Emboldened By Art
Bold, bright colors and textures represent the joy found by this East Austin painter
Words by Taylor Dutch Photos by Eric Morales
Walking into Neena Buxani’s studio is like walking into the dream of a woman who exudes confidence and courage. The walls are lined with paintings of goddesses, bright flowers, and stunning jewels highlighted by bold, rich colors and textures. And then there is Frida Kahlo, displayed as a stunning portrait that perfectly captures the dream of the artist who painted her.
Just as Kahlo lived unapologetically through her art, Buxani is finally being true to herself and her passion.
Growing up in Brownsville, a city located near the border of Texas and Mexico, Buxani was heavily influenced by Mexican American culture as well as her Indian descent. As early as she can remember, Buxani was always attracted to art and would often draw during class. Kahlo, who grew up in Coyocoan, Mexico City, Mexico, was a constant inspiration. “She reminds me to be true to myself no matter what, whether or not that’s going to piss everybody off. It’s a good reminder.” Buxani grins and goes on to explain, “[Kahlo] worked through a lot of hardships, but she always created. It didn’t matter; she just felt like that was who she was.”
While she was always drawn to art, Buxani didn’t make her passion her way of life until a few years ago. After graduating from the University of Texas, she explored several different career paths—finance, jewelry, hospitality, social work, and advertising—before embracing her true passion.
While working in hospitality, Buxani started to re-enter the art world by taking classes and responding to calls for art around the Austin community. A new mom at the time, Buxani worked in hospitality by day and painted every night, essentially working two jobs at once. “I saw a refuge in my art. That is what made me happy and focused. I knew that [art] was going to be my goal, to eventually do this full time,” she affirms.
Making the transition in June 2017, Buxani has since opened her own studio at Canopy, a community of artists on Springdale Road. Her art has been on display at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Bass Concert Hall, and several Austin studio tours.
Buxani hopes to open her own gallery one day. Ultimately, she desires to bring people joy through her art. Her use of bold, bright colors is part of that goal for others as well as an affirmation to herself as she embraces her dream. Buxani admits candidly, “There are parts of me in particular that shy back, but I feel like in my art, I can be fully out there.”
Contact:
916 Springdale Road
Building 1, Ste. 207
neenabuxani.com
@neenasart
