Conversations with Rupal Mamtani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rupal Mamtani.

Hi Rupal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a mixed media visual abstract artist based in Atlanta, GA.

Throughout my life, I have always been an artist in some form or fashion, from designing and making clothing to jewelry and furniture design. As a child, I yearned for those times I could escape to museums or get lost in an art book. All these experiences were predictions that one day I would be a creator, and for me, the medium is visual arts.

The different passages of my life have influence on my creative work. It keeps my imagination curious and multifaceted. Here’s a jeopardy clue to a question I am frequently asked: “Born in Uganda, raised in England, of Indian ancestry, now living in the US”!

After graduating college in SC, I moved to CA to attend the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and earned a Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma. Colors and textures of gemstones, and veining in natural stones, are a strong inspiration for my artwork. I am also influenced by global textiles and patterns found in both vintage and new designs.

When I’m not painting, you’ll find me working in the home furnishings industry where I furnish interiors with beautiful product through one of our many retail partners. Much of my art inspiration comes from working with the design community and stores, and in understanding their client needs. I have worked in the field of decorative arts for over 20 years.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I see obstacles and challenges as areas of opportunity and growth. Every situation and interaction are a learning experience. For example, I’ve participated in art shows where I haven’t sold a single piece, yet it helped me be discerning about the next show I presented in that yielded multiple sales of my work. My current struggle is balancing the time I need to dedicate to the actual creative side of painting and finding time to market my work.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for creating joyful and colorful art creations using mixed media. My work has a lot of texture, and I am influenced by bright colors found in nature.

I enjoy working with all manner of mediums and my starting point for each creation is a scribble here and a blob there made from crayon, charcoal, ink, and pencil. I work on paper, canvas, and wood boards. Then I begin my many layers by adding, scratching, scraping, and sanding with acrylic, collage, oil sticks and more. My goal with each piece in the beginning stages is to play and have fun without the result in mind. Slowly the work emerges as each layer is added or taken away. When you view my work up close, there is so much depth created by this process.

I’m fortunate to have a growing base of incredible art collectors who have been known to buy art that’s still drying on my easel! I strive to create art that evokes joyous uplifting emotions in the viewer. With each work, I try to live up to one of the best compliments I received from a collector: “Every time we walk into our room and see our art that you created for us, we feel excited and happy to live here.”

The last two years have shown that in times of uncertainty, the home is a safe space that people want to invest time and money in more than ever. I hope artwork contributes to bringing joy.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Prior to my art adventures, I have been an entrepreneur in the home furnishings industry as a wholesaler and a retailer. I have traveled the world sourcing and developing product from places like India, Bulgaria and Honduras and selling to retail partners throughout N. America.

Pricing:

• Starting at $150

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.rupalmamtani.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupalmamtani_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rupal.mamtani.9