Artist Statement Radha Lakshmi, from Cincinnati, OH, is a printmaker and a community artist. She uses a variety of mediums, including etching, screen printing, painting, and ephemeral materials. Her art is inspired by her Southern Indian heritage and her passion for storytelling. She creates vibrant mandala art that's ephemeral and on paper that celebrates the beauty of sacred spaces. Radha was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. She practices the art of Kolam/Mandala, a ritual and meditative art form passed down through her women ancestors for generations. It is a ritualistic form of drawing used to create intricate patterns and designs on the floor or walls of a home. They are hand-drawn or stenciled with rice flour, colored sand, and petals of flowers. The mandalas are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the home. The Mandala, a Sanskrit word for circle or completion, has a long history and is recognized for its deep abstract spiritual meaning and representation of wholeness. Radha has been creating art for over 30 years and has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and museums. She is a passionate advocate for the arts and has dedicated countless hours to helping bring art to the people in her community. She hopes people take away a sense of joy, happiness, and beauty from her art.