| SIRIKARTAR K. KHALSA |
| Siri Kartar was born in Rome, Italy. She remembers her childhood days as being filled with singing, dreaming, but most of all of paintings. "At the age of six I wanted to have my own art studio. In our apartment in Rome, my mother cleared out a tiny closet and in it arranged a table and chair to support my creative urge. This was my first 'Studiolo', where I would spend many quiet hours filled with color and imagination." Siri Kartar's love of art and of the creative process continued beyond her childhood. At the age of fourteen she received a full scholarship to attend the Art Institute of Rome. After receiving formal training in painting, she continued her education with studies of the Restoration of ancient and modern paintings. This exposure to both classical and contemporary styles was further enriched by studies in Art History at Rome's "Universita' La Sapienza". India became the primary focus of her curriculum and her thesis on Archeological Buddhism was awarded cum laudis. During the course of her studies, SiriKartar encountered the Sikh religion. She adopted it, and embraced the Sikh name given to her by her beloved Spiritual Teacher, Yogi Bhajan, the Siri Singh Sahib. She says, "All I know in life, I have learned from my mother, and from the Siri Singh Sahib." |
| Like her education, Siri Kartar's paintings reflect a broad palette of styles she has been exposed to. Some are directly influenced by the Indian painting style of the Mogul and Rajput Miniatures. Other more contemporary compositions contain elements which could be described as "Fauve" or "Expressionist". Whatever sources they were derived from, the colors lines, and shapes which arise in her paintings, she sees and appreciates as direct reflections of her connection with the beauty, the light and the vibration that is in ourselves and in the heartbeat of the Universe. Siri Kartar lived in Rome until she was 31. In 1988 she moved to the USA and currently lives in Los Angeles. Her beautiful son, GuruFateh Singh, attended the Miri Piri Academy in Amristar, India, and now attends school in Los Angeles, CA. In her "Studiolo" Siri Kartar works on a variety of assignments such as book illustrations, portraits, CD covers, stage panels, but most of all, Devotional and Inspirational paintings for an array of private Patrons. Siri Kartar's interests include activities such as chanting Kirtan (Sikh Devotional Hymns), Gatka (Sikh Martial Art), Bharatanatyam (Classical Indian Dance), and Bhangra (popular Punjabi dance). |
| The works represented on this page are currently available for purchase. Inquiries about paintings by commission are welcome. Each Healing Spirits Prism will include an original hand painted watercolor based on energetic needs of client |
