A Journey Of Art, Gratitude, And Renewal

By Suvir Saran

There is an arc to creativity – a curve that begins in the quietest corners of our being, sometimes unnoticed, sometimes fragile, and carries us through life. This meandering path, woven with moments of discovery, loss, rediscovery, and growth, defines my journey as an artist, chef, writer, and creator. Today, it feels as though this arc has come full circle. To see two of my works displayed among 250 incredible pieces in The Art of India, an exhibition curated by the visionary Alka Pande, is a moment of profound gratitude and reflection.

This exhibition, held at the India Habitat Centre, celebrates art and the essence of humanity—our ability to express, connect, include, and create. My earliest memories of creativity are tied to the warmth of a kitchen, where Panditji, our Brahmin chef, transformed simple vegetables into extraordinary feasts. At five or six years old, I watched him weave magic, not just in food, but in stories, lessons, and a philosophy of life. That kitchen became my first art studio, my first lesson in the Indian way of being—one of connection to nature, humanity, and ourselves.

As I grew older, art became my sanctuary. I explored every craft—painting, stitching, macrame, tie-dye, sculpture, embroidery, and dressmaking. With guidance from extraordinary teachers like Mrs. Mari Arora, Ms. Shubhika Lal, and Ms. Sabiha Hashmi, my passion deepened. Ms. Hashmi, in particular, gave me the confidence to express myself, teaching me that art is not just a skill—it is a language for the soul, a bridge between inner turmoil and outer expression.

My journey took me to J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, then to the School of Visual Arts in New York, where I immersed myself in graphic design and art history. However, a lost portfolio pushed me to pivot towards food, and my partner and I became the first Indian chefs to earn a Michelin star at our restaurant, Devi in New York. Creativity, like water, always finds its own level.

The pull of art never left me. After returning to India to heal, I began creating digital art—a layering of photography, design, and emotion. It was during this period that Alka Pande entered my life, recognizing something in my work that I hadn’t yet seen. Her belief and invitation to be part of The Art of India was the affirmation I needed.

This exhibition is a celebration of the enduring power of art. It spans generations, from the grandmasters of Indian art to contemporary voices, such as Asha Thadani, Bandana Jain, Mandakini Devi, and Lyla FreeChild, who redefine Indian art on the global stage. These artists remind us that art is a force for change, a reflection of society, and a call to action.

The Art of India is not just an exhibition—it’s an invitation to explore identity, migration, inclusion, love, and expression. It is a celebration of life in all its complexity, a reminder of our shared humanity. I urge everyone to visit and immerse themselves in this visual symphony, bringing art into their homes, because art has the power to transform.

My journey has connected me to extraordinary people—friends like Aamir Rabbani, Mohit Jain, Yogi Suri, and Megha Joshi, who supported me even when I doubted myself, and my family, especially my mother, who saw beauty in my digital art when I couldn’t. Their belief gave me the courage to keep going, to find beauty in the process.

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude—for my teachers, friends, family, and for Alka Pande, who dared to dream for me when I couldn’t. Creativity is not a straight path but an arc, one that bends and curves, carrying us through seasons of doubt and renewal. It is a journey that belongs to all of us, for creativity is the birthright of everyone. It is the thread that binds us, that gives us hope, joy, and meaning.

Let us celebrate this arc. Let us visit exhibitions like The Art of India, support artists, and allow art to transform our lives. In every brushstroke, photograph, and sculpture, there is a story of resilience, hope, and the boundless human spirit. And as we stand before these works, let us remember that we, too, are creators. The arc of creativity is infinite, ever-expanding, carrying us forward together toward a brighter, more beautiful world. (ANI)