I am Vee*, artist & owner of xSubtlexSmilex®.

xSubtlexSmilex® was originally created as an online name that really defined me as a person, and since I continued to use this name since high school, I decided to make it the name of my company.

I am of the South Asian diaspora - and Indian-American (Kannadiga), first generation. I am Hindu, and recent works have been reflecting on my own Indian culture, history, and heritage, as well as the schools of thought passed down and well-practiced though generations of my family.

And of course, letting my own unique flavor shine. As I am born and raised in the U.S., my inspirations come a lot from cartoons, animations, illustrations and street art. My alternative style to telling stories about my religion, culture, and spiritual (among other) experiences don’t look like the typical Indian, or even South Asian art often displayed in galleries and museums, nor do I look like the stereotypical Indian woman often protrayed in the media.

Of course, this is not my only focus, as I have done other projects on personal experiences, women’s rights, climate change, creations of original characters, and just good ol’ experimenting.

I believe in timing, and although I am starting “late” in my life, I believe I had to wait and experience all that I did before I could do what was meant for me.

My hope is that many will resonate with my work as use my experiences to find the innate human connection within us all. Connecting through our similarities, and appreciating our differences, we can all connect and respect each other through love. That is my ultimate belief.

Thank you all for being with me on this journey and continuing to support me.

Be kind. Be happy. Be healthy.

And most importantly, Be You.

Much love.