Sonali Mohanty: From Engineer to Painter, Celebrating Indian Heritage

Sonali Mohanty, an engineer turned IT professional, has re-emerged as a painter, blending Indian cultural heritage with contemporary expression. Her journey began in childhood, watching her mother create Chittah designs with rice flour during festivals. After years in the corporate world, motherhood prompted her return to art, leading to a freelance career built on self-directed learning. Her work, characterized by vibrant colors and layered textures, has been exhibited in galleries and restaurants, featured in Better Interiors Magazine, and earned representation by a Singapore gallery. A notable piece, 'Navadurga', created for a themed exhibition, honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga and reflects personal memories of Durga Puja. Mohanty uses acrylics, markers, and pastels to achieve rich surfaces. Her art aims to evoke joy and connection, with success measured by viewers' emotional responses. She continues to explore materials and techniques, with a miniature series called 'Tiny Worlds'. Her practice balances structured work and spontaneous discovery, with an ambition to create a body of work associated with color, optimism, and storytelling.