Today we’d like to introduce you to Vaiju Saraf.
Vaiju, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
After 19 years of a corporate career in the tech world, I decided to pursue my passion for mosaic art and painting and made the first foray into my art career. What started off as a relaxing break from a hectic work schedule, soon became a great creative endeavor! And so the journey began, in India….
My paintings generally include landscapes and nature. I have very fond memories of seeing my first fall in Chicago about 20 years ago during a job assignment. I explored the beauty and culture that the city offered and loved every bit! Seeing “fall” for the first time was a thrilling experience; those vibrant hues hold a special place in my heart. Come to think of it, isn’t it a true reflection of life where one sees and experiences so many different shades of people? The maple tree is my favorite tree and that’s how I came to name my studio “The Red Maple”.
During my visits to Turkey and Spain, I was mesmerized by mosaic art, especially fascinated by Gaudi’s work and decided to learn it. It is labor intense and yet ever so satisfying. I love every step of the way, from the concept creation, draw the composition, cutting techniques to establish a rhythm and yes picking the right colors. I have both learned and enjoyed from the advanced workshops at the Chicago Mosaic School.
It has been quite an interesting circle to be in the city, first as an engineer and now as an artist, mother and wife! I enjoy to be a part of the art community here. I am part of a team to create a mural for Cook County memorial hospital and it’s fascinating to see how art can connect the various communities together.
I often wonder if art is my passion or vice versa…
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am an avid traveler and experiencing art from my various sojourns gives me great joy and insight. I love to observe the obviously beautiful and sometimes quirky scenes of the places I travel to. These are my “Pinterest mood boards” for future use! I traveled extensively during my corporate job, visiting about 20 countries. This gave me a broad, global outlook which I always try to include in my work. I enjoy creating art fusions wherein I combine art from two different regions. My travel has been my inspiration for art….
I have experimented with combining the two art forms, elements or styles into my unique creations.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge facing artists is getting the recognition for their work. This results in a cash flow that is not steady. Creating art is much more than just investment of time since an artist requires raw materials and tools and funds to buy the same. I hope that my artist friends do not get dishearten and lose their creative instinct on not been able to sell their art. I am not sure how but creating more people with appreciation for handmade art would help the artists.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Upcoming Exhibitions –
Herb Aigner gallery, Schaumburg in October 2018
Geneva Public Library in August 2018
Woman’s Club of Evanston Holiday Bazaar on 17 & 18 Nov
Contact Info:
- Address: 805 Locust Ln # 209, Vernon Hills, IL – 60061
- Website: www.facebook.com/redmaplebyvaiju
- Phone: (224)-704-2656
- Email: sarafvaiju@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vaijusaraf
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/redmaplebyvaiju
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