By: Katy Kantry
At just 20 years old, Devi Khudai is already making waves in the Hathian art scene. Originally from San Francisco, California, Devi is a sophomore at Columtreal University, balancing the demands of college life with her burgeoning artistic career. Known for her vibrant and daring works that fuse her cultural roots with urban street art, Devi is quickly becoming a name to watch. The Hathian Observer recently caught up with her via a voice call interview to learn more about her journey, inspirations, and what it’s like to pursue art in Hathian.
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Katy Kantry (KK): “First Devi, I want to thank you on behalf of myself and everyone here at the Hathian Observer for agreeing to speak with us today! I know you are very busy. So let’s start with something easy…tell us what initially drew you to art?“
Devi Khudai (DK): “Thanks for reaching out! So…I think my initial love of art came from just the freedom it allowed me to have whenever I painted. Starting with a blank canvas there was no stress over making sure I had the correct answer, no strict instructions on how the painting must be done. I was allowed to decided what I wanted to create, and it felt liberating.”
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(KK): “How do you balance the business side of being an artist with the creative process? I imagine it’s a lot to juggle, especially when you just want to focus on your art. How do you make sure both sides, business and creativity, get the attention they need?”
(DK): “Yeah it can get pretty tricky sometimes, but I am very fortunate to be given a lot of support, both from my boyfriend and from the Hathian Museum & Galleries, that allows me to primarily focus on and foster the creative process. That support really helps keep that balance.”
(KK): “Who are some of your artistic influences or mentors? And how have they shaped your work? I imagine your style must have a lot of depth, considering how unique it is.”
(DK): “Oh there are so many who have helped influence me but if I had to pick I guess I’d have to say my art instructor, Ms. Winters, was a big influence and a mentor during my time at ICA Cristo Rey private school. Renown artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso are of course always inspiring, but I think my biggest influences come from young artists like Kre8 and Anna August. Their incredible pieces and their success is so inspiring and motivational.”
(KK): “How does your personal life and the experiences you’ve been through shape the stories you tell through your art? It seems like your work carries so much emotion…do you draw directly from your own journey?”
(DK): “Oh absolutely! My personal life is a big influence on the art I create! People’s perspective of art is subjective, and other people identifying other components of a piece or seeing the story I am trying to tell in another light is always fascinating to me. As much as I enjoy explaining the story behind one of my works, I really enjoy when others with similar experiences can see their own story in the art.”
(KK): “How does your family feel about your life as an artist? I imagine it can be tough, especially coming from a more traditional background. Do they support your journey?”
(DK): “It’s definitely a complicated thing, but my boyfriend is very proud of my work and encourages me every day.”
(Photo: Devi and her boyfriend, Officer Michael Montanari of the HPD)
(KK): “What inspires your artistic style, Devi? It’s clear your work has such a unique vibe, so what are the things, places, or moments that fuel your creativity?”
(DK): “Honestly, inspiration comes from everywhere, but I rely alot on my emotions. My emotions are a big factor in the pieces I create. For example, when I look at prior pieces of my work during more difficult times in my life I can see my use of colors were not as vibrant, not as cheerful. I love telling stories through my work, and I think conveying those emotions and what I was feeling is a big influence on the style of my paintings.”
(KK): “If you had to choose, which would you say is your favorite piece that you’ve created? I’m curious what stands out to you and why.”
(DK): “That’s such a tough question…I have multiple paintings with a tiger in them, one in particular is very special to me and hangs in my living room. I painted it for my boyfriend that is an officer at HPD. Unfortunately it is not on display with my work in the museum, but I will gladly provide you of a print!”
(Photo: Painting by Devi Khudai called “My Tiger”)
(KK): “Is there a specific message you hope people will take away from your art? What do you want your audience to feel or understand when they experience your work?”
(DK): “Let me think…I guess I hope others are able to identify the emotions I felt, and perhaps have felt as well at one time in their lives, see that they are not alone. The idea that others may see that it is ok to be sad, to have feelings of regret or self doubt, is what makes it easier for me to share my stories through my art.”
(KK): “I think a lot of people might not realize how tough it can be to pursue art seriously. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?”
(DK): “There have definitely been some hurdles along the way. The biggest challenge I faced was the stigma of the ‘starving artist’ and that I would be wasting my time if I pursued art, regardless whether or not I am talented at it. I spent a long time letting that fear eat at me, and I never would have been able to overcome it and have the opportunity to do what I do now for the museum without the support I was given from people I care about.”
(KK): “I know our readers would love to hear what you’re working on next! Do you have any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re particularly excited about?”
(DK): “Yes! I am still getting settled in at the Hathian Museum & Galleries, but I now have a display of my work setup for visitors to enjoy! The museum has so many fantastic hidden gems like the theatre, and I was so fortunate to have space made for my collection outside down by the cinema entrance. Along with plans to have an official exhibition event, I also am working on offering classes and hope to be able to announce more about those soon. In the meantime, I encourage anyone who hasn’t been to the museum to come and explore!”
(Photo: Devi standing with her exhibition pieces currently on display at the Hathian Museum & Gallery)
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With her talent, drive, and unique artistic voice, Devi Khudai is certainly a name to watch in the Hathian art scene. As she continues to evolve and push boundaries, it’s clear that her impact on the city’s creative landscape will only grow.
For updates on Devi’s latest works and upcoming exhibitions, follow her on social media. You can also view her current exhibition at the Hathian Museum & Gallery in Delphine ((SURL))
