Vandana Mehta

A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE ARTIST

1. What do you do when you’re not making art? (Day job etc...).

I am a mother of two adorable little boys. They keep me busy when they are around.

2. Why do you make art?

I have a strong desire to create. It's how I connect to myself. I sometimes want to completely immerse myself into my work to feel a sense of detachment with all the chaos that is around me. Sometimes I’m so inspired with something that I just want to paint it. When I paint, I am so much involved in the process. Past, future - these notions don't exist anymore, it's just me, the painting and the feeling of NOW.

3. What inspires you?

I travel back and forth between the US and India. My atmospheric abstracts are inspired by the beautiful skies in Texas, the beaches of Mumbai. The other series I’m currently working on is inspired by my own experiences and my deep emotions which extend to all women.

4. What/who are your influences?

I am influenced by the works of Turner, the beauty of mood in his works that invites the viewer to connect with it. I am also influenced by music. I listen to Ludovico Einaudi and it affects my mood greatly. In realism, I am greatly inspired by Sargent.

5. If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?

I want to meet Richard Schmid in person as I adore his works and I want to thank him for writing Alla Prima.