We recently connected with Durga Ekambaram and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Durga thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I began my journey as an artist purely by chance in 2019, when I participated in a chalk art contest in Utah. What drew me to it was my lifelong passion for art, something that had been with me since childhood. That moment marked the beginning of an unexpected but rewarding journey.
At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom, and the experience opened my eyes to the many creative opportunities available around me. It was enlightening to realize that my passion could lead to something more meaningful.
My journey as an author began during the pandemic, when I started writing fanfiction inspired by Jane Austen’s most celebrated novel, Pride and Prejudice. The encouraging response from readers, who urged me to self-publish my books, made me recognize the value of what I had created. Today, I have three books published on Amazon.
Looking back, I have no regrets about how or when my artistic and writing careers began. Though everything seemed to happen by chance, I firmly believe it was my passion for the arts and storytelling that led me to pursue every opportunity with dedication, understanding the value of the same.
According to me, there’s no fixed timeline for starting something new, especially when it’s something you truly love.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a freelance mixed media artist and a published author. I teach art professionally and have conducted workshops in a variety of mediums over the years, primarily in Utah, and now based in Maryland. My artwork has been exhibited in several galleries, and I have also undertaken mural and public art projects.
I love collaborating with local arts and nonprofit organizations to offer workshops focused on traditional Indian art forms. Through these sessions, I aim to provide a unique and much-needed perspective on Indian art, giving participants the joy of exploring something new and culturally enriching.
I teach several mediums, including watercolor, acrylic, coffee painting, and Indian mixed media such as Lippan art. I’ve also been a featured artist at various festivals, including the Utah arts festival, where I performed live upside-down painting.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Both as an artist and an author, my work is a powerful form of self-expression. Whether it’s through creating art that reflects my ethnicity and culture, or through writing that gives voice to my ideas, I see both as meaningful ways to share who I am.
Through this journey, I have had the privilege of offering a fresh perspective on Indian culture and its rich traditions, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist. I have received genuine interest from the community in learning more about my background, heritage, and the stories behind the art I create.
As an author, my plots are often inspired by personal life experiences. When readers connect with my characters or resonate with the emotions in my stories, it’s an incredibly fulfilling feeling. To know my work has touched someone—that’s the true reward of this journey.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One common perception I’ve observed in society is how creative professions are often undervalued. Whether it’s art, writing, or any other creative field, people tend to assume it’s less demanding than a traditional 9-to-5 job and, unfortunately, less important. A frequent misconception is that artists like me work at our own pace without the pressure of deadlines. In reality, we manage commitments, timelines, and responsibilities just like any other profession.
As an artist, beyond creating my work, a significant portion of my time goes into refining my skills, applying for artist calls, preparing portfolios, and developing marketing materials. Similarly, as a self-published author, I don’t just write—there are several technical aspects to self publishing in terms of formatting and editing that takes up a huge volume of my time. Each of these steps requires time, effort, and dedication.
There’s also a widespread fear surrounding creative careers, often attributed from uncertainty, intense competition, or the fear of failure. But to me, if you are truly passionate, open to learning, and committed to honing your craft, there is always a way to grow and shine.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: strokes_durga
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562212178045
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/durga-ek