Artist's Statement
Most of my work, dealing with issues of faith, is about search and survival. I often question the elusive nature of faith in my sculptures and paintings. The work is spiritual, but the notion of religiosity is universal rather than specific in nature.
The large architectural structures are structures of faith for me; faith in oneself, humankind and divine power. At times Indian gods and goddesses go hand in hand with American pop culture icons such as Big Bird and Spider Man, because they both symbolize hope and justice. Future generations will hopefully view them as a representation of our contemporary mythology. Although the sculpures appear comical or humorous at first sight, they also address religious, political and cultural issues created by multiculturalism in our globalized society.
The wall works and hanging mobiles depict how women keep faith. They depict her hopes, fears, pains, and confusions as well. They address their plight in modern America, including the struggle to balance their family life and career goals.Women are paired with Indian godesses who can perform many impossible tasks.
My work also contains a multitude of symbols, including ladders, puzzles and collapsing towers. After my daughter was bitten by a cobra, the image of a snake also appears in my work. Fire and the ritual of burning and purification are important aspects of my work as well. Within myself I am in constant need to burn and resurrect fragments of my past and identity. These burnt images are symbolic of purification and transformation.
I search myself through art and it helps me survive and have faith in this confused and often contradictory world.