Swarna Sitaraman

Artist Biography

“Art and music keep me alive. Nature all around is simply mesmerizing and human interpretation of her, bewilders me”

Swarna Sitaraman, is an avid artist and crafter and a mother of two artistically inclined children. Born and brought up in a small town in India nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, she grew up with interest in science, music and art. Learning basic drawing and pencil sketching from her father early on, she started exploring the next readily available medium; fabric paints (acrylics)in her later teens. The extracurricular activities at school taught her to crochet, embroider, sew which were then honed by her aunt. Under the vigilant guidance of her father and exceptional support, encouragement from her mother, her creativity took flight with exploration of batik work, tie and dye, etc.

When her initial dream of Architecture failed, she got her bachelors in Applied sciences, followed by diplomas in Software and Interior designing. Her interest in Architecture soon lured her into pursuing a career in Interior designing in India for a brief time. After the birth of her son, she moved to the United states of America with her husband. The scenic mountains of Denver enticed the full-time home maker, into using her spare time to get back to painting. Watching art shows on public television, she slowly picked up the tricks of the trade. She taught herself to paint with other mediums and when they moved to Arizona, art became an integral part of her life. With a passion to share her skills with others, she started teaching at the local art stores and city classes, helping people find the ‘creator’ in them. After working as an interior designer at a local high-end retail showroom, she started her company, SpiceUp Arts and Design LLC to offer her design and artistic services by adding ‘spice’ to the spaces of her clients.

In line with her belief that art can serve a higher purpose, she continues to donate art works to many local and India based charities. Some of her works adorn some residences and restaurants in the USA, Singapore, Germany and India. Sharing art with all age groups, she hopes that it brings a difference to people’s lives as they get in touch with their inner child. Resident of Arizona for the last couple decades and a nominee for a Mayor’s art award 2017, she aspires to keep the fire to learn alive in her and is positive that art would be the medium that would continue in the journey of her soul, for lifetimes to come.