Meet Sampada Agarwal | Visual artist/muralist/art educator & IT Professional

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

Hi Sampada, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by nature. I feel there is no better teacher than nature. Every creation in nature is perfect – the color, the size, the shape, the vibes – be it a simple flower or a majestic sunset. One can never tire of the show nature puts on for us – every day, every season, every location – only if we had time to stop and smell the roses.
That is why I think I am most inspired by the tribal and traditional folk art styles of India that have such a close connection with nature. Their art originates from nature, assisted and inspired by nature. Even their art supplies are sourced from nature – be it the natural colors from plants (leaves and flowers) or stones or the brushes that are twigs or squirrel hair mounted on bamboo to create natural brushes. Their canvas is mud and cow-dung smeared floors and walls of huts.

Every artistic creation is in sync with nature and finds its place amongst nature without disrupting the balance of nature. We can learn so much from these simple beginnings that supports the “live and let live” credo.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Even though my day job is at an investment bank, my love and passion for art has kept my creative fires burning during my off-work hours. I love to explore opportunities where art can become the language that helps bridge barriers and can spill over into everyday life. As an artist, using my talent to promote little known tribal art forms and giving back to the community is my focus.

I have been honing my skills since the past two decades in the art styles of Chittara (from the state of Karnataka in India), Warli (from the state of Maharashtra in India), Mithila art (from North Bihar and parts of Nepal), and Mata ni Pachedi (from the state of Gujarat in India). I feel these years of practice have helped me build a solid foundation that has opened a number of creative avenues of growth, It has also made me appreciate the vastness and richness of the arts and culture of India.

What has set my journey as an artist apart from others, is that I have been relentless in my practice. I kept learning and experimenting with no expectations, For me, the process was the product. Each new medium that I explored – be it ceramic, or wood, or canvas, or fabric – each taught me a lesson that improved my skills as an artist and also taught me the virtue of patience and perseverance.

I am most proud of the various murals that I have painted in our local area (Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Hillsborough) and excited about bringing such a variety of exotic art styles to my local community – the Triangle area. My passion for art and my dedication to community engagement drive my desire to contribute to such public art projects. I wish more people would view these creations so that it fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of India’s rich heritage and diverse art forms.

Overall, mural art is an important form of expression that connects people to their heritages, celebrates diversity, communicates stories and values of a community and inspires everyone to embrace inclusion and understanding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since it would be my best friend visiting, I would assume that she would be interested in seeing my community art projects. So, first, I would take her to see the mural I designed and painted with an artist friend in downtown Durham at 313, Foster Street. It is about 20′ by 60′, painted in September 2020 and depicts the history of Durham using the Warli art style, a tribal art form from India. Downtown Durham also has a vibrant food scene – I would certainly take my friend to Pizzeria Toro – a wonderful pizza place that is always crowded – justifiably so!

Downtown Durham boasts a beautiful museum/hotel called 21C Museum Hotel. So we would head out there to see the exhibit – they keep changing it every so often – so every visit is a brand new art adventure. Dinner would be at Ekhaya which means “home” in Zulu or Ndebele. It brings bold Bantu Fusion tapas to the American Tobacco Campus. This elevated dining experience serves up the bold flavors of South Africa in a warm atmosphere. We would end the evening taking a stroll at the American Tobacco Campus that has beautiful water elements and lots of string lights.

Next stop would be at the murals I painted at Lower Booker Trail in Chapel Hill, These are painted on 3 concrete pipes along a tree-shaded beautiful trail with lots of deer nonchalantly grazing around. We would head out in the morning for a brisk walk along the trail and enjoy the art. For lunch, we would head to a beautiful Greek restaurant called Kipos that is just across the street. Visiting the Ackland Art Museum, UNC-Chapel Hill’s local museum with a global outlook, would be a good post-lunch outing to get close to art – the familiar, the unexpected, the challenging – and connect with the complexity and beauty of the wider world. Next, we would head to the Honeysuckle Tea House, a hidden gem just 15 minutes away from Chapel Hill, for majestic nature, rustic charm, and unforgettable cup of hot tea. I would like to add one more local eating place called “Chaat Mandi” in Morrisville, where I have painted a 26’x8′ mural. 🙂

The third day would start with breakfast at the Irregardless Cafe in Raleigh – also an opportunity to check out the art kiosk on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh that is home to my art – on the main street facing the Capitol. This would be the perfect opportunity to book and take a tour of the Capitol. Next, we would each rent out an electric scooter and check out a number of murals around the downtown area. We would head to the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) – where you can order a picnic basket ahead of time. That gives a perfect opportunity to stroll on the museum grounds and end with a picnic lunch. The Contemporary Art Museum, Artspace, and area galleries would be the options for that evening. We would end the evening with dinner at Bida Manda, a Laotian restaurant – reservations are a must there!

My friend loves to hike – so the next day would be a day trip to Hanging Rock State Park, after eating a good brunch at First Watch, a breakfast place. The strenuous hike would give us an excuse to head out for an early dinner in Greensboro at Boba House, an all vegan Thai place. We would end the evening with a movie or an event at DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a number of people that I would love to thank – first and foremost, my mother – who has been my inspiration. Her zest for life and love for art has shaped who I am.

Next, I would thank my family for being so patient when I have been bit by the art bug and lost track of time – leading to missed dinners and hectic work hours – especially when I am busy with large works of art like a mural.

I also appreciate the support that the local area art organizations have provided – thanks to their vision and generosity, I have been able to stay true to my art style and been able to showcase traditional, folk and tribal arts styles from India in my adopted country.

Website: https://linktr.ee/ansimit

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ansimit.sampada

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ansimitbysampada

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Zx5E_T-jJtTSs4MNEBE-g