Devishi Seth

My practice is rooted in the confluence of my Indian heritage, feminine identity, and a deep reverence for our planet’s sustenance. Working with clay, bronze, and paint, I seek to honor Indigenous knowledge and ancestral principles of nurturing nature, encapsulated in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam “the world is one family.” Growing up as a woman in India has greatly shaped my worldview, fueling a commitment to revisiting historical cultural narratives and joining the movement to uplift Indian women. Central to my process is the belief in creating art for the community, by the community, weaving shared philosophies into collective action.

The materials I use are intrinsically linked to ritualistic practices spanning civilizations and centuries. Their spiritual resonance, especially within temple traditions, inspires the stylization of my female figures. The ceramic vessel, embodying the five elements—air, water, fire, earth, and spirit—becomes a metaphor for exploring the boundless dimensions of womanhood. Painting, as the ancient and elemental form of expression, draws from the earth’s pigments to bridge traditional Indian and contemporary approaches to depicting the female form. Bronze, with its transformation from liquid to solid and its evolving patina over time, mirrors the enduring yet ever-changing essence of the feminine.

This dialogue with earthly materials reflects my deep respect for the cyclical exchange between creation and destruction, receiving and giving back to nature. My work is guided by the philosophy of Yatha Pinde Tatha Brahmande” as is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm.” Signing my pieces as Devi, the Sanskrit word for goddess, I acknowledge myself not as the sole creator but as a vessel for the collective inspiration and efforts of interconnected souls across time. My practice is a homage to the sacred, the feminine, and the earth—an offering that blends ancient wisdom with a contemporary lens.