Soumya Sreeram, Founder and Artist

Introduction

Hi, I am Soumya Sreeram, an artist from Michigan, US. I am born and raised in India and I moved to US for my grad studies. Since then, a ‘Michigander’. I have been in love with four seasons of Michigan, the snowy white, the colorful fall and bright summer with fresh Spring. I live with my beautiful family here and this is my home now! I am an engineer and work at a tech company during the day. With all the business of life, there was an element that my soul was always looking for and the calling was art. My passion for art inspired me to launch VIBGYOR LIVE in 2013. I am a self-taught artist and I work out of my studio at home.

Beginning of art journey

VIBGYOR LIVE happened just like that one day! I was always inclined to creative thinking and art in every form. While growing up, in addition to my academics, I indulged in drawing, painting, photography, writing and storytelling. I felt deeply comforted to get lost in creating something that flows with my thoughts and to see an amazing outcome in the end. I never knew the creative process is making me learn, refine and express myself in various forms. My art skills were not evident to the outside world. It was more for my own reflection and kept me grounded and helped me see the vibrancy that we carry within ourselves.

After moving to the US, being away from family and circle of friends that I grew up with gave me plenty of time on the side in addition to my studies. I leaned back to art space during my free time. I found access to many artsy stores which inspired me to explore various techniques, and start painting with acrylic on canvas. I spent hours trying various color schemes and patterns. I was sketching and making portraits of people I knew. Once, for my friend’s birthday, I sketched a portrait and gifted that. It was the most thoughtful gift that my friend could ever have and I could see a big smile upon opening the portraits. This experience made me awakened me to believe that art is not just for self, but it can light up other people and space. Till then, I had not ventured into sharing my artsy side to the outside world. Things changed and I decided to take a step ahead. I participated in one of the art competitions in Detroit and my winning photographs was displayed in Detroit for a month. The experience was elevating and huge motivation to make something big with art.

One afternoon, I was sitting on my couch and felt a strong drive to take my art to the next level. I thought, through art, I can spread happiness, inspire people and find purpose. With that I decided to launch VIBGYOR LIVE; online art store, to showcase my work and also plan events where people can get inspiration for my art. My mission is to make art that stands out and yet make it affordable to purchase. And the outcome is beautiful catalog of artworks.

To be an artist, it needs passion, practice and faith. Just like seven colors of nature which brings hope, I decided to name my venture as ‘VIBGYOR LIVE. Name ‘VIBGYOR LIVE’ is meant for having seven color hues to create a lively experience! (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red)

After launching my online art store (VIBGYOR LIVE), much of my art has been sold, I am participating in local art shows, and group exhibitions. My paintings are primarily Acrylics on canvas and varnished. I enjoy making abstract fluid acrylics, contemporary modern and Indian art. And portion of the proceeds I make out of sales will be donated to a cause on yearly basis.

Inspiration

People say, my art is a reflection of life. I generally paint without any reference or photo. My paintings are expressions of my thought process as I stand in front of a blank canvas with colors. I am inspired by nature and its different forms and I get ideas from everyday life. Abstracts, Minimalistic and fluid acrylics are fascinating for me as they bring a wide range of perception from the viewer point of view. It does open up the conversation and that’s the novelty that appeals to me.

Favorite quotes

There are many. one that’s always on top of the list is "Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." ~Albert Einstein. 

Message to the world

Always believe in yourself. Learn to live mindfully with conviction and courage. Inspire yourself to unfold the best in you!