ARTIST BIO
I live and work in North London, UK and am in my 40s, born 1st November. The dates of 31st-November 2nd actually initially commemorated the destruction of Atlantis (due to a rise in negativity which attracted vast falls of meteors over a period of time, leading to tsunamis, etc; it is where the story of Noah originates). These aspects play a large part in my current work. I was always an artistic child, but studied Social Policy at university and went into mental health, dementia and special needs support and social work (1999-2001, BA, University of Birmingham). My dissertation was on 'Service User Empowerment in a Mental Health Setting' and this has remained a theme through out my life, although it has changed from direct working to a more holistic approach.
I studied Art until A-level (age18/19) and began dabbling with oil paint during my final exams. Art at this time was my therapy. During school I had been increasingly drawn to symbolism, particularly because I had no words with which to describe my experiences, and so would seek visual ways in which to express myself, for my sanity. I began developing what would become the god-goddess style from 2006. Due to a combination of job loss due to complex post traumatic stress disorder, and sepsis in 2010, I had a chance to develop my themes, some of which had roots in the school/college years. Mental health/inner journeying and spiritual growth led to the emergence of the current 'Becoming Your Self', 'Plant Medicine' and 'Awakening the Divine Feminine & Masculine’ god-goddess projects, amongst others.
My diverse heritage gave me some useful starting points, but especially my paternal grandmother's book collection, which enabled me to read about comparative religion, the Gnostic gospels, ancient Egypt, The Dead Sea Scrolls and natural healthcare from the age of 9/10. My name represents both the European (Judeo-Christian) as well as Fiji-Indian (Hindu) aspects. It can be translated as 'Green Peace'. The name dates to 2nd century Greece, was an epithet for Demeter (goddess of harvest) because it derives from the Greek for 'green shoot/sprout' or 'blooming'. Think 'chlorophyll'- the compound in plants which gives them their green colour. And, 'Shalini, while it can mean modesty, can also be a word for 'peace' which both suit my general attitude very well.
My initial exhibition was in 2005 at The Radlett Arts Centre, Hertfordshire, near London. From 2009 I began pushing my introverted self into various exhibitions and group shows, all in London. Hideous, but absolutely worth the effort; it does get easier!
ARTIST STATEMENT
Through my painting and associated writing/poetry, I seek to support others in their healing and personal growth by promoting concepts such as love, hope, unity over separation, forgiveness, acceptance and awakening consciousness. My inner vision and hearing are key in my process. I use meditation, music, yoga and cacao to help centre myself and get into my 'flow'. My work generally starts with a concept, supportive message or extreme of emotion and find a pictorial language for this.
Much of the present work, such as the Divine Feminine & Masculine, is on canvas board, mostly small scale. I begin by roughly sketching out my designs on paper. The point is to represent our higher Humanity. With the 'Becoming' project I start by layering colour before sketching in the image. The grief and loss of recent times has rekindled this one as it deals with universal themes including inner conflict and learning to love ones's Self. 'Why is the Measure of Love, Loss?', a quote from author Jeanette Winterson, has become the title of my grief and sorrow project. The 'Plant Medicine' series, beginning with the 'Spirit of Cacao', is intended to promote love and respect for Nature as well as healing of mind-body-spirit.
I tend to choose colours by their resonance with the chakra system, for their healing potential. The current part of the god-goddess series, is based upon Ancient Egypt (Kemet). I choose a wide range of skin tones and facial features to represent these figures or archetypes, in part because I'm passionate about contributing to more positive representations of Africa in general. 2020 changed everything and it has been a monumental effort to get beyond barely existing; many people live in a state of despair and that is a large part of what motivates me to get on with creating, because I know it is possible to live in joy and contentment.