Spriha Gupta is an artist who draws on nature to create colorful, textural pieces that travel from representational into the abstract. Her works are pull the viewer into the natural world with movement and color. These works appear like they need to be touched and should definitely be seen in person.
What are you communicating with your art?
Art is my chosen language, a medium through which I express my inner world and perspectives. It serves as a window into my soul, offering glimpses of both my lived experiences and my idealized vision of life. Nature, my foremost muse, deeply influences much of my work, while themes like climate change, humanity, and mental health also find a place within it. I explore a wide range of emotions—joy, sadness, frustration, and hope—drawing on reflections about community, relationships, and social issues, including school bullying.
What media do you use and why?
I am a mixed-media texture artist, and for me, the dimensionality that texture brings is what truly breathes life into a piece. My process, which involves techniques like tearing, collaging, and layering on a base of acrylics, is almost meditative, allowing me to communicate in a deeply tactile way.
What is more important in your work, colors or textures?
Colors and textures are inseparable in my paintings; they are essential elements that harmonize to bring each piece to life. My use of color is profoundly influenced by my Indian heritage. I grew up surrounded by vibrant hues that fill my work with positive energy.
Textures, on the other hand, emerge naturally, inspired by the organic patterns I see in nature and the world I inhabit. Together, these elements create a sensory experience that reflects both my cultural roots and my deep connection to the world around me.
Where did you learn the style that you are working in now?
I am a self-taught artist, passionate about painting since childhood. Although I initially pursued a career outside the arts, my background in television production and direction shaped my artistic perspective, training my eye to focus on detail and the sensory impact of each frame.
Do you paint with nature in mind or is nature a strong inspiration?
Nature is a powerful inspiration for my work, a place where my soul finds happiness, and I strive to share that joy through my art. I’m deeply moved when people connect with my landscapes and seascapes, finding their own ‘island,’ ‘home,’ or ‘beach’ within the pieces.
How did translating your images to fabrics come about?
My scarves are art pieces in their own right. Made from luxurious silks from India, they elevate the vibrant jewel tones and textures of my work to a grander scale, adding a unique touch to any outfit.
I’m thrilled that my scarves are now available in boutiques and museum stores, including the Princeton University Art Museum Store, Grounds for Sculpture and Hunterdon Art Museum. Every time someone wears one of my creations, they carry that message with them, embodying values of sustainability and harmony.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
Creating art has been a journey of discovery, resilience, and personal growth. Initially, I painted purely for myself, enjoying it as a hobby. But when I decided to share my work publicly, I felt nervous and unsure, often questioning my direction. Gradually, though, I began finding my voice and identity through art.
For a long time, I worked out of a basement studio that, while functional, lacked sunlight and warmth. Though I enjoyed creating, it was often lonely and physically demanding.
Finding a studio in Princeton came at a critical time in my life, just after I had lost my father. This space, and the artist cooperative Princeton Makes, brought a renewed sense of community, support, and fellowship. Now, I’m part of a family of artists, engaging with people, sharing my process, and demonstrating my work at events.
Who were/are some of your influences?
I am deeply inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, particularly her approach to zooming in on flowers and elements of nature to reveal new perspectives. Her ability to magnify and transform simple forms resonates with my own desire to explore the intricacies of natural textures and shapes. Similarly, the dynamic movement found in the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh has influenced my pursuit of creating a sense of motion in some of my pieces.
How do you select the colors? They seem to stray from nature into the abstract.
While some of my pieces stay true to the natural colors we see in the world, others venture into a mystical realm where imagination leads the way. I’ve created trees in red, purple, and yellow, encouraging viewers to step outside conventional ideas and envision a world of fantastical colors. Greens and teals are recurring favorites in my work, and in one piece, I’ve even painted two suns to symbolize double the joy and brightness.
What is most difficult about being an artist?
The journey of being an artist is deeply rewarding, as I’ve grown creatively and personally. However, the process can stir a mix of emotions. Striking a balance between the creative side and the business aspect of art—like marketing and promotion—is something I find challenging, as these don’t come naturally to me.
What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?
Right now, I’m working with visually impaired and blind individuals, offering them the chance to enjoy the process of creating tactile art with textures.
I’m thrilled to be working on a commercial commission for the Amenity Center of a residential complex in Princeton, and I dream of spreading my art across the world. Through workshops, talks, paintings, and wearable art, I hope to share the joy that art brings and create meaningful connections with people everywhere.
Instagram: art_by_spriha.
Artist Spriha Gupta in the studio.,
