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Neelam Padte

Neelam Padte

Prisms of the Soul

Exhibition Time: 12:00pm daily, except for private bookings

Artist Location: North Brunswick, NJ

About the

Artist

Born in Mumbai, India – surrounded by artists and musicians, Neelam quickly discovered her creative spirit and developed a keen interest in various forms of art. After earning a BFA in Graphic Design from University of Mumbai, Neelam emigrated to the United States in 1984. While raising her family she studied Computer Graphics. She worked for 2 years as a Computer Graphics Designer, and then trained in Web Designing as well as Computer Programming.

While working as a programmer for a large telecommunications company she quenched her artistic thirst by painting on glass, wood, fabrics, and canvas. After being laid off during the economic downturn of 2001, she became a full-time floorcloth (hand-painted canvas rug) artist. The patterns of her floorcloths are inspired by Colonial American wall and floor designs. She also creates one of a kind pieces as per supplied designs. She has been recognized by Early American Life magazine as a top floorcloth artist for historic accuracy and museum quality workmanship. Her pieces are displayed in several museums, period homes as well as private collections. So far she has created over 19,000 sq. ft. of floorcloths.

After 14 years as a full-time floorcloth artist, Neelam found the creative process to be pleasing yet repetitive. However, studying the works of Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko, Frank Stella, Helen Frankenthaler, V. S. Gaitonde, and S. H. Raza revealed to her the freedoms of abstraction.

Neelam’s initial abstract works were geometric paintings, which did not come spontaneously. Starting with pencil sketches, she used her computer skills to create multiple digital representations before painting on canvas. This methodical process came naturally because of her graphic design training, but she continued to perceive a void in her creative mind. However, an unplanned immersion into spirituality released her from the comfort zone and gave her the courage to express feelings freely. The subjects and colors of her landscape paintings are influenced by the pairing of nature’s inspirations reflected on her mood and impulses. Neelam crafts her landscapes with acrylics, oil sticks, graphite and charcoal by using brushes and knives. By working with these mixed media in a meditative state, she shares her inner spirit with the viewers.

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Selections from the Exhibition