Meet Bharathi Dev | Visual Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Bharathi Dev and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bharathi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’m a classic example of this timeless quote “age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. I was a lost and clueless housewife in the sea of friends who were in the IT sector rocking their corporate career for 2 decades or over. Here I am, who began my professional art career at 38 with no formal art education, nor friends or experience in the Dallas art scene. As a homemaker who left behind a science and research career, the very first step that I took was the hardest and scariest decision of all. Participating in a mediation program with Sadhguru was a huge turning point in my life, where I went from a very closed, doubtful individual to someone who was open to trying out new ideas.
As a creative person who loves drawing, cooking and singing, all a huge part of my Tamil upbringing (Tamil is one of the ancient classical languages still in use), to explore my creativity was a huge turning point as it helped me give an avenue to express myself and in turn spread some goodness and positivity around. Long story short, this road that I tread brought so much joy and fulfillment. Thus, my art business of commissioned work, custom designs, and art classes for kids and adults came to fruition.
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.
This is the part I’m most proud of as an artist that all my creations put a smile on my audience. I consider myself a visual storyteller and creator of meaningful art. My creation is a combination of my heritage, with little modernism with an objective of making people happy. All my creations are embodiments of unity and humanity!
As a portrait artist, I love to paint or sketch children in their joyful moods or people laughing their hearts out. There is something about a group of people laughing or a group of people from different walks of life coming together for a cause, it was a great energy to it. Everyday life events and simple humans with extraordinary character are my kind of hero and such people and energy inspires me, and in turn I give my best to present that energy in visual form through Acrylics or Charcoal media.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around 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!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
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: https://www.artbymkbharathi.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/artbybharathidev?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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