Artist Rajul on Finding Peace and Healing Through Art

Rajul is an international artist known for blending the Japanese art of Kintsugi with Chakra teaching in her work. In this Interview, she shares her journey and the creative process, discussing how art has helped her cope with depression and anxiety. Rajul explains what inspires her, like the way colors interact in nature and the influence of artists like Rothko. She also opens up about a meaningful piece, “Reconstruction,” which helped her heal from a miscarriage. Through this interview, we learn about Rajul’s belief in the healing power of art and her spontaneous, intuitive approach to creating pieces that bring peace and reflection.

Rajul is an international artist whose work engenders respite and renewal from the chaos of daily life. Her art blends the Japanese Art of Kintsugi, the spiritual teachings of the Chakras, with the emotional resonance of color. Kintsugi is a metaphor for the human (her) journey. These scars, like the cracks in pottery, tell unique stories and signify strength. As someone who has suffered from Depression for 35 years and Severe Anxiety Disorder for the last 3 years, art has become an outlet of healing for Rajul as she spiritually works through my life’s imperfections chakra by chakra. Each chakra is represented by a distinct color, symbolizing a different aspect of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Rajul’s paintings explore the harmonious relationship between these energy centers and their corresponding colors, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journey of acceptance, healing, and growth. While the painting is infused with her energy and story – the viewer is invited to reflect on his/her own journey and story through the abstract lines, shapes, and colors of her creation. What needs repair does not need to define us. We can heal, regenerate, and evolve into improved versions of ourselves with renewed strength and purpose. Rajul works across various media, using whatever materials inspire her at the moment. She considers herself a spontaneous painter. While she has an overall vision of the colors she wishes to infuse into her creations, she allows each layer to dictate how she sets down her next layer – whether it’s with texture, paper, pigment, and/or more layers of color. Rajul’s work has been shown at the National Art Gallery, the Ueno No Mori Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art in Tokyo, the Tokyo Tower International Art Fair and ION Art Gallery, the Arts House, and the German Centre in Singapore.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I have always been creative. When I was young, I sang and played the piano and violin. Photography was a major hobby growing up. I came to be an artist after retiring from a 20-year career in healthcare marketing when I moved to Japan in 2012 as an expatriate spouse. Always wanting to pursue Art School, I studied Art in Japan for nearly 8 years with Master Artists, workshops, and continuing education classes. I feel fortunate to have had careers that I love and enjoy. “Healing” has always been part of my aspiration. I am a firm believer in the power of Art to help heal, and I have personally benefitted from this as I have coped with Depression for 30 years and, more recently, Severe Anxiety.

“Healing” has always been part of my aspiration. I am a firm believer in the power of Art to help heal, and I have personally benefitted from this as I have coped with Depression for 30 years and, more recently, Severe Anxiety.

Rajul

2. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

I find inspiration everywhere. As I paint in colorscapes, I am always studying how colors interact with each other – whether it be in nature, art, or design. My favorite artist to study is Rothko – I am deeply inspired by the series he painted on Color Fields.

3. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

“Reconstruction” is a piece of art I created to give myself closure from a miscarriage I had years ago. I was cleaning out some files and had found my discharge papers from the hospital; and realized it was the only connection I had to the baby I lost. So, I painted a woman focusing on her womb to “heal” her baby. While I couldn’t heal the baby I lost, the next baby I had (my rainbow baby) healed me.

4. What role does experimentation play in your art practice?

I am always experimenting. I love using different materials and seeing how they can be combined to create artwork. When I am finished working on my main art pieces, I will make use of the leftover paint on my palette and “play” with blending colors in my Art Journals. I have experimented with resin and Gelli plates, painting on different types of paper, fusing the paper with canvas and/or wood, etc. I love playing with different textures and seeing how they all combine to create a work of Art.

5. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

I want people to feel a sense of calm and peace when they view my artwork. Whether you’ve had a long day at work or you are recovering from a life event – I want you to meditate on my art and come away with a feeling of renewal.

6. Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects you’re particularly excited about?

I have a solo exhibition coming up in Kobe, Japan. It’s called Introspections in Resilience. It will be an immersive exhibit where I will use prompts, music, and a calm, comfortable environment to have the viewer meditate on my artwork as they move through each “chakra station” – all the while reflecting on their own life journey to come away feeling refreshed and renewed.

Whether you’ve had a long day at work or you are recovering from a life event – I want you to meditate on my art and come away with a feeling of renewal.

Rajul

Rajul’s art shows how powerful creativity can be. By mixing personal experiences with spiritual themes, she offers a unique view of healing and resilience. Her upcoming solo exhibition, “Introspections in Resilience,” will be an immersive experience, encouraging visitors to connect with the art on a deep level. Rajul’s work not only catches the eye but also touches the heart, bringing a sense of peace and renewal. To learn more about Rajul, click on the links below.