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. Recently I also speak of my discontent of the robbing and renaming of everything in Hinduism through the guise of “spiritualism” or what people recently call New Age. The practice of these contents is not the issue, as we cannot stop schools of thought from evolving; however, the erasure of the information from Indian and other eastern thoughts to suit more of the wests needs and ideas of religion while practicing racism and hatred for the people who originally enriched this culture to share with the world is by no means welcome, nor does it help the people who use these tools to seek out peace in their lives. As an Asian Studies major, and someone who was an educator for a decade before becoming a full-time artist, I am here to educate all communities through my art and music for those who look for the healing and peace they deserve in life, while showing the proper respect for the people, the history, and the culture.

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, climate change, creations of original characters, and just good ol’ experimenting.