We had the good fortune of connecting with Bharathi Dev Mani Kannan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bharathi Dev, why did you pursue a creative career?

I have always been a creative individual in and out and at the same time I was also someone who was so out of touch with my individuality. My career in medical research straightened out a lot of aspects for me. For example, the moment my parents enrolled me in Microbiology I knew I should have gotten into a fine arts or creative arts program.  In all the mundane years spent in claustrophobic laboratory spaces, colorful Petri dishes with microbial cultures growing in unique patterns and colors kept me engaged and engrossed. Realization of what I want to do in life was born during that time frame but I still lacked courage.

Blessings came in the form of a meditation program that I participated in 2016 by Sadhguru during which the rest of my life priorities fell into place and that gave me the courage to take my first step into the artworld. Fast forward a few years later, the courage and clarity I gathered has now brought me here to this day, where I do commissioned artworks, sell my art at exhibitions, participate in juried shows and conduct art classes for both children and adults. Also a large part of my art comes from a strong desire to bring humanity together. As many would agree that art can be a powerful tool of communication, I create art to bring joy to people. In a world that has too many things that divide us, I want my creations to be embodiments of unity and humanity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My artwork is a reflection of my thoughts and emotions. As someone who has had a rough upbringing in terms of financial instability, discrimination and abuse based on skin color, I’m quite proud of my journey so far. I was the first female to do a Masters degree in my family and also to have a professional career. Our family consisting of my father, mother, younger brother and myself were the firsts in a lot of aspects of life with little to no hand holding, in our youth to early career days. In Spite of many humbling situations my parents were big at heart and extremely giving individuals and that laid the good foundation for me for my life. Now I see these trials as my blessings that have helped me grow to be a better human being for my family and everyone around me. With everything that life has presented me with, I want to see people happy, joyful and united all the time and my art is all about that.

In reflection to this I work on portraits that capture people in their joyful mood and also showcase everyday simple human beings, and their extraordinary characters. My art has been ever evolving and as a self taught artist, I mainly work on Charcoal and Acrylic media as they yield faster to my will than other media. Also occasionally I do some abstract artworks with dandelions and butterflies which has been quite popular in several shows.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband and I are big time campers and hikers and two of our favorite spots are near DFW area. Lake Mineral Wells state park (to the west) and Eisenhower State park (to the east) both are less than 2 hours drive from the city and are quite serene with plenty of hiking trails. Food is a very vital part of our culture and my husband Dev is the best grill master there is and nothing beats our fresh meals cooked over a campfire sprinkled with Indian spices and smothered with love and laughter. P.S. Strangers have become friends!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I believe that Gods and angels exist in the form of human beings and that the right string of words from them have the energy and power to make an individual fly or incapacitate for life! End of Oct 2021, I was introduced to an angel by the name Meherzad Alison in Lawrence, Kansas who is an established artist and gallery owner in this quaint little college town. Though my friend Vida introduced me to him, I am still a stranger to him and I will never forget his extremely kind and thoughtful words about me and my artwork. Meeting Mr Alison was a life altering, transformative moment and I would love to extend my gratitude to him at this time.

Though I never say this out loud in the open to him, I want to thank my brother Karthik (who is an award winning short film maker and storyteller himself) and has been my crutch from childhood to this day. Also taking this opportunity to thank my cheer team and support system, my husband, two precious girls, my father and mother (They are my life pillars).

 And finally to all those handful of friends and acquaintances who always press the like button on social media posts or take the time to send encouraging words, know that your support means the world to me. Eternally grateful!

Website: http://www.artbymkbharathi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbybharathidev/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colorsandreams/

Image Credits
Certify that all images are mine not using any public images

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.