The Artist
Hi, I am Amit. Welcome to my Inspired Art Expressions studio, where I create and present my art expressions with the desire and hope to bring joy to diverse audience.
Early Years
I was born in India into a multi-talented family. My grandmother was a teacher of Fine Arts, Hindi, History and Geography in Annie Besant School in the ancient city of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). My father was an awesome vocalist with his own band, live performances, a local fan following, etc., and my mother was passionate and amazing with knitting and embroidery. My innate talent for arts was discovered by my grandmother and hugely encouraged and supported by my parents who enrolled me in Rabindra Bhawan, a school of performing and fine arts, run by The Tagore Society in Jamshedpur – the steel-city town where I grew up – to formally learn fine arts. Thus started my journey with watercolors and oil paints some half a century ago. Back then, I primarily worked with landscapes - inspired by the natural beauty of my hometown and surrounding areas as it sits on the foothills of the Dalma range and wildlife sanctuary. The numerous train journeys during school vacations to Prayagraj and other destinations of natural and historical significance in India, were also a huge source. Wonderful memories from those days still inspire and influence my art sometimes.
The Journey
Growing up in the late 70s, the specter of a starving artist was very real, especially in an extremely competitive Indian job market. After graduating high school, the quest and pursuit of a professional career naturally took the center stage and art had to take the back seat except for an occasional dabble here and there. Even after establishing myself as an IT professional in the US, life’s priorities kept me away from the canvas and colors. In early 2007, I took classes at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, to learn how to work with acrylics, which was hitherto an unfamiliar medium for me, and to hopefully jumpstart my passion. Again, life got in the way of making any progress thereafter. Then came the COVID pandemic and the resulting work-from-home situation which afforded me more time to revive my passion. With some encouragement and YouTube leads from family and friends, I started reviving my talent again in late 2020.
My work is inspired by nature and several artists who I follow on YouTube – SurajFineArts, John Beckley, Oliver Maass, Gail Burstyn, Olga Soby, Mark Ratcliffe, Molly’s Artistry, LeftBrainArtist, to name a few. I like to use a variety of techniques and mediums, primarily acrylic paints. The creations range from landscape, to abstract, to flow, to textured, to even whimsical, and I keep discovering and experimenting with new techniques and styles.
Collaborating Artists
Anurita, my kid sister, is a huge inspiration and critic who has often offered suggestions that have helped me take my art to the next level. She has a very keen eye and elegant taste for artwork in any form. She herself dabbles in jewelry making and fashion designing from time to time.
Jill, a very good friend, a former colleague, and a huge inspiration for jumpstarting my artistic journey. She herself is a very talented individual who creates some amazing glass work, jewelry, and paintings – flow and traditional brush with acrylics, oil and watercolors. Her creations are showcased on her website - PadfootStudio.com.
A spot is always open in my heart and my home’s basement studio (aka, man-cave 😊) for any artist that wishes to explore art and express their inspiration together. The more we collaborate the more we learn, inspire each other, and grow together. As they say, the more the merrier!!