Today we’d like to introduce you to Neena Buxani.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My dream of becoming a Professional Artist started when I was a little girl. I loved anything and everything to do with the arts. When it was time to select a college degree to pursue, art was not something my family thought had a future. As a result, I had to choose another path. I pursued many other degrees and careers, never able to fulfill the emptiness in my heart. Advertising, Social Work, Jewelry, Retail, Gemology, Banking, Hospitality…you name it, I’ve done it. A few years ago, with my husband’s encouragement, I started taking a few classes in the evenings which led me to enter one of my paintings in a juried art exhibit.
When I got the e-mail of acceptance, I literally jumped up and down. I felt a sense of validation because my artwork was good enough to be in an exhibit. That was the push I needed to take another step forward. I started a Business Facebook Page and printed out some Business Cards because I was ready to go! I’ve been painting and exhibiting ever since. I painted nights and weekends while continuing to hold down a job during the day for 4 years. Finally, I was able to take the plunge of transitioning into a full-time artist. Has it been easy? Hell no. Sometimes I feel so discouraged and wonder if I made the decision too early. But to me, there’s no other way than to push forward. Because once you get a feel of living your dream, the option of turning back is just not an option at all.
Please tell us about your art.
When people ask me what I paint, I always take a pause before I answer. I usually say, I paint abstracts and florals and sometimes women. What I actually should say is that I paint positivity and strength and joy. Because the truth of it is that I want my paintings to uplift people’s moods; I want them to have a better day because when they see one of my paintings, it makes them smile. I like to use bold colors and textures that create depth, because those colors and textures are what makes me smile. Is it always a commercial success? Nope. A lot of home decor does not support the bright colors I use. But sometimes a person comes along who needs to have that piece of art because they are just so drawn to it. In the end, what I really want people to take away from my art is that following your heart makes you a hell of a lot happier than following the expected path, now doesn’t it?
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I feel like there’s are a lot more possibilities for artists to show their work to different audiences today. A lot of businesses now showcase the work of local artists through temporary exhibits. I personally have had my work up at doctors’ offices, cafes, restaurants, hotels, credit unions, and co-working spaces. Not to mention the strength and endless possibilities social media gives artists. We can now have our work seen and purchased by people all over the world. I think it’s important for people to support artists by realizing that there are more options for their wall space than purchasing mass produced artwork at big box retailers. There are artists everywhere who work their butts off just to showcase their work in front of the public. After all, doesn’t having a print or original painting from an artist bring a lot more worth to your decor than getting a mass-produced print from a big box furniture store or retailer?
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently, I show my work around Austin, TX and surrounding cities in shows and revolving exhibits. I have a showroom in Canopy in East Austin that I open by appointment, and some of my original work is now represented by Austin Art Garage. Prints of my work can also be found at Georgetown Art Center and Georgetown Antiques and Artisans.
Contact Info:
- Address: Canopy 916 Springdale Rd.
Building 1, Ste. 207 Austin, Texas 78702 - Website: www.neenabuxani.com
- Email: neenasart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neenasart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neenabuxani/
Image Credit:
David Heisler
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