cord allows each letter to hang naturally, while the patterned reverse and House of Devi maker's mark make the back part of the artwork. Each piece carries the variations, textures, and irregular edges of the handmade process. The Devi Letters No. 1: Your Chaos Is Holy "Your chaos is holy, your softness is strength." $195 This ceramic letter honors every version of a woman, including the unfinished, uncertain, and beautifully complicated parts. It is a reminder that softness is not weakness and that becoming does not require perfection. Hand-inscribed into clay, the message becomes something lasting: a private affirmation transformed into a physical object of strength and tenderness. The Devi Letters No. 2: Made to Spill Over "We were never meant to fit into boxes; we were made to spill over in color and feeling." $195 This letter celebrates a life that refuses to be contained by expectations. It honors the freedom to expand, feel deeply, change direction, and remain a masterpiece still in the process of being created. The handwritten words and imperfect ceramic surface reinforce the meaning of the piece: beauty does not need to be orderly, finished, or confined. The Devi Letters No. 3: Sacred Home "Loving you is like returning to a temple I've always known." $195 Sacred Home reflects a love that feels less like discovery and more like remembering. It speaks to the rare feeling of being fully seen and finding home in the presence of another person. The quiet, intimate message is permanently inscribed into clay, turning a personal letter into a lasting object of devotion. The Devi Letters No. 4: The Pulse of the Universe "You are the pulse of the universe wrapped in human form." $195 This ceramic letter is a reminder of the light we carry, even during the moments when we can no longer see it for ourselves. It honors the sacredness within the human body and the connection between the individual and something much larger. Made and inscribed by hand, the piece holds its message with warmth, texture, and gentle imperfection. The Devi Letters No. 5: Ordinary Rituals "You make ordinary moments feel like rituals." $195 Ordinary Rituals honors the people whose presence changes the feeling of everyday life. In their company, small moments become meaningful, silence becomes its own language, and familiar routines begin to feel sacred. The warm, layered surface and handwritten inscription give the piece the intimacy of a letter meant for one person, while carrying a feeling many of us recognize. The Devi Letters No. 6: In Your Unraveling "Even in your unraveling, you are divine." $195 This letter offers permission to release what can no longer be held together. It reminds us that falling apart is not always an ending; sometimes the pieces already know how to become something new. The message is carved permanently into clay, a material that must itself be shaped, changed by fire, and transformed before it can become whole. The Devi Letters No. 7: Forget Me Not Not for sale Hand-built and hand-inscribed ceramic, glaze, colored detail, and fiber cord Forget Me Not preserves an intimate exchange of love, memory, and devotion between Kapila and Jayant. The handwritten names, small red heart, and closing words transform a private sentiment into a ceramic keepsake. Both deeply personal and universally recognizable, the piece considers how love survives through the words we leave behind, and how clay can hold a memory long after a moment has passed.
Ceramic Blooms
2026
Hand-built ceramic and glaze
$125 each
One of a kind (each)
Ceramic Blooms
Rose Ceramic Bloom Rose with dark and gold-toned details $125 The Rose Ceramic Bloom begins with separate pieces of clay shaped and joined into one continuous, unfolding form. Its curved petals seem to turn inward and outward at once, creating movement that shifts as the viewer walks around it. A layered rose glaze, dark organic markings, and subtle golden details make every surface unique. Designed to hang individually or as part of a larger installation, no two blooms are exactly alike. Charcoal Ceramic Bloom Charcoal with bronze and earth-toned details $125 The Charcoal Ceramic Bloom is a dimensional wall sculpture formed from sweeping pieces of clay that fold into one another. The shape suggests a flower, a turning current, and something still in the process of becoming. Its charcoal and earthen glaze is layered with bronze-toned markings and natural variations from the firing process. Each bloom is individually formed, giving it its own movement, texture, and character.
Biography
Anjali Nanda is a Houston-based contemporary artist whose practice brings traditional Indian art forms into conversation with contemporary visual expression. Raised in India and now based in Texas, she draws inspiration from the rich storytelling traditions of Madhubani, Gond, and Pichwai art. Working primarily with acrylic, ink, and gold accents, Nanda is known for compositions that combine bold visual presence with intricate hand-rendered details. Her work frequently incorporates symbolic elements from nature (including trees, birds, animals, and botanical forms) to explore themes of connection, belonging, resilience, abundance, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Rather than reproducing traditional forms, Nanda reinterprets their techniques, patterns, and visual language through her own contemporary perspective. Her work reflects the experience of carrying cultural heritage across geographies while allowing it to evolve through personal experience and artistic exploration. Nanda's work has been presented at juried exhibitions and art festivals throughout the Houston area, including Bayou City Art Festival and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. Through her practice, she seeks to create a visual bridge between heritage and contemporary life, inviting viewers to discover both the stories embedded within Indian artistic traditions and their universal resonance.
MatrSneha - Mother
2024
Acrylic
24 x 24 x 1.5 in
Not for sale
Jeevan Ki Kahani - Story of Life
2025
Acrylic
16 in diameter (circular canvas)
$2,400 · For sale
Sampanh - Prosperity
2025
Acrylic
48 x 24 x 1.5 in
$5,600 · For sale
Artist statement
My work is rooted in traditional Indian art forms such as Madhubani, Gond, and Pichwai, which I reinterpret through a contemporary lens. Growing up in India and now living in the United States, I find myself constantly navigating the space between heritage and modern life. Art has become my way of honoring cultural traditions while creating visual narratives that resonate across cultures. I am drawn to the rich symbolism and storytelling found in Indian folk and devotional art. Trees, animals, birds, lotus flowers, and sacred motifs frequently appear in my work, representing themes of interconnectedness, resilience, abundance, motherhood, and spiritual reflection. While these symbols originate from specific cultural traditions, they speak to universal human experiences and emotions. My creative process is deeply meditative. Using acrylics, ink, texture, and occasional gold accents, I build layers of intricate patterns and details by hand. I strive to create paintings that offer two distinct experiences: a sense of calm, balance, and visual impact from a distance, and a world of discovery and craftsmanship when viewed up close. Rather than replicating traditional forms, I seek to reimagine them in a way that feels relevant to contemporary audiences. Through this fusion of old and new, I hope to preserve the essence of these artistic traditions while inviting viewers to engage with them in a fresh and personal way. Ultimately, my work is an exploration of identity, memory, and belonging: a visual bridge between cultures, generations, and the stories that connect us all.
Biography
A Houstonian of South Asian (Indian) origin, Anu has been actively creating art for over 35 years. She has worked with a variety of media over the years creating sculptures, paintings and performance & live visual art. Today, she primarily works with oil and acrylic with a focus on large abstracts. Born in New Orleans and raised in Houston, and having also lived in Oslo, Mumbai and Goa, Anu often incorporates cultural themes from her life experiences into her work. She regularly donates her paintings towards fundraising efforts for various nonprofit organizations. She was a volunteer resident artist for Houston Via Colori Street Painting festival for 14 years, from its inception in 2006 until the event closed its doors in 2019. View her work at anusrivastav.com.
Pari's Perpetual Divine Intervention
2024
Oil and acrylic
36 x 48 in
$1,950 · For sale
Silent Divinity
2024
Oil and acrylic
8 x 10 in
$495 · For sale
Metamorphosis
2025
Oil and acrylic
36 x 48 in
$1,950 · For sale
Artist statement
Art brings people together and bridges generations. I want my art to contribute to this togetherness; I see art as a way to give back to society and an expression of the individuality that each one of us brings to the world.
Biography
Texas born and raised, Chatna Vyas's artistic journey began in the spartan, undecorated spaces of the motels her parents managed. Growing up in small towns that often-lacked traditional Hindu places of worship, her earliest connection to faith was formed around the simple, intimate home temples her mother built and lovingly maintained. After moving to Houston she was introduced to grander, formal temples, sparking a lifelong curiosity about the nuances of culture, faith, and identity. Chatna's deep love for Indian traditional dance and heritage seamlessly translates onto the canvas through vivid storytelling, intricate craftsmanship, and expressive movement. Drawing inspiration from rich cultural traditions, she transforms quiet, everyday moments into defined, meditative works of art that speak to both beauty and devotion. Her artistic path gained momentum during her college years through collaborative mural projects with Interfaith Ministries and Houston Community College, fueling a lifelong passion for creating immersive spaces that foster connection. Over the years, her community-focused contributions have been featured in initiatives with Rice University, Chinmaya Mission, and Vallabh Vidya Mandir, as well as various local temple exhibitions. Each of Chatna's creations is a thoughtful exploration, layering heritage, symbolism, and contemporary expression to produce work that feels both timeless and deeply personal. For Chatna, art is far more than a visual medium; it is an emotional experience. Her work warmly invites viewers and collectors to engage with story and tradition in a way that brings lasting presence, purpose, and meaning into any space.
Goods Things Coming
2026
Texture paint, impasto, acrylic, and gold foil on canvas
36 x 24 in
$3,300
Young Krishna - Shreenathji
2025
Acrylic, textured paint, and mirrors on canvas
18 x 24 in
$1,500
Pink Fairy
2019
Acrylic on sketch paper
9 x 12 in
$250
Artist statement
The art I create is curated after deep thought and meditation. Growing up with parents who had to hide their culture in public, they had slowly lost some of the stories and meanings. So when I had the natural Western tendency to ask questions, I wasn't always met with satisfactory answers to my questions to explain why things were the way they were... I resolved to asking questions capturing stories and moments after my own understanding. Having kids and access to Houston's vast temple system, I was warmly questions. I resolved to passing those answers and culture in visual storytelling format. Conversation visuals of South Asian culture.
Biography
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, contemporary artist Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee is internationally recognized for her interdisciplinary, research-based artistic practice informed by firsthand data and experiences collected in the ocean and dedicated to marine conservation. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her practice has been shaped by nearly two decades of scuba diving and extensive field research worldwide. Her work has been presented in solo museum exhibitions, museums, galleries, international art fairs, and institutional public art commissions throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including Mumbai, Beijing, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dubai. Mahimtura Folmsbee presented her work at the United Nations in New York in conjunction with the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, 2021. Her notable public art includes permanent institutional commissions for Houston Airports, The Aquarius Art Tunnel and Water Wisps: Sanctuary Bubbles. Collaborations and commissioned projects include Skechers, the Houston Chevron Marathon, Super Bowl LI, and FIFA World Cup initiatives. Her solo museum exhibition, MAGIC WATER, was endorsed as an official activity of the United Nations Ocean Decade. Her work has been in press nationally and internationally with cover stories in the Houston Chronicle, The India review of the world of furniture, The Gulf Coast Journal, and editorial write ups in Harper's Bazaar Malaysia, The Times of India, PaperCity, Texas Arts & Culture, Hello Magazine and ABC News. Her honors include the National Mural Award, CODAworx People's Choice Award, recognition as a CODAworx Creative Revolutionary, and PIA MidAmerica GraphEx Gold Award.
When Stars Soar
2025
Ceramic porcelain, high-fire glazes, frost porcelain slip, semi-precious and precious gems including tourmalines, emeralds, peridots, and opals
11 x 10.5 x 11 in (H x W x D)
$7,200
Artist statement
Having moved between countries and cities to find my own space in this world, I felt a need to hunt for a universal connection among us that brought me tranquility. This pursuit propelled me to search for an element that physically connects us all, water. I started scuba diving in 2007. When I dive, I am one with my breath, invited into a world where I am encouraged to observe, experience, and exist. My artwork seeks to recreate that meditative and spiritual understanding for the viewer. My research-based practice is guided by the philosophy of One Ocean, the understanding that all bodies of water are interconnected and that the health of one ecosystem ultimately affects us all. Through painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, installation, and public art, I translate my underwater expeditions into visual storytelling, revealing marine ecosystems audiences may never experience themselves. My world of color is drawn from memory, lived experience, and nostalgic synesthetic associations with growing up in Mumbai, India. I actively collaborate with scientists and conservation organizations, bridging art, science, research, and public engagement. I believe sublimity has the power to inspire stewardship, trusting that wonder leads to awareness, awareness leads to understanding, and understanding encourages us to care for the ecosystems that sustain us all.
Biography
Jigna Patel is a Chicago-based, non-traditionally trained abstract artist whose practice is guided by her Guru and the flow of divine energy. Rooted in the spiritual and restorative power of the natural world, her work examines humanity's innate desire for grounding, connection, and transcendence through nature. Starting each painting with a meditation to channel divine energy, and then using textured paste and palette knife techniques, Patel creates layered compositions of landscapes, animals, and organic forms set against ethereal backgrounds. Through the incorporation of mixed media and occasionally, fabric, her works evoke themes of hope, resilience, empowerment, and love, inviting viewers into spaces of reflection, healing, and spiritual connection.
Ananta
2026
Texture medium, acrylic paint, mica powder, alcohol ink, glitter glue, and fabric on canvas
30 x 40 in
$2,950
Sneffels Ridge
2025
Texture medium, acrylic paint, mica powder, alcohol ink, and glitter glue on framed canvas
30 x 40 in
$2,950
Devotion At Adi Kailash
2026
Texture medium, acrylic paint, mica powder, alcohol ink, glitter glue, and fabric on canvas
36 x 24 in
$2,100
Artist statement
My practice centers around meditating upon each painting to channel divine energy flow, creating messages that come from beyond myself. Primarily creating textured and sculptural interpretations of our natural world set against ethereal abstract backgrounds. The juxtaposition of dreamlike atmospheres with rough, tactile surfaces allows both to be part of the story, exploring the intersection between the physical world and the spiritual dimensions that often remain unseen. Through this process, I seek to create spaces for reflection, resilience, and inner connection. My work invites viewers to recognize their own strength and capacity for transformation while fostering a sense of spiritual grounding beyond specific religious iconography. Instead, the work encourages an awareness of the divine presence within oneself and all of nature. Guided by intuition, divine energy flow and the rhythms of nature, each piece unfolds through layered textures, fluid movement, and luminous forms that evoke cycles of renewal, healing, and awakening. Using mixed media, fabric, and unconventional tools, I aim to push the boundaries of depth and materiality to create immersive visual experiences rooted in hope, empowerment, and love. Ultimately, my paintings serve as portals for contemplation, upliftment, and soulful connection to something greater than ourselves.
Biography
Manju Unnikrishnan is a Houston-based artist whose work bridges traditional inspiration and contemporary expression. Working primarily in acrylics and watercolor, she creates vibrant paintings that celebrate nature, culture, personal growth, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Her artistic style ranges from traditional Kerala mural-inspired works to abstract and modern compositions, often characterized by rich textures, expressive color palettes, and intricate details. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, human resilience, and diverse cultural influences, Manju's artwork invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect. Through her creative practice, she explores themes of transformation, hope, and emotional storytelling. In addition to painting, Manju is a calligrapher who enjoys creating personalized artwork and custom commissions. Her passion for creativity extends beyond the canvas as she shares artistic techniques through classes and workshops for both children and adults. Through every piece she creates, Manju aims to bring beauty, inspiration, and a sense of wonder into the spaces where people live, work, and gather.
Big Devi Energy
2024
Acrylic on canvas
28 x 22 in
$800
Radha Krishna
2026
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 24 in
$1,000
Artist statement
Art, for me, is a celebration of strength, heritage, and hope. My work is inspired by the resilience of women, the beauty of cultural traditions, and the transformative power of positivity. Through acrylics, watercolor, and mixed-media techniques, I create pieces that honor both the stories we inherit and the stories we choose to write for ourselves. As a woman artist, I am drawn to themes of empowerment, courage, and self-discovery. Many of my paintings reflect the quiet strength, grace, and determination that women carry through every stage of life. Whether portrayed through figurative forms, symbolic elements, or vibrant colors, my goal is to capture the spirit of perseverance and the beauty of becoming. My artistic journey is also deeply rooted in tradition. Influenced by Indian art forms, particularly the rich visual heritage of Kerala, I seek to preserve cultural narratives while presenting them through a contemporary lens. I believe traditions are not relics of the past but living expressions that continue to shape our identity and connect generations. Color plays a vital role in my work. I use it intentionally to evoke optimism, joy, and emotional connection. In a world that often feels rushed and divided, I hope my art serves as a reminder of kindness, resilience, and the possibility of renewal. Ultimately, my paintings are an invitation: to pause, reflect, celebrate our roots, embrace our strength, and find beauty in the journey forward. Through every brushstroke, I strive to create art that uplifts, inspires, and encourages a deeper connection with ourselves and one another.
Biography
Pothik Chatterjee is a South Asian-American painter whose practice engages abstraction as a contemplative and philosophical space shaped by diasporic experience. Drawing on Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies, his work explores interior states not as purely personal expressions, but as sites where cultural memory, migration, and spiritual inquiry intersect. His transnational upbringing across India, the Middle East, and Europe informs a visual language that resists fixed geographic identity. Born in Kolkata and shaped by a transnational upbringing across Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jakarta, Chatterjee approaches painting as a process of layering, both materially and conceptually. His compositions unfold through translucent fields of color, rhythmic mark-making, and the subtle presence of gold, evoking atmospheres that oscillate between structure and dissolution. These visual languages reference not only meditative practices, but also the instability and fluidity of identity across geographies. While rooted in abstraction, his work resists a purely formalist reading. Instead, it operates within a lineage of painters who engage the canvas as a space for metaphysical and perceptual inquiry. Chatterjee's paintings invite sustained looking, where shifts in light, surface, and color reveal emotional and symbolic depth over time. Chatterjee's practice is notable for its balance between accessibility and depth: works that resonate immediately through color and atmosphere, while sustaining longer engagement through their symbolic and cultural layering. There is a natural alignment between his work and collectors interested in contemporary abstraction with a strong philosophical or spiritual underpinning, particularly within globally informed collections. Shows include Artscape, the largest public art festival in the US in 2025, 'Color Theory' at Maison 10 in New York City in Summer 2023, Solo Show 'Baltimore Butterfly' at Highlandtown Gallery in Winter 2023, 10-Year Anniversary Show in Jan 2024 at Highlandtown, Creative Confluences' South Asian Artist Exhibition at Towson University's Asian Art Gallery in Baltimore in Fall 2022, and 'Big Devi Energy' in Houston in Fall 2024 and 2025, "On Balance" in Houston at Womble, Bond & Dickinson in 2026.
Kali with Lotus
Vishwarupa
Seven Chakras
Artist statement
Central to my practice is an ongoing negotiation between visibility and interiority, particularly as it relates to queer identity within the South Asian diaspora. Rather than foregrounding narrative, these concerns are embedded within the structure of the work itself, emerging through tension, repetition, and moments of stillness. Chatterjee's paintings ultimately propose abstraction as a site of resonance: a space where personal and collective histories converge, and where meaning is not fixed, but continually unfolding. His paintings employ layered acrylic surfaces and subtle gold-inflected palettes to evoke meditative, atmospheric fields that balance structure and intuition. Chatterjee's work is grounded in a consistent exploration of interior landscapes (what he describes as emotional and spiritual states) while also engaging broader themes of migration, cultural memory, and queer identity within the South Asian diaspora. The result is a body of work that is both শান্ত (calm, contemplative) and conceptually anchored in questions of belonging, healing, and transformation. His paintings have been placed with over 200 collectors across the U.S. and internationally in New York, London, Dubai and Mumbai, and he has exhibited in New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, including presentations at Maison 10 Gallery in Chelsea and multiple solo and group exhibitions.
Biography
Purvi Shah (b. 1989) is a South Asian artist based in Houston, Texas whose practice examines the complexities of bi-cultural and diasporic identity. Drawing from her Indian upbringing, Shah's work explores the visual and symbolic language of tradition through a contemporary lens. Rooted in personal and collective moments of joy, loss, transition, and reflection, Shah's practice is deeply introspective. Her current body of work channels her love for the intricate borders of traditional garments and the delicate fluidity of henna patterns, both long associated with auspiciousness, celebration, and positive energy. She reinterprets the motifs through her modern compositions, merging cultural memory with contemporary expression into a textured foundation. Shah's deliberate structural choice to mount a secondary canvas symbolizes the duality inherent in immigrant and diasporic experience. The interaction reflects two coexisting worlds: the cultural memory that anchors her, and the lived reality that shapes her present. Their alignment, tension, and harmony mirror the negotiations of belonging that define a life lived between different cultures. Her work invites viewers into a space that honors imperfection, continuity, and the evolving nature of identity.
Held By The Same Sky
2026
Mixed media
36 x 48 x 2.5 in
$5,200 · For sale
Strange Pull Of What You Love
2026
Mixed media on raw canvas
30 x 40 in
$3,000 · For sale
Take Your Time, Life Is Not A Race
2026
Oil over mixed media
40 x 60 x 2.5 in
$7,200 · For sale
Artist statement
I want my art to encourage people to stay true to themselves: to be free to discover who they are by seeking the transformative journey of self-discovery. Through my paintings, I strive to depict the romance in introspection and trusting in the power that resides within us to be able to live a life true to oneself. A recurring symbol within my border work is the lotus, a motif deeply embedded in Indian culture and spirituality. Traditionally representing resilience, purity, rebirth, and the ability to bloom through adversity, the lotus is a visual anchor throughout my practice. Its repeated presence reflects both a connection to cultural inheritance and a personal mediation of growth, transformation, and continuity across generations and geographies. Each henna-inspired border in my work is created entirely by hand using a traditional handmade Mehandi cone, without the use of stencils or repetition guides, allowing some variations to become part of the visual language itself. The abstract compositions emerge through an intuitive process and similarly, the mounted secondary canvas is never planned in advance; it is developed at the end of the process in response to what the larger piece calls for compositionally and emotionally. Rather than aiming for perfection, I focus on authenticity. My process is intuitive and layered, just like the experiences that inspire it. Through my art, I hope others see reflections of their own journeys, finding comfort, resonance, or even questions they've yet to ask.
Biography
Sheetal Dalwadi is a multidisciplinary artist working with preserved moss, ink, acrylic, and mixed media to explore the relationship between nature, culture, and human connection. Her work is inspired by the belief that art can transform spaces while encouraging moments of reflection, healing, and wonder. Sheetal's artistic journey began more than 25 years ago as a henna artist, where she developed a deep appreciation for intricate patterns, craftsmanship, and storytelling rooted in her Indian heritage. These influences continue to shape her work today, whether expressed through the organic textures of moss, the precision of ink, or the expressive qualities of paint and mixed media. In 2019, Sheetal's artistic path took a transformative turn when she was commissioned to create a calming artwork for a medical clinic. While working on the project, she discovered the beauty and restorative qualities of preserved moss and botanical materials. This experience sparked a deep connection with the natural world and inspired her to dedicate her creative practice to moss and botanical art. Regardless of the medium, Sheetal's work celebrates the beauty of the natural world while creating meaningful connections between people and their environments. Her moss art has received recognition through art competitions, including first-place awards, and she has also captivated audiences through live art demonstrations at events. Through each piece, she hopes to inspire viewers to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the quiet balance that nature offers.
Prakriti's Embrace
2024
Preserved moss and dried flowers
54 x 42 in
$3,400 · For sale
Waves of Bloom
2026
Preserved moss and dried flowers
48 x 38 in
$3,200 · For sale
Rhythm of the Lotus
2024
Hand-drawn pattern design in watercolor and ink on paper, with mixed media and preserved natural elements
24 x 30 in
$850 · For sale
Artist statement
I am a multidisciplinary artist working with preserved moss, ink, acrylic, and mixed media to explore the relationship between nature, culture, and human connection. My work is inspired by the belief that art can transform spaces while encouraging moments of reflection, healing, and wonder. My artistic journey began more than 25 years ago as a henna artist, where I developed a deep appreciation for intricate patterns, craftsmanship, and storytelling rooted in my Indian heritage. Those influences continue to shape my work today, whether expressed through the organic textures of moss, the precision of ink, or the expressive qualities of paint and mixed media. In 2019, I discovered preserved moss while creating a commissioned installation for a medical clinic. I was captivated by its ability to bring the restorative qualities of nature indoors, inspiring a body of work that blends contemporary art with biophilic design. Alongside my botanical installations, I continue to explore drawing, painting, and mixed media as complementary ways of expressing texture, movement, and narrative. Regardless of the medium, my work seeks to celebrate the beauty of the natural world while creating meaningful connections between people and their environments. Through each piece, I hope to inspire viewers to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the quiet balance that nature offers.
Biography
Sneha Bhavsar is a Houston based visual artist exploring folk art traditions and techniques in her paintings, public art installations, and handicrafts. By incorporating folk art motifs through craft techniques such as embroidery, papercutting, and hand-block printing, Sneha creates art that is both contemporary and rooted in tradition. Her work visually reflects how stories and memory are carried in a motif, a stitch, a pattern; allowing the work to serve as a living history of cultural heritage and identity. Sneha's South Asian background heavily inspires and guides her creative practice and encourages her to foster an appreciation for inclusivity and cultural diversity. In her recent works, she intertwines socially engaged art with the lived experiences of Houston's refugee and immigrant artisans. Her creative practice has expanded to include relational art-making, which invites participation through donated materials, communal engagement, and interaction with completed works. Sneha's work has been recognized and awarded commissions from the Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, the Houston Endowment, BIPOC Arts Network and Fund, Connect Community, and private organizations and individuals across the US. Sneha continues to blend her love of creating art with her aspirations to serve her community. As Director of Artistic Programming for House of Devi, she is committed to supporting the creative voices of South Asian artists in Houston. Additionally, she serves as a Board member for Compassionate Houston, and is a founding member of the Compassion Through the Arts Program. Sneha has previously served as Vice Chair of the City of Bellaire Culture and Arts Board and Houston Children Give Back.
Meet Market
2026
Acrylic, thread, and cheesecloth on canvas
36 x 36 in
Sold
Remembrance
2024
Acrylic on paper
18 x 24 in
Sold
Sacred Wisdom
2025
Upcycled fabric, thread, and acrylic paint on canvas
24 x 48 in
Sold
Artist statement
I am a visual artist and cultural practitioner using folk art traditions to create contemporary paintings and socially engaged public art installations. I incorporate folk art motifs, symbols, and textile patterns using traditional techniques such as block printing, papercutting, and embroidery. My South Asian background gave me an early understanding of how stories and memory are carried in a motif, a stitch, a pattern; ultimately serving as a living history of cultural heritage and identity. My process begins with extensive research into a craft tradition's origins, its meaning, and often includes visits with living practitioners. From that foundation, I build my work, combining motifs, methods, and materials in ways that feel both contemporary and rooted in tradition. Over the past several years, my practice has expanded to include collaborative and interactive components: donated materials, communal engagement, and invitations for audiences to interact with the finished work. Since folk art has historically been taught across generations and practiced in community, I intentionally open my process to include relational art making. My most recent paintings and public art installations have grown out of direct contributions from refugee and immigrant artisans in Houston, whose handmade artistry is present in each finished piece. I believe in my work because I believe art should tell our human story. The story has always been about us reaching towards one another, seeking connection, across time, geography, and cultures.
