Archana Aneja (born in India living in USA) We often forget to pursue our dreams as we find ourselves simply following the norms and imprisoned within various perceived social, cultural, and prejudicial expectations. However, if we want to live, and not to merely exist, it is vital that we listen to our heart and ignite our passions. We need to push our limits, break the traditional boundaries so that we can maximize our potential and realize our dreams. Having had the unique opportunity to live, study and work as an Architectural Designer in the United States, Germany and India and travel across most of Europe, Archana was able to learn from artistically enriching inter-cultural experiences. Despite the diversity, she observed a binding thread for most people – the pursuit of happiness, love and peace. Archana uses this universal language of art and design to express my emotions and feelings, without any constraints. Grooving to her favorite music, she uses bright, bold palettes, (thanks to her Indian genes), heavily textured layers, acrylic colors, resin and mixed media to create contemporary art and sculpture representing life itself.
My motto for life and career - “Push your boundaries and Let Life Flow!” – is reflected in my artwork.
Tell us about your nominated art piece for the Global Art Awards?
Several of my pieces have been nominated in different categories for the Global Art Awards this year. I am completely ecstatic about this. The nominations include categories like Textile Art, Sculpture, Innovative Art, Mixed Media and Newcomer. After successfully having made it to the Global Art Awards top three finalists in Textile Art last year, we are back once again hoping to win more hearts and getting the visibility our creative projects deserve.
My nominated art pieces like My Soul Speaks, Harmony, Mixed Media, comprise ofvibrant, bold palettes, heavily textured layers, acrylic colors, resin and mixed media to create contemporary art and sculpturerepresenting my personal life experiences.
Also nominated is our Clothing line - Let Life Flow. The marriage of beautiful Art and Design is a win-win for everyone involved. Let Life Flow is a result of two creative friends Archana Aneja (Textile Artist) and Sumita Bhojwani (Designer/Owner KalaXpress) merging their soulful passions. This combination has resulted in some dazzling and unique statement pieces. Each garment is patterned and detailed using original and exquisite Abstract Art that cannot be replicated. The style is contemporary, sophisticated and yet quite comfortable.Free spirited, vibrant, sculptural and full of life, each piece has a mesmerizing quality to it. The aim of this collaboration is to give people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to buy unique artistic clothing at affordable prices. The freedom to choose clothing that represents their individuality, personality and dreams. The courage to break their boundaries and Let Life Flow!
How would you describe yourself? And your artwork?
I am a creative soul. I go with the flow of life. I live in the present and every morning is a fresh start. I don’t like to plan ahead. I accept things as they unravel and I am often content with the results (sometimes driving my close ones insane due to my rationalization). My art is a true extension of me. My art is based on the motto: Break your boundaries and let life flow. Often it is free flowing, loud, vibrant, and shiny and an amalgam of many mixed media, which come together to form a harmonious whole.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My personal life is my biggest inspiration. I was born in India and grew up in a very small town. My parents worked hard to give me a comfortable childhood and world-class education. I was always artistically inclined and won several awards in this field as I was growing up. My interest in sketching, painting and visual arts led to a Masters degree in Architecture. Professionally working as an architectural designer in USA for over a decade further enhanced my interest in color, design and composition. A few years ago I moved to Europe and had the chance to immerse myself in the rich cultural and artistic history there. With my spouse supporting my creative endeavor, I decided to take the plunge and make art my full time commitment. I find inspiration in ups and downs of my everyday life, in societal issues, in nature, in motherhood, in architecture, and in my rich Indian heritage.
Can you tell us what your 'Before I Die' is?
‘Before I Die’ I would like that art is treated as a serious career choice and artists are given the credit they truly deserve. The journey from a small Indian town to where I stand today has been an amazing one. Most often, the choice of choosing art as a full time profession or means of livelihood is hard for people to digest. I’ve often been questioned about leaving a secure 9-5 job to pursue my passion. I sincerely hope to continue on this path till the day I die and hope that my dedication and commitment inspires many more women and men to do the same.
Best exhibition ever participated in…?
In the past few years, I have had the good fortune of being able to participate in many Group, Juried and Solo Exhibits for art and textiles across the globe. Each one of these exhibits has been a great learning experience. My exhibits include…
Arte, Sindelfingen, Germany
Affordable Art Fair, Milan, Italy
ArtExpo, New York, U.S.A.
RAW Artists VERVE and Magnify, Things Feel Heavy, Gilda’s Girls, The Heat is On, NSO, Man in the City Event, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
Shows for Textile Art Collaboration w/ KalaXpress
Trendzwest and Trendz in Bradenton and Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A
WWIN Women’s Wear in Nevada, Las Vegas, U.S.A.
Ms. International World Pageant: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line
For a full list of exhibits please visit www.archanaaneja.com
VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST IN THE GLOBAL ART AWARDS 2018
URLs:
Website: www.archanaaneja.com
Twitter: archanaanejaart
Facebook: Archana Aneja
Instagram: archanaaneja