Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Poornima Moorthy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Poornima, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I was a child, I knew I was an artist. In college I graduated in Studio Arts from Alverno College. I worked in the arts field in the education and curatorial department at the Milwaukee Art Museum, while working on my art. Later on I earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and then worked as a graphic designer. But it was not until years later in my life after going through domestic abuse and coming out on the other side that I started to think about who I am and what is important to me. My aha moment was when I had a conversation with another artist, I had met many years ago in my early twenties. At this time I was trying to pick up the pieces to my kids and my life and figure out what career path I was going to pursue. He said to me, Poornima you are an artist, that is who you are. He also said imagine or picture where you want to be in 5 years. Don’t be practical, logical or burdened by the facts, this is a daydream. This conversation has been with me for the last six years and ignited the seed for me in being the artist I want to be. Making art for me is like breathing, it is who I am. Over the years I have begun to really believe in myself, my art making ability and being my true authentic self.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a South Asian American female professional artist that creates multi-faceted art. My love for pattern is strongly influenced by my heritage. Growing up with parents who grew up in India we made many trips to visit family there. I draw using both realistic and pattern-filled imagery to create my vibrant, colorful, whimsical landscapes. I love drawing since I was young. Making art is like breathing for me. I make art to capture my emotional journey and seeing the many amazing adventures life has to offer. Within each artwork I create a magical place within each piece. When I am drawing, I illustrate the things around me both seen and unseen. Having my entire studio on my iPad makes it easy to create my art on the go, especially with my family’s busy schedule. My work has dozens of layers of patterns and I spend countless hours drawing by hand, these elaborate whimsical landscapes. The different types of drawings I work on are spiritual, landscapes, portraits, with elaborate pattern filled images within a whimsical style. Making art for me is meditative, spiritual and also very healing for me. Having come through trauma I also use my art making process as a therapeutic tool to process emotions and to bring balance to my nervous system. Drawing helps me to quiet my mind. I love sharing my art with the community and giving a spark of hope, joy and feelings of endless possibilities. I also love connecting with the community and teaching through artist residency programs and teaching at the studio where I work at. I love teaching art classes with the emphasis on mindfulness. In these classes I like to bring in my other love of upcycling materials to make artworks. I love being creative and sharing my creativity with the community, it makes me happy. My art is a reflection of who I am and what I am feeling.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media has been built in a very organic way which is very similar to how I create my artwork. When I look back to one of my very first posts on my Instagram it was one of my first digital drawings I did, using an iPad. Social media is a great way for people to learn about you and your artwork. You can inform the public about what you are creating, participating in, share your views, and so much more. It also is a great way to see what others are doing.

I like to share how I see things as a visually creative person. The things I like to share are usually what I am creating, teaching, participating in and what I appreciate as an artist and person, I also like to share what I like that other artist are doing around town.

Sharing your art through social media is a good way for others to learn about your art and who you are but I would also be selective with what I share in social media. It is a great way for others to learn about your art making process, see your pieces and connect with you and your art. Social media is a way for artist to connect with other artists and be part of a bigger artist community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My story is about the creativity I had, lost and regained. In my early twenties I was on my arts path, going to school for the arts, working in the arts and making art. Then a domestic abusive relationship knocked me off my course. It took me to a very dark place. My creative fire was squashed out and I was living in survival mode. After many years of being in that abuse I made the decision to escape from that life, get a divorce and get my kids and myself into safety. My art and creative self-began to flow again. That creative spark was ignited again. I regained that creativity through my accomplishments. It has taken a lot of time, healing and a lot of work and perseverance to get to the place I am in now. I have put myself out there and believe in myself again. I am once again listening to my inner voice and aligning myself to what is important to my family and me. Just like in my Whimsyland art series, I feel that in life there are endless possibilities and fantastic adventures to be had.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.poornimamoorthy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poornimamoorthyart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poornima.moorthy.art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmoorthy/