Sumi, an artist, architect, and mother, has a story that intertwines personal healing, world travel, and profound artistic discovery. Her journey began in India, within a family where art and mathematics were equally revered. This unique combination led her to pursue a career in architecture. However, after only a few years as a furniture designer, Sumi discovered two passions that would change her life: travel and her husband, who shared her wanderlust. Their life of exploration soon took a challenging turn, leading Sumi to uncover her true love for art.

Image of Sumi, Ruhi Joshi - Branding Project

Her seemingly idyllic life was disrupted by a complicated pregnancy, plunging her into a period of pain and guilt. She struggled with the fear of not providing a safe environment for her unborn child, who fought for survival every minute of those nine months. In this dark phase, drawing became her lifeline, a way to maintain her sanity and fend off depression. After her child's birth, Sumi connected with people who had faced loss or near-death experiences. Sharing her drawings with them and seeing their emotional resonance with her work was overwhelming. This led her to accept portrait commissions, especially of loved ones who had passed, helping others celebrate the lives of those they cherished.

Sumi's artistic inspiration is deeply rooted in nature. Her creative mind constantly seeks out details and emotions in everything around her. She has recently been fascinated by monochromatic elements in nature, especially black and white. Living in Norway for a significant part of her life has exposed her to a stunning combination of these tones.

Experiencing eight months of white snow under nearly black skies has opened a new world for her artistic eye. The gleam of the Snowy Owl, the brilliance of the Eurasian Eagle Owl, and the subtle beauty of the Northern Lights, which appear gray to the naked eye, all inspire her work. From the shining dew drops on dandelions to the unique details of each snowflake, Sumi finds inspiration everywhere, from the vast sky to microscopic details.

Speaking on Sumi’s creative process, it begins with scribbling shapes and forms that catch her eye. She always carries a sketchbook, noting down details from tiles, feathers, dresses, or shadows cast by grass blades. These patterns later find their way into her paintings. Her daily ritual involves sitting with a steaming hot Cortado in her favorite corner table at a neighborhood café. She thrives in noisy places, where the energy helps her focus on intricate details. Working in public places also allows her to engage with curious onlookers, whose input and questions often fuel her creative process.

Sumi's unique artistic style is characterized by monochrome paintings, particularly in black and white. She loves working with pen and ink, a medium that allows her to achieve astonishing details. Recently, she has been experimenting with fine line drawing techniques using oil paint on canvas, pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression.

One of Sumi's most significant challenges as an artist is narrowing down her myriad ideas to focus on one at a time. Her mind is constantly brimming with concepts, creating a chaotic mental intersection where every idea jostles for attention. This makes it difficult to channel one idea into a cohesive artwork or collection. To navigate this, Sumi sets realistic deadlines by enrolling in art shows, giving her tangible goals and forcing her to stick with specific themes. The prospect of presenting her work to an audience helps her stay focused amid the chaos of concepts in her mind.

Excited about several upcoming projects and exhibitions, She recently participated in "BAM! RED DOT" curated by Startshow at One Art Space Gallery in New York. Her work is was on display at the West Windsor Arts Council in New Jersey for a month-long show called GR8 Works. This fall, Sumi will exhibit her works at the Montgomery Arts Council in New Jersey for a show called "A Return to Art." This event holds a special place in her heart, as it was where she had her first art exhibition four years ago. Sumi's journey as an artist is one of resilience, exploration, and emotional depth. Her work, deeply inspired by nature and personal experiences, continues to touch the hearts of many. Through her art, she not only finds her own healing but also helps others celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

architect to Artistic Expressionist: Sumi

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