About Me – Shobha Iyer

Art Is the desire of a man to express himself, to record the Reactions of his personality to the world he lives in.

- Amy Lowell

I, Shobha Iyer, am a self taught Indian artist with more than 20 years of journey in the field of Art. Experience includes both teaching Art, participating, and conducting own Art exhibitions (physical and virtual) as well as completing commissioned works. I have specialized in varied Art forms viz. Murals, Portraits, Landscapes, Spiritual, Fabric and Abstract works. Well experienced using almost all mediums – Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Water and Fabric colors. Having participated in more than 50 exhibitions (private, public and virtual) since 2004 has also given me strong and wide Media coverage both in UAE and India – National and city newspapers, Television and social media influencer.

I'm enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imaginations. Imagination Is more important than knowledge. Knowledge Is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

- Albert Einstein

As an Artist, I deeply Identify myself with this saying. I realise that every day when I start my Artwork, I lose myself, thinking about the work at hand and colors, I let my thoughts run wild before I settle into what I feel would best suit that work at that moment. And hence I will be unable to recreate the same Artwork again, What I imagine at that moment reflects in the sketches I draw, colors I use and sub-consciously guides my hands, brush strokes and paints mixes which translates that imagination of the moment on Canvas.

As an artist, I deeply identify with the saying that art is an expression of the soul. Every day, when I start my artwork, I lose myself in the process—immersed in the colors and the work at hand. I allow my thoughts to run wild before settling into what feels right for that moment. This is why I am unable to recreate the same artwork again; what I imagine at that moment is reflected in the sketches I draw, the colors I use, and the brushstrokes that subconsciously guide my hands, capturing that fleeting inspiration on the canvas.

Being passionate about my craft, I am extremely selective about the tools I use. I spend significant time choosing the right materials, whether it’s canvas, paints, brushes, or any other tools. I believe this meticulous approach is reflected in my work and its variety, setting it apart from that of many other artists. My portfolio encompasses both modern and contemporary art forms, with a particular focus on murals using watercolors. This has been the most challenging medium due to its intricate detailing, often taking months to complete and presenting quite a backbreaking experience. Yet, the finished pieces are highly appreciated and sought after by art lovers. Over the past decade, I have developed a passion for painting on fabrics, whether through murals, contemporary art, or customized forms.

My public journey as an artist began at home in 2004 when I first exhibited over 20 artworks. The positive response and experience from that exhibition fueled my journey, which has now spanned more than 20 years, including over 35 physical exhibitions in the UAE, India, and the USA, and 15 virtual exhibitions globally. I am grateful for the excellent opportunities in Dubai and India, and for the appreciation and encouragement from renowned art curators and the public. This journey has allowed me to explore and experience different exhibition platforms, giving me the confidence to showcase my work anywhere in the world. Over the years, I have also taught art in schools and privately, and served as an art consultant for a school. My commissioned works include art for restaurants and cultural spaces.