We were lucky to catch up with Syna Sethi recently and have shared our conversation below.
SYNA, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I’ve learned that the best way to improve my artistic process is to give myself the freedom to create without the fear of making “mistakes.” In the past, I used to get so caught up in trying to meet other people’s expectations or aiming for perfection in every piece that it held me back from actually creating. Now, I’ve made a conscious effort to embrace both the process and the outcome. Even if not everything turns out great, it helps me understand what resonates.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself to start sooner—start messy, start imperfectly, but just start. My art professors always encouraged this mindset, but it took me a long time to overcome the fear of imperfection. I now realise that starting earlier, without hesitation, would have given me more opportunities to practice, fail, and grow.
I believe there’s always going to be a gap between where you are and where you want to be, but that gap shrinks with practice. The biggest obstacle for me has been overcoming that inner voice of self-doubt but the more I push past those fears, the more I understand that the act of creating is where the fun truly exists.
SYNA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, and my journey into the arts began at home—creativity runs in my family, with everyone expressing it in their own unique ways. Growing up in such an environment encouraged me to explore and find my own voice in the arts. Over time, I’ve explored design, painting, and production design, all of which have shaped the work I create today.
My creative work is deeply rooted in themes of culture, identity, and human connection. Whether I’m crafting an intricate painting or collaborating on a film project that delves into complex emotions, my goal is always to create pieces that make people feel. One of my favorite things to explore tapestry-like layers of stories, experiences, and fragments of life woven into something meaningful.
What sets me apart is my willingness to embrace the chaos of creation and see the value in every learning experience along the way. I’ve learned to prioritise process over perfection and to let my work evolve organically. This approach has helped me experiment across disciplines and mediums.
I’m incredibly proud of the moments when my work has resonated with others—like seeing films I’ve worked on screened at festivals or sparking meaningful conversations during studio visits with my paintings. These experiences reinforce why I create: to connect, inspire, and celebrate the beauty of shared stories.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating something that resonates with others. There’s an indescribable feeling in watching someone pause in front of my work, take the time to engage with it, and interpret it in their own unique way. While I’m proud of the work I create, seeing someone else find value in it and form a connection is fulfilling on an entirely different level. It feels like a silent conversation between the viewer and the artwork, where their interaction gives the piece a new life—one that I may not have envisioned but deeply appreciate. That connection and shared experience make all the challenges of the creative process so worth it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
For now, my creative journey is driven by the search for my purpose—understanding what I want to create, who I want to create it for, and how I want to approach it. I’ve always known that I’m made to create, no matter the medium or discipline. Each project I work on, whether it’s a painting, a film, or a design, brings me closer to discovering my voice and the impact I want my work to have. This ongoing exploration fuels my passion and keeps me excited for what’s next.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to come across incredible opportunities like this interview, which I’m so grateful for. Moments like these remind me of why I keep going—they affirm my path and inspire me to continue exploring and growing as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.synasethi.com
- Instagram: synasethi_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/synasethi/