We were lucky to catch up with Uttara Ganesh recently and have shared our conversation below.
Uttara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My MFA thesis has been the most meaningful project I’ve worked on in recent years. Interestingly, it began as something else entirely, with a completely different direction and outcome. During my first semester, I reluctantly started exploring Indian mythology in one of my seminars. As an Indian, I initially felt that engaging with these stories was too predictable—almost a cliché. But as I delved deeper, I became fascinated by the idea of retelling and reimagining the very stories so many of us grew up with. What truly challenged me was rewriting familiar myths from the perspective of a female “side character”—someone typically overlooked in the original narratives.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi! I’m a creative practitioner—an artist, bookmaker, illustrator, graphic designer, ceramicist, and more. Originally from India, I’m now based in Chicago, where I continue to explore and expand on my creative practices.
My passion for art and design started early, way back in elementary school. Academics never quite captured my interest, but drawing and doodling on every available surface was something I loved endlessly. I have vivid, if somewhat fuzzy, memories of sketching on benches, schoolboards, and being the go-to person for crafting decorations for class displays or making props for school plays. These early creative impulses laid the foundation for everything I do today.
During my undergraduate studies, I discovered a deeper connection to visual storytelling, especially illustrating folktales, myths, and stories from cultures near and far. This fascination grew stronger as I pursued my Master’s degree, where I focused on material exploration and challenged myself to learn as many new skills as possible, blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches.
Today, I proudly identify as a creative storyteller. My work bridges the gap between mainstream myths and marginalized perspectives—particularly amplifying the voices of women who have historically been underrepresented in storytelling. By reinterpreting familiar narratives, I invite audiences to reconnect with heritage in ways that feel both relevant and empowering. My practice consistently questions traditional narratives, offering nuanced viewpoints that encourage reflection on themes such as gender, agency, and cultural identity.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to give voice to stories and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard—not only for others to see and hear, but also for myself. I express my thoughts, opinions, and personal stories through my art. I believe that creating art is a form of connection—between past and present, between different cultures, and between my heart and mind, ultimately bridging myself and my audience. It is incredibly fulfilling to transform ideas, emotions, and experiences into something tangible that can spark reflection, conversation, or even change.
There’s also a deep joy—and at times, a feeling of exhilaration mixed with occasional exasperation—in the creative process itself: exploring materials, experimenting with techniques, and pushing boundaries. Each project feels like a journey of discovery, not only about the subject but also about myself as a creator. Ultimately, being a creative allows me to shape narratives in ways that challenge conventions, celebrate diversity, and inspire empathy. That, to me, is a very unique and precious space to hold.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At its core, my work is about fostering connection and empathy—helping audiences see the world and its histories from fresh perspectives, sparking reflection and meaningful dialogue. I want to create art that not only honors cultural heritage but also empowers people to question, reinterpret, and find meaning that feels relevant to their own lives.
At the same time, I’m deeply passionate about reimagining myths and folktales that are slowly fading away—like the made-up stories my grandpa used to tell my sister and me every day after school, the vivid childhood memories my parents share, or the random little myths I’d overhear in school libraries filled with magic, superstition, and wonder. These spoken stories are disappearing simply because there’s no one left to pass them on.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a richer, more nuanced, and diverse cultural conversation—one that celebrates complexity, invites openness, and inspires compassion and change. Along the way, I also make it a point to informally note and record the many “insignificant” stories I hear in passing every day, preserving these little threads of cultural memory before they slip away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uttaraganesh.myportfolio.com/work
- Instagram: @uttaraganesh
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uttara-ganesh-07a83317a?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BieCPq1TvRY6vJZ3CY3y6lw%3D%3D
- Other: https://www.behance.net/uttaraganesh
