Artist Statement

I am a New York–based artist, originally from India and formerly based in San Francisco. As a self-taught painter working within the realm of Abstract Realism, I create expressive landscapes that are both rooted in nature and shaped by personal memory. My work is inspired by the quiet power of the natural world and its constant rhythms of growth, renewal, and transformation—and by the belief that nature holds deep truths that mirror our own inner journeys.

Having lived in India, California, and now New York, my visual language reflects a layered sense of place. From the vibrant traditions and spiritual textures of India, to the calm expanses of California’s coastlines, to the urgency and energy of urban New York, each landscape I paint is a fusion of geography, memory, and feeling.

My work is recognizable yet reimagined. I aim to create pieces that feel familiar—a moment paused, a place remembered, a world softened by wonder. These experiences are rendered through a modern aesthetic. My process is intuitive and meditative. I often begin with a memory, a mood, or a small moment I want to hold onto—then allow color, gesture, and texture to guide the work. I use loose brushwork, layered paint, and abstract forms to blur the line between the familiar and the imagined.

The result is work that invites pause and presence—visual meditations that speak to resilience, reflection, and the infinite possibilities of becoming. At its heart, my art is a celebration of life’s shared beauty. I hope each piece becomes a quiet offering to the viewer—a space to breathe, remember, and reconnect with something deeply human and deeply natural.

Since the viewer doesn’t know the specific source of my inspiration, it is my hope that my work evokes their own fond memories of special places and times. I aim to ignite nostalgia, dreaminess, and a sense of commonness and shared experience. Above all, I invite the viewer to pause, reflect, reconnect, and be reminded of our deep and enduring connection to the rhythms of nature.

Following her artist statement, Kajal Zaveri shares more about the experiences and intentions that shape her creative path.

Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? How did it all begin?

I am a full-time artist who spent many years based in San Francisco and now work out of New York City. I wasn’t always a full-time artist—throughout my early life, I followed an academic path and pursued art as a hobby.

Growing up in India, I was surrounded by vibrancy, color, traditions, and celebrations. Although I didn’t receive formal art school training, enrolling in a local hobby art class and being immersed in such an inspiring environment was enough to ignite my love for painting.

After moving to California for my MBA, I worked in the corporate sector for several years. Yet I kept feeling drawn to art and to visually translating the magnificence and beauty of California. The many incredible encounters with nature filled me with a deep sense of joy and a desire to document what I saw and felt on canvas.

Eventually, I made the decision to leave my corporate job and devote my time, effort, and energy to pursuing art full-time. I’m incredibly thankful for that choice—it has allowed me to experience joy, calmness, purpose, and a sense of equilibrium in my life every single day.

What themes or ideas do you explore in your work?

At the heart of my work is a deep connection to nature—not just its beauty, but the emotional and symbolic layers it holds. I explore themes of renewal, resilience, serenity, and transformation. Nature, to me, is a mirror of the human experience: ever-changing, sometimes chaotic, yet always offering moments of stillness and clarity.

I’m drawn to those quieter truths—the strength in softness, the wisdom in impermanence, and the possibility of new beginnings. Through a loose, semi-abstract style, I aim to evoke the feeling of being in a place rather than depict it literally. Each painting is a kind of emotional landscape, an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with oneself, and with something larger and timeless.

Are there any artists past or present who have had a significant impact on your work?

Yes, many artists have shaped my journey in different ways. I’m deeply influenced by the Impressionists, especially Monet and Turner, for their ability to capture atmosphere, light, and fleeting emotion through color and movement. Their work feels alive—almost like breathing—and that sensitivity to nature resonates with my own approach. I’m also inspired by the Abstract Expressionists, like Helen Frankenthaler and Joan Mitchell, for their bold, intuitive mark-making and emotional honesty. In the contemporary space, I admire artists who balance abstraction and landscape, who create work that feels both rooted and ethereal. But beyond specific names, I’m inspired by artists who stay true to their voice and who create from a place of authenticity, curiosity, and heart.

How has your art been received by audiences and how do you respond to feedback?

I’ve been incredibly grateful for the way audiences have connected with my work—both in person at art fairs and galleries, and through collectors around the world. People often tell me that my paintings evoke a sense of calm, nostalgia, or emotional grounding, which means a lot to me, because that’s exactly what I hope to offer.

I always welcome feedback—it’s fascinating to hear what someone sees or feels in a piece, and I find those personal interpretations deeply meaningful. While creating is often a solitary process, the moment someone connects with a painting adds a beautiful sense of shared experience. That exchange is one of the most fulfilling parts of being an artist.

What are your long-term goals as an artist?

My long-term goals as an artist are centered around continuing to evolve my creative voice while deepening the connection between my work and those who experience it. I aim to explore new mediums and techniques that push the boundaries of expression and bring fresh perspectives to my work. Additionally, I hope to expand my involvement in the art community, whether through more exhibitions, and collaborations.I also want to create art that fosters a deeper sense of mindfulness and connection to nature. As my practice grows, I’d love to see my work resonate on a global scale, offering a sense of peace, introspection, and joy to viewers everywhere.

How do you see the role of art in society today?

Social media has helped to expand both my audience and my artistic influences. Platforms like Instagram have provided a virtual gallery, enabling me to share my art with a global audience instantly. This exposure has led to various opportunities and also allowed for immediate feedback and interaction with art enthusiasts worldwide.

Additionally, social media has fostered collaborations and connections with other artists, enriching my creative process with diverse perspectives and inspirations. The dynamic, fast-paced nature of social media keeps me engaged and inspired, continually evolving my artistic expression.

What do you hope people feel or take away when they view your art?

When people view my art, I hope they experience a moment of introspection and connection to the rhythms of nature. I aim to invite them into a space where they can reflect on their own emotions and memories, while also feeling the power and beauty of the natural world. My work is an exploration of energy, tranquility, and resilience, and I want viewers to leave with a renewed sense of wonder or a deeper understanding of their surroundings. Ultimately, I hope my art fosters a sense of shared experience, where the viewer feels both grounded and uplifted.

About the Artist

Kajal Zaveri is a New York–based artist specializing in abstract and semi-abstract oil and acrylic paintings. Born in India and formerly based in California, her work explores intuitive landscapes that hold the quiet magic of nature. Through expressive color, loose brushwork, and layered textures, she captures emotional landscapes that reflect resilience, nostalgia, and inner calm.

Kajal is a primarily self-taught artist whose work has been featured in Elle Décor, Still Point Arts Quarterly, Popsugar.com, and on Times Square billboards. Her paintings have been part of curated collections with Williams Sonoma Home and One Kings Lane, and she has exhibited at leading art fairs including VOLTA NYC, Red Dot Miami, and Hamptons Fine Art Fair.

Her art is held in private collections across the U.S. and internationally.

Select Exhibitions & Features

2025
• Superfine Art Fair, NYC – Exhibiting Artist
• Brooklyn Art Cave – The Four Elements, Juried Group Show
• Art Gotham Gallery, NYC – Abstract Art Now, Juried Group Show

2024
• VOLTA Art Fair, NYC – Exhibiting Artist
• Hamptons Fine Art Fair – Exhibiting Artist
• Art Gotham Gallery – Red Show, Juried
• Clio Art Show, NYC
• Brooklyn Renaissance – Juried Show
• Art for AIDS Auction – UCSF Alliance Health

Previous Years
• Red Dot Miami (2023)
• Art Market SF (2020–2023)
• Elle Décor – Artwork featured for VP Kamala Harris' office (2021)
• Williams Sonoma Home – Original art sold (2015–2020)
• Still Point Arts Quarterly – 10-page feature
• Times Square Billboard (2014)
• Singularart Interview, Empty Easel, City of Berkeley, Olive Hyde Art Gallery

Community & Volunteer Work

• Board Member, NGO supporting inclusive arts (2024–Present)
• Volunteer art teacher & mentor for young artists (2020–Present)
• Guest workshops at IAMA SF Museum
• Donated work for charitable auctions:
– UCSF Art for AIDS (2024, 2025)
– Works San Jose Gallery (2023)
– COVID-19 Relief in India (2021)
• Grants Panel Member – California Arts Commission (2021)

Email: kajal.zaveri@gmail.com Instagram: @artist.kajalzaveri Website: www.kajalzaveri.art