Kirandeep Grewal is an Indian-born international artist specializing in visual and textile art. Her artistic journey has been molded by her rich life experiences and an unwavering dedication to her craft. With a deep love for silk painting and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, Kirandeep’s art mirrors her profound connection to nature, cultures, and the transformative power of creativity in building bonds.
Title: Green Jug
Photo credit for all the images: Trang Arya Photography
Born in India, Kirandeep’s artistic odyssey began amidst the vibrant tapestry of her homeland’s diverse cultures. Her childhood was a kaleidoscope of travels across India, immersing her in a mosaic of traditions, colors, and stories. These early adventures sowed the seeds of her artistic exploration, nurturing her deep appreciation for diversity, expressive freedom, and vivid palettes.
Kirandeep’s passion for art blossomed further during her sojourn in Ireland, where she found mentorship under Br Ambrose, a Franciscan Friar and artist in Galway. This creative guidance unveiled new horizons for Kirandeep, offering profound insights into the world of art.
Kirandeep’s quest for artistic expression carried her across borders to the United Kingdom, where she studied at the Cardiff Institute of Higher Education, now known as Cardiff Metropolitan University. Her journey in Wales brought her into the heart of the local community, as she collaborated with organizations like Barnardos, Making Waves, Cardiff County Council, and Cardiff City Council. Her active engagement with cultural and arts development groups like Cardiff and District Multicultural Arts Development, Women’s Arts Association, and Craft Council UK expanded her artistic horizons.
Her travels around the globe provided the canvas for learning from diverse artists and artisans, broadening her artistic vision and fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of global art and design.
At the core of Kirandeep’s artistic expression lies her creation of wearable art in silk. Her pieces are a testament to free-flowing creativity, bursting with vibrant colors and an ethereal lightness. Each creation is unique, bearing the imprints of her love for Australia’s flora and fauna, as well as the indelible marks of her global adventures.
What distinguishes Kirandeep’s work is her unwavering commitment to eco-conscious practices. She employs a medley of dyeing techniques, including Shibori, indigo dyeing from Africa, and Indian dyeing traditions, to color her silk. These techniques not only yield captivating visual effects but also tread lightly on the environment by conserving water and minimizing dye wastage. Additionally, Kirandeep seamlessly weaves needlework and freehand machine embroidery into her silk designs, making threads an integral part of her artistic narrative.
Beyond her personal creative pursuits, Kirandeep has been a force for good in her Canberra community, Australia. In 2020, she founded the Migrant Women’s Art Group in Gungahlin, Canberra, funded by GungahlinArts. This initiative serves as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, enabling members to celebrate their identities, forge connections, and nurture meaningful relationships within the larger community. Through this venture, members have had enriching interactions with First Nations Elders and local organizations, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and cultural exchange.
During the trying times of the COVID-19 lockdown in Canberra, Kirandeep embarked on two innovative art projects: Neighbourhood Art on Wheelie Bins and Art@Home. These initiatives aimed to kindle creativity among children and adults by offering art lessons on YouTube, providing a refuge of solace and joy through artistic expression during confinement.
Kirandeep’s commitment to art education shines through her facilitation of art classes and workshops catering to diverse age groups and abilities. Her approach centers on nurturing an awareness of one’s surroundings, ensuring that creativity blooms in every individual. She has also harnessed the therapeutic potential of art in workshops for children with special needs, enabling them to express themselves.
In 2022, Kirandeep was bestowed with the honor of participating in various projects in Canberra, collaborating with Geoff Filmer and his team. Her participation in live painting at the National Gallery of Australia during the 2022 Australian of the Year luncheon was an immensely rewarding experience. Furthermore, her contributions to Floriade and Design Canberra Festival as part of Geoff’s team infused these celebrated events with her artistic flair.
In her quest to preserve the art of storytelling, Kirandeep founded Creative @ Slow Stitch, a haven for embroidery enthusiasts. This group is dedicated to reviving storytelling traditions through the medium of embroidery, bridging the timeless with the contemporary.
Kirandeep’s commitment to art and her ability to use it as a catalyst for cultural exchange and community-building are truly commendable. Her art transcends visual delight, serving as a testament to the unifying power of creativity. Through her silk paintings, wearable art, and community initiatives, Kirandeep Grewal continues to weave the world’s beauty into her creations, leaving an enduring impact on both the art world and the hearts of the communities she touches.
