ARTIST BIO

Swapna Das is a visual Artist (Painting/ Drawing/ Ceramics), currently living in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born and raised in New Delhi, India where she did her Bachelor of Fine Arts. After moving to the USA in 2011, she studied Master of Fine Arts at Arizona State University which offered her a new dimension in life. Post-graduation, she is pursuing her art career by actively participating in various group exhibitions and also has held three solo exhibitions in Phoenix, Arizona. Her works have also been featured in museums and gallery exhibitions nationally and internationally, in Arizona, India, Beijing, New York and London. Currently, she has been working as an adjunct faculty in Mesa Community College since 2016. She believes that her art encompasses the profound idea that spirituality and creativity are intertwined. Her two dimensional charcoal drawings evolved into a three dimensional structure where the abstraction of elements resembling tubes, strings and cords entangling with each other are vibrant and alive. She feels that her sculptures have a uniqueness in showing that human life can be extremely delicate and full of intricacy and inconsistency.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Art, for me, is a profound voyage of self-discovery, a wellspring of inspiration where my artistic sensibility harmonizes with my innermost being. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Indian narrative art, my creations serve as a reflection of both my internal contemplations and the world that surrounds me.
Guided by the tenets of Buddhism, my spiritual practice infuses my art with a deeper purpose, compelling me to ponder the essence of creativity and its significance in life. Buddhism teaches that within every being resides a fundamental darkness—the primordial source of negative emotions and destructive impulses, such as anger, fear, and self-doubt.
In my current body of work, I confront this inner darkness head-on, acknowledging the vulnerability and disquietude it often engenders. Through my art, I embark on an unflinching exploration of the perpetual struggle between my higher and lower selves, delving into the uncomfortable truths of my own negativity.
The tactile process of molding clay—kneading, pinching, and sculpting—becomes a therapeutic ritual, a means of tempering and transmuting these negative energies into expressions of resilience and latent potential. Each ceramic sculpture becomes a testament to my ongoing journey of self-reflection and mindfulness, a tangible manifestation of my efforts to navigate the complexities of my inner world.
Through the convergence of my spiritual and artistic practices, I endeavor to cultivate a more profound sense of self-awareness and inner harmony. By sharing my experiences, I aspire to inspire others on their own paths of introspection and personal growth.

Gilbert, AZ / United States