The Artist – Atelier // Shibani

letters from the artist.

Hear from the artist about her style of work, her inspiration, and her vision for Atelier//Shibani.

hi!

I describe myself as many things. Among them are painter, writer, and most importantly, I’m a curious person. I go looking for things that don’t seem to have immediate or obvious answers, and these explorations give rise to stories. I use words to express some stories, and for others, I find that I have to reach out to the visual abstract.

In some ways it seems strange to me that I am drawn to both those seemingly extremely opposing spaces; my writing is objectively and universally comprehended, while my art is best experienced through feeling it. Still, on deeper reflection, both are valid and complementary. It’s a full circle.

where in the world did i come from?

I’ve been writing ever since I’ve had the ability to string words together with a pencil, and I’ve been painting since even before that. Self expression and thereby, connection, has always been a deep need for me, for as long as I can remember. It helped that my parents and my environment encouraged me.

It also helps that I come from a wonderfully creative family. My father, Milind Nayak, was an internationally renowned painter, my mother is a designer and fashion entrepreneur, my aunt is a Bharatnatyam dancer and teacher, my younger sister is an artist and VO genius, and my partner is a writer, director and comic. Clearly, self expression is a prerequisite for this family!

For my whole life, creativity was swimming all around me like little tendrils of magic, yet for over 17 years I gave myself to the corporate sector. Finally, a few years ago, I slowly found my way back to a creative life.

so now? whats been happening

I’m a full time artist and art entrepreneur.

In 2024, I hosted my first solo open studio exhibit in Mumbai at MuSo’s art gallery space. It was designed to be an interactive day with art. We had a studio section to introduce you to the artist (sketchbooks, inspirations etc), an audio tour to tell you stories about the art you saw; and an interactive ‘Play area’ to attend a mark making painting workshop with me. It was a perfect day, because I got to meet an audience and engage with you.

I also launched several art collectibles across the year and we are now stocked in several cool spots in Bombay and Bangalore. Ultimately, through my art label Atelier//Shibani, I have a very specific mission in mind.

ATELIER//SHIBANI’s MISSION

Through this art label, my mission is simple:

To break down invisible barriers, and make art accessible to anyone who wants to bring beauty into their life.

Too often, art is treated like it’s only for “those who get it”—collectors, the ‘artsy’ folk. But art isn’t meant to be locked away or reserved for a select few. It’s meant to be felt, experienced, lived with. By everyone, and in multiple ways.

That is why I re-imagined my paintings to take it beyond walls. It spills over, stretching beyond the canvas, finding new forms on everyday objects—planners, notebooks, cards, cups, dresses. Pieces that you can touch, use, and carry with you.

Because art shouldn’t just be admired from a distance—it should be a part of your world, woven right into the things you interact with daily. With every creation, my goal is to remind you that art isn’t exclusive. It’s yours.

Everyone is already an art collector, whether they know it yet or not.

what's next?

In 2025, my focus is to keep playing and growing through my art and my artwork. This year I want to delve deeper into people’s inner lives and their raison d’être.

I also want to do multiple workshops and teach more people the value of PLAY in their personal lives, their art and their work. Please leave us a note here, if you’d like to receive updates from me or know when there is a workshop or exhibit on.

This year, I’m also super excited to launch new art collectibles and maybe even an initiative towards the #snailmailrevolution. Keep your eyes peeled. Or just subscribe to the newsletter!