Meghna Sharma
Meghna Sharma is an artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Though she works with several mediums, she now specializes in oil painting with a penchant for portraits. The human form and face interest her immensely, and she loves to observe people in their natural settings. Through her paintings, she enjoys exploring people from different walks of life.
Her paintings are on display at the Cupertino Library, and she also exhibited her work at The Gallery House in Palo Alto for a year (Feb 2023 to Feb 2024). She has previously exhibited her art at several solo and group exhibitions in India. Her painting titled The Wait is on permanent display at The Indian Railway Institute of Financial Management (IRIFM) in Hyderabad, India.
Her painting Lazy Afternoons was selected for The DeYoung Open 2023 and displayed at The DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. Recently, her painting The Flower Seller was chosen for the Silicon Valley Open Studios/CSMA preview show Renewal & Resilience (March 30–April 28, 2024) at The Mohr Gallery in Mountain View. Two of her paintings were selected for SFWA’s show Identity I Am (April 9–May 3, 2024), where her painting As I Am received Juror’s Choice. She has also been selected for the City of Sunnyvale Exhibit Program 2024. Meghna is currently a member of The San Francisco Women Artists (SFWA) gallery in San Francisco.
Her work is available for view on her Instagram account: @artbymeghnasharma.
Can you describe the core themes and emotions you explore in your current body of work?
I aspire to explore the themes of friendship, family, love, and longing through my paintings. In my current body of work, I delve into themes of everyday life and aim to capture the quiet strength and resilience found in moments of solitude.
How does your creative process unfold from concept to completion?
My creative process begins with an initial concept or inspiration, often sparked by observing people in their natural settings. I start by taking several photographs, focusing on the interplay of light, shadow, and the unique expressions of my subjects. Once I settle on a composition that resonates with me, I begin the painting process. Once I start a painting, it is an immersive and all-consuming process until the end. At the same time, it’s a deeply fulfilling and invigorating experience.
What inspires you most outside of the visual arts, and how does it influence your work?
Outside of the visual arts, I find inspiration in literature, music, and nature. Literature provides me with rich narratives and complex characters, influencing the storytelling aspect of my portraits. Music, with its ability to evoke deep emotions, helps me tap into the mood and atmosphere I want to convey in my work. I am a keen observer of nature and people and seek to find beauty in ordinary moments of life.
These influences enrich my creative process, allowing me to infuse my portraits with a sense of depth and emotion that goes beyond the visual. They help me create more nuanced and evocative depictions of my subjects, capturing not just their appearance but the essence of their experiences and emotions.
How do you navigate the balance between personal expression and the commercial aspects of your career?
Navigating the balance between personal expression and the commercial aspects of my career involves a careful and thoughtful approach. I stay true to my artistic vision and personal expression by creating work that resonates deeply with me and reflects my unique perspective.
At the same time, I remain mindful of the commercial aspects by understanding the interests and preferences of my audience. I engage with art collectors, gallery owners, and patrons to gain insights into what appeals to them while maintaining my artistic integrity. This balance allows me to create pieces that are both personally meaningful and commercially viable.
Ultimately, the key to balancing personal expression and commercial success lies in staying adaptable and open to feedback while never compromising on the core principles that define my art. This approach allows me to grow as an artist and sustain a successful career.
What message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art?
When viewers experience my art, I hope they come away with a sense of connection and empathy for the people I depict. I strive to capture the beauty in everyday moments and the dignity of ordinary individuals, inviting viewers to see the extraordinary in the mundane.
I want my portraits to evoke emotions and spark reflections on the shared human experience, highlighting our commonalities despite different backgrounds and walks of life. Through my work, I aim to tell stories that resonate on a personal level, encouraging viewers to appreciate the depth and complexity of the individuals they encounter both in my paintings and in their own lives.
Ultimately, I hope my art inspires a greater appreciation for the simple, profound moments that make up our daily lives and fosters a sense of empathy and understanding among all who view it.
