Meet Indu Sastri | Clinical therapist/Geneticist/Artist

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

Hi Indu, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic or creative career because I am deeply passionate about self-expression having a creative outlet for all the ideas that I have. The process of creating a piece of art lets me think outside the box, push my boundaries and explore different art forms. I have a passion for all art but I am partial to practicing ethnic Indian folk art (there are so many). It allows me to explore the rich tapestry of the culture that I come from.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I make home décor items with wood, paper and cloth. I also make candles for a cause. All the proceeds from my candles go to local charities like food pantries. I also conduct artisan markets in and around our suburb to encourage local artisans to promote their work. Proceeds from most of my events go to the charities as well. A big part of all this work, is to promote local talent while also giving back to the community. I feel really blessed to be in a small suburban community where there is a lot of activity in the artistic field. We feed off of each other’s energy and encouragement.
I started out small and still have a small business more like a one-man show. I draw everything by hand and so that makes some very personal and unique items. It has not been easy but I am not complaining because I am doing what I love. I take every day as it comes and try not to stress out too much about it. Clients who order know upfront that I take time to work on each piece of art so they have been considerate about the time it takes to get their orders. I made about 120 wooden hand painted coasters personalized for each guest for a wedding. It was a big task but the clients were so understanding and generous. For that, I have to thank the community that I live in and for the friendships that I have been able to make through this medium.
Two things that I have learnt in this journey is honesty and perseverance pay off. Practice too!!! Oh! the world? I don’t know, I do what I do with passion, enthusiasm and a great deal of love so every piece of art that you get will have that unique touch. Whatever one gets from me, I hope it gives them as much joy as it gives me, in making the art work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh! wow! Let me think, If she/he is my best friend I am assuming they have similar tastes so I am just going to tell you what an ideal day would be for me. I am not a big foodie but most people I think like to take advantage of all that this town has to offer. There are a lot of food places around near where I live with diverse cuisines. I love going to small quaint cafes that offer some fresh baked goods, that would be a nice place to carry a book and while away a day. Another thing that I like doing (especially in the summer) is to go to these art and craft markets that I really love. We have a nice hiking trail with so many facets to explore and that would be a good way to burn off all the calories from those baked goods. (hahaha)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am a self taught artist. I work with different mediums but I tend to gravitate towards Ethnic Indian art forms. Arts and crafts have been a big part of my life. From my grade school teachers to my maternal grandparents and my parents I was always surrounded by artistic people and I like to think that it rubbed off on me to some extent. With some nudging from a good friend I turned, what was a hobby, into a small business. I have a lot of interests and I try learning something new whenever I get time. I have made some incredible connections and friends on social media and I feed off of their energy. It is so interesting that most of the people I take inspiration and encouragement are people I have never met but have formed a strong bond with. I think this is an ongoing journey and I can’t give credit to one person. I would love to say that at the core of it, my family and close friends are a big part of it. So maybe this shoutout should be to them.

Instagram: @ethnicpalettecrafts

Facebook: Ethnicpalettecrafts