We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Selva Priya Sahadevan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Selva Priya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

The most important lesson I learned in school was the power of teacher/mentor believing/encouraging you even if you don’t believe in yourself.

I was in middle school when my Principal noticed my drawings. I was shy and unsure, but she saw something in me and kept encouraging me to participate in inter-school art competitions. I still remember standing in the hallway with my sketchbook, nervous before my first contest—she walked by, smiled, and said, “You’ve got this.” That moment stuck with me.

Her belief gave me the courage to keep going, even when I doubted myself. My art teacher motivated and let me watch the techniques he used. Over time, those techniques and encouragement helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a person. I learned that confidence may not be something you’re born with—it’s something that can be nurtured too.

Last year, I went back for our alumni meet. I brought a painting I made just for her. Handing it to her was emotional—she was the reason I kept pursuing art, and I wanted her to know that. I also met my art teacher who was so proud to see my growth as an artist. In that young age—how far a little encouragement can go—has shaped everything I do today, especially when I mentor and encourage my own students.

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

I’m Selva Priya Sahadevan, an independent artist, instructor, and founder of Getitfromnature Arts. My journey with art began when I was just nine years old, inspired by my mother’s creativity and the encouragement from teachers. What started as a childhood passion slowly grew into a lifelong calling — one that’s now woven into everything I do, from painting to mentoring and community outreach.

I specialize in realistic portraits, fine art, abstract, and mixed media works. My paintings are known for their vibrant colors, intricate details, and emotional storytelling. Whether it’s a personalized portrait or a cultural piece, I aim to create art that speaks to people — even those who may not have any formal background in art. I believe every painting should tell a story, and I love when viewers find their own meaning in the work.

Through Getitfromnature Arts, I offer art classes for all ages, including specialized batches for adults. My studio is more than just a place to learn — it’s a space where creativity meets community. My students regularly participate in collaborative projects that promote inclusion, empathy, and cultural pride. I’m proud to say that many of our initiatives have had a meaningful impact, especially in youth volunteering and public art programs.

I’ve been honored with several awards, including the Emerging Artist Scholarship from the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival in both 2019 and 2020, and the Red Chair PGH Scholarship in 2019 and 2025. These recognitions helped bring my artistic dream into the spotlight and gave me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries.

What sets my work apart is its emotional depth and cultural authenticity. I blend whimsical imagination with traditional themes, often drawing from people, nature, and everyday human experiences.

For anyone looking for heartfelt, personalized art — whether it’s a custom painting, a paint night, or a class that nurtures your inner artist — I welcome you to explore Getitfromnature Arts. My goal is to make art accessible, meaningful, and joyful for everyone.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Honestly, I think what’s helped me build my reputation is staying true to who I am and what I believe in. I’ve always led with honesty and authenticity — whether I’m working on a painting, teaching a class, or organizing a community project. I don’t believe in shortcuts. I put in the hard work to learn new techniques, refine my craft, and make sure I’m constantly growing as an artist and mentor.

When it comes to teaching, I’m incredibly patient with my students.
I genuinely enjoy helping them discover their own creative voice. I’ve never been someone who just teaches for the sake of it — I care deeply about each child’s journey. I also work hard to create opportunities that highlight their talents, whether it’s through exhibitions, competitions, or collaborative projects. Seeing their confidence grow is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

I think people recognize that I’m not just here to make art — I’m here to build a community, uplift others, and share something meaningful. That’s what keeps me going, and I believe that’s what’s helped me earn trust and respect in my field.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media wasn’t something that happened overnight. It’s been a slow, steady process of showing up, staying creative, and being real with my followers. I try to keep my content engaging and meaningful — whether it’s sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a painting, a student’s progress, or a small moment that made a big impact.

One thing I’ve learned is that authenticity matters. People connect with you when you’re genuine. I share things that reflect my values, my work, and the joy I find in teaching and creating. Celebrating my students’ achievements, no matter how small, has been a big part of that. Every young artist’s win is a win for me too, and I believe those moments deserve to be seen and celebrated.

If you’re just starting out, my advice is: don’t worry about numbers. Focus on building a community. Share your process, your progress, your passion. Be consistent, be kind, and be proud of the little things — because they’re often what people remember most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://getitfromnature.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getitfromnature_arts?igsh=MWFtaTJ0aDV2am91cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1RLNd1JVUb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@getitfromnaturearts6550?si=V35q-6Lktm6dgThN