Hi there! I’m Meera Rajeev, a civil engineer turned artist, art teacher, and full-time creative soul living in the culturally rich city of Abu Dhabi. Life’s an adventure, and mine took a delightful detour from blueprints and calculations to palettes and paint splatters. These days, my biggest cheerleaders are my wonderfully supportive husband, Sreehari Soman, and my two fabulous mini-muses, Nanditha and Virath.

Art isn’t just what I do; it’s the heartbeat of my life. Whether I’m teaching students to unleash their creativity, sneaking doodles onto to-do lists, or admiring my kids’ “abstract” masterpieces on the walls, art is everywhere. It’s messy, colourful, unpredictable, and ridiculously fun—just like life.

From Blueprints to Brushstrokes

Life doesn’t always go as planned, but sometimes, it takes a detour to find the path that truly feels like home. Starting out as a civil engineer, the dream seemed clear—combining structure with creativity. But the rigid lines of engineering couldn’t contain the boundless imagination that had always been an inseparable part of life.

Art, which had been a quiet companion since childhood, finally took center stage. The leap from engineer to artist was anything but easy, but it was a decision that brought freedom, fulfillment, and a newfound purpose.

A Lifelong Love Affair with Art

Art has been more than a skill or a pastime—it’s been a way of seeing and experiencing the world. As early as four years old, creativity found its way into everyday life. It wasn’t confined to art periods in school or competitions. It was in the doodles in notebooks, the colours of the sky, and the shapes of nature.

That quiet love for art persisted, even when life’s choices seemed to steer in a different direction. Eventually, the realization dawned: art wasn’t just a passion—it was the purpose. And with that came the courage to follow it wholeheartedly.

The Leap That Redefined Happiness

Letting go of an established career in engineering to embrace art felt like stepping into the unknown. Years of hard work, societal expectations, and the fear of failure made it a daunting choice. But with each step, there came clarity, confidence, and a sense of freedom that was unlike anything else.

That decision wasn’t just about switching careers—it was about choosing happiness, inner peace, and a life lived authentically. From the structured, predictable world of engineering to the limitless creativity of art, this transformation became the foundation for something extraordinary.

Art as a Tool for Self-Discovery

Teaching art opened a new chapter—one filled with connection, inspiration, and mutual growth. Every student brings a fresh perspective, and every lesson taught becomes an opportunity to learn. Art is more than just creating; it’s a pathway to self-awareness and self-expression.

The goal is simple: to guide young minds and aspiring artists toward discovering their unique potential. Art isn’t just about technique—it’s a means of emotional growth, spiritual exploration, and self-discovery. It’s about creating for the joy of it, not for perfection or recognition.

In every class, the aim is to foster a space where students feel empowered to explore, grow, and use art as a tool to build a fulfilling life.

Tradition, Nature, and Masters: Endless Inspiration

Every artist has muses, and for me, inspiration flows from the richness of tradition and the beauty of nature. Indian art forms like Kerala murals, Madhubani, Kalamkari, and Pichwai hold a special place. Their intricate details and cultural depth tell timeless stories that spark creativity.

The influence of Raja Ravi Varma is undeniable. His ability to merge realism and fantasy with elegance and grace is awe-inspiring. At the same time, the works of Western masters like Van Gogh, Monet, Vermeer, and Da Vinci evoke admiration for their genius and innovation.

And then there’s nature—the ultimate teacher and muse. From the vibrant hues of a sunset to the patterns of leaves and flowers, it offers endless lessons in harmony, simplicity, and beauty.

Building a Community Through Art

Teaching art isn’t just about sharing techniques; it’s about creating connections and building a community of like-minded individuals. Through art classes, students find a safe space to express themselves, grow emotionally, and discover their true potential.

The vision is to make art a transformative tool—not just for improving artistic skills but for building happier, more balanced, and self-aware individuals. It’s about guiding students to see art as a lifelong companion that supports their personal growth.

Life Beyond the Canvas

When the brushes are down and the paint has dried, other passions take over. Books are a constant source of inspiration, offering wisdom, escape, and endless ideas for the next creation. Meditation provides clarity and balance, nurturing both the creative mind and the soul.

Art, life, and learning are all interconnected. Each day offers an opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, and artistically. It’s a journey fueled by curiosity, self-discovery, and the desire to create a meaningful life.

The Journey Ahead

This is just the beginning. The future is filled with exciting possibilities—to create, inspire, and connect with more individuals who share a passion for art.

Through teaching and creating, the mission remains the same: to use art as a tool to transform lives, inspire self-discovery, and bring joy to others. The best part of the journey? There’s always more to explore, more to create, and more to learn.

Let’s make this a shared adventure. Together, we can discover the power of art to bring happiness, growth, and a sense of purpose to life.

Signing Off with a Splash of Colour

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to get to know me and my journey! Whether you’re here to explore art, spark your creativity, or just share a love for all things colourful, I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride.

Remember, art isn’t just about what you create—it’s about the joy, growth, and discovery that comes with it. So, grab a brush, let your imagination run wild, and don’t be afraid to make a mess (because that’s where the magic happens!).

Let’s keep creating, inspiring, and growing together. I’d love to connect—whether it’s through my classes at ArtMitra or just sharing stories about our creative adventures.

Here’s to a vibrant and creative life! 🌟

With love and colour,

Meera Rajeev

ArtMitra