Born in India, I have travelled extensively throughout India during my childhood - to explore new cultures became second nature for me. My experience of the richness, diversity and vitality of the languages and cultures of India, realised in its freedom of expression and colour became the foundation from which my later work would develop. My study of ancient history and ancient civilizations paved the way for further exploration and seeking knowledge of the ancient art and design world.
I have also travelled extensively overseas and this broadened my perspective, learning different techniques from artists and artisans I met around the world. In 1989 I was mentored by Br Ambrose, a Franciscan Friar and Irish artist in Galway, Ireland. Later I went to Cardiff, Wales to explore arts at Cardiff Institute of Higher Education (now Cardiff Metropolitan University). In Cardiff, I was a prolific artist and exhibited extensively.
I create wearable art in silk that is free-flowing, colourful and light. The colours and designs that I use are inspired by the Australian flora and fauna and my travels around the world. The painting on silk scarves is all freehand, and the silk is also dyed by combining various techniques like Japanese Shibori, Indian tie-dye and African indigo dyeing. Some of the silk designs also incorporate needlework and freehand machine embroidery, making embroidery part of the design.
Since 2012 I have also worked in school classrooms and conducted workshops for children with special needs, where I used art as a form of therapy. I was a Facilitator for Artist By The River Project 7 and 8 (2015 & 2017), in Perth for which I was recognised by the Rotary Club of Swan Valley, Western Australia for my dedication towards the project. This Project included facilitating weekly art workshops for adults with special needs. As an art educator, I also facilitate art classes and workshops from my studio to introduce participants of all ages and abilities to the vibrant colours on silk and the wonder of art on paper and canvas. Art classes are started with meditation, music and awareness of one's surroundings to ensure creativity is fostered in every participant.
I am available for commissions, collaborations, and art workshops.
My art and design work is inspired by the ethos of the ancient Indian art as expressed in Chitra Sutra. According to this Sutra, art is about meditation and harmonising our inner soul with the outer world and the cosmos. My paintings are less about what I see, more about what I feel - my feelings about life, in its purity and vitality, in its colour, depth, and revitalising energy.
- Kirandeep Grewal
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