Introducing mixed-media contemporary abstract artist Shveta Maini

With background in textile design an emerging mixed-media contemporary artist, Shveta Maini, has entered the art world full time during the pandemic. Broadly using elements of expressionism and abstraction, Shveta’s paintings reflect a mastery of colour theory and organic rendering for a distinctive, vibrant style all of her own. Here, Shveta shares her story so far about building her reputation and a private clientele across the globe.

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world?

My love for art has been apparent from a very young age. A student of the London School of Fashion, a textile designer by training, my passion for the arts has led me to pursue parallel careers as an abstract artist and a textile designer. The intricacy, detail and structure in my textile prints nicely contrasts the fluidity and freedom that abstract art presents. My ability to move through these different art forms gives me clarity and perspective.

Many people are great at articulating their thoughts through words, I am not one of them, which is why I paint. Painting is my very personal, intimate way of sharing my thoughts and feelings. For me, it started as a way to express myself through a very personally difficult time in my life. Since then, it has evolved and become a very meditative experience for me.

I have been selling my art since 2008. However, I have only recently gone full time to being an artist. It’s been my dream to do so and the only good thing that came out from the pandemic for me personally. I now have my art in private collections across the globe – UK, Europe, Asia, America and South America.

What influences your work?

My art is fuelled by my memories and the emotions intertwined with those memories. These memories could be sparked by colours, shapes, smells, textures, even sounds. I find nature particularly inspiring. I love the sea and water seems to be a recurring theme that makes its way into all of my work.

I call it my blue period, I can’t seem to move myself from it just yet.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

I paint abstract mixed media art and work a lot with acrylics, watersoluble oil paints, inks and anything that helps give my art lots of texture. My style is quite fluid and intuitive. Colour is my emotional gauge and I let it steer each of my artworks’ narrative.

I allow each piece to intuitively unfold, spontaneously wrapping and unwrapping layers, slowly revealing itself in all its textural complexity. This organic, freeform process is infinitely liberating and deeply intimate.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning? 

I am currently working on my new series called “The stories we tell ourselves ” which will be released in March. I am also in the process of finalising my Solo show in India over the Summer and then I will be at The Other Art Fair in London in October.

What is the best advice you received as an artist?

If something scares you then do it! The chances are you will surprise yourself by doing the very thing that you were running away from. And of course, my personal Mantra is that there isn’t a right or a wrong way of doing art, there is just your way of doing it.

Shveta Maini details:

For more information please visit Shveta Maini’s website.

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