Meet Devi Singh | Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devi Singh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devi, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I just always enjoyed drawing over most other things! It’s interesting to me since I’m the only one in my family to have ever really gotten into art at all, and I knew at a young age that creating art was what I wanted to do as a career. It was difficult at times to believe I would even have a chance at success as an artist. There would be those people who tried to dissuade me from pursuing what I love to do, but it only made me want to prove them wrong! And I’m really glad I stuck to that, too. I really couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else! The overall goal I want for my career is to just create whatever I want! And I’d like to inspire other artists who might be afraid to do so, as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Personally, I don’t think there is one particular way to describe my art! Especially since I engage in many different mediums, while they’re all different, I can mold them to what is undeniably my style. Again, for the most part, I just make the art I want! Bright colors, sharp, graphic lines, and surreal imagery is what I’m all about. Some think it’s cute, others think its unsavory, and most believe it is abstract; this is the goal! My works are meant to be provoking, and the vast range of responses I see is the exact meaning of my work, I like to think I’m proud of every piece I make, simply because I made it and others are able perceive it.

Initially, I wanted to study illustration and that is what I would get my degree in. Once I started taking classes though, I realized that it honestly just wasn’t for me. From my experience, illustration felt very geared towards the wants of a potential client. This is fine and all for those who want to do specific work for specific people, but it’s just not for me. I knew very early that my art just wasn’t going to work for illustration. Around this time was when I discovered my love for painting, and not long after that I completely switched over to studying the fine arts! It’s one of the best choices I’ve ever made, and I’ve been able to meet and connect with a lot of my peers.

If there’s one thing I want others to know, it’s that the art you make should be for you! It should be as weird and silly and “bad” as you want it to be. Some of my favorite works are incredibly bizarre and very out there, unfinished, even. But it is important that people make stuff from the heart!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve only lived in Atlanta for a short while, so I know there’s a lot I still haven’t seen! Some of my favorite places I’ve been to so far are either cafes, antique stores, and museums and galleries. Atlanta has quite a few local coffee shops, bakeries, etc. and all the ones I have visited have been amazing! I’m also very into getting as many things secondhand as I can, so I have ventured to many a thrift store, and sometimes estate sales! I kind of enjoy just going out and finding little places like that to relax, hang out, and explore with friends. Most of what I do in Atlanta is walking around and seeing what’s all here.

As for the arts, I have really enjoyed going to the High Museum of Art a handful of times for more historical works. It has a huge range of works that span centuries, and I always leave feeling inspired. My favorite galleries are The Bakery and its sister location The Supermarket. They put their focus towards local contemporaries and often put on amazing group exhibitions! I’ve had the pleasure of working with them for a recent sculpture group show, Depths! Atlanta has an incredible art scene and I’m very grateful to be a part of it, and to share it with others!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s just so many! I’ve always had friends and family who loved what I did and really wanted to see me succeed in my career, and throughout school I’ve always had the most amazing and supportive art teachers; currently have some absolutely wonderful professors! I don’t think I will ever forget my high school art teacher, though, he just loved all the work I did even if it was just doodles in class. We would just go on and on about art and philosophy. He’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and he’s just as excited about my current works as he was my old high school drawings. Recently as well, I’ve gotten to know a really awesome group of artists who are all so unique and delightful to be around, and they all inspire me all the time! We’re always having a good time in and out of the studio, and I hope we keep having good times for a while.

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