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**The Joy of Collecting and Sharing Folk Art**

For me, collecting and sharing folk art has been a passion project that brings people together. I started by creating a space that showcased my favorite pieces, which were largely inspired by traditional Indian art forms. The idea was to curate a collection that would not only reflect my own tastes but also provide a sense of community for others who shared similar interests.

As I began to share my artwork and designs with others online, I was surprised to find how much resonance it had with people from all over the world. It was as if we were coming together around a shared passion, one that transcended borders and cultures. For me, this was the most rewarding part of sharing folk art – knowing that it was bringing people joy and connection.

One of my proudest possessions is a gallery wall in our dining space, which features a collection of artwork I've collected over the years. A lot of it is inspired by Indian folk art, with pieces made to look like paintings that you would find on mud homes in India. Others are embroidery pieces from Gujarat, where my family's from, including a stunning piece embroidered by my great-grandmother. This gallery wall not only showcases my love for traditional art but also serves as a conversation starter for our guests.

In addition to showcasing my own artwork, I've always been keen on highlighting contemporary artists from South Asia and India. I believe that by supporting local talent, we can help preserve the rich cultural heritage of these regions. This is reflected in the artwork displayed throughout our home, which often features vibrant colors and intricate patterns inspired by traditional Indian motifs.

My love for folk art also extends to my personal style, as seen in my design choices for each room in our home. For example, our primary bedroom was designed to evoke the opulence of Rajasthan's palaces, with jewel-toned walls and intricate patterns that evoke the rich textiles of the region. The result is a space that feels like a luxurious retreat, one that invites relaxation and contemplation.

In many ways, my love for folk art has become an integral part of our home's personality. From the rustic orange tones in our guest bedroom to the hand-carved mirror from India in our bathroom, every design choice reflects my passion for preserving traditional art forms. Even our freestanding tub was a deliberate choice, as I wanted to create a sense of luxury and comfort that would make guests feel at home.

For me, collecting and sharing folk art has been a journey of discovery and connection. By bringing these beautiful pieces into our home, I've created a space that feels like a haven for those who share my passion. Whether it's a stunning piece of embroidery or an intricate wooden carvings, each artwork tells a story that speaks to the human experience – a testament to the power of art to bring us together and transcend borders.

**The Palaces of Rajasthan**

When designing our primary bedroom, I drew inspiration from the opulent palaces of Rajasthan. These majestic structures are renowned for their intricate stone carvings, vibrant textiles, and ornate patterns that reflect the rich cultural heritage of India's royal families. I wanted to capture this essence in my design choices, which is reflected in the artwork displayed throughout the room.

One of my favorite features of this space is a stunning painting done by an artist from Mumbai. This piece adds a touch of modernity to the room while still paying homage to traditional Indian art forms. By incorporating pieces that reflect both traditional and contemporary styles, I aimed to create a space that feels welcoming and inclusive – one that invites guests to explore the rich cultural tapestry of India.

**The Joy of Everyday Life**

While our home is certainly special, it's also just a place where we live and connect with each other. That's why I love having an extra hangout spot in our dining space – a sunny nook that feels like a little retreat. Here, I often spend my mornings sipping coffee and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

This corner of our home is one of my favorite spots, too. The daybed reminds me of traditional Indian diwans, which are designed to be cozy and inviting. And the table that I dyed to make it look like bone inlay work? It's a beautiful touch that adds texture and interest to the space.

**The Power of Art**

For me, art has always been about more than just aesthetics – it's about connection, community, and preserving cultural heritage. By collecting and sharing folk art, I've created a space that feels like a haven for those who share my passion. Whether it's an intricate embroidery piece or an ornate wooden carving, each artwork tells a story that speaks to the human experience.

As I look around our home, I'm reminded of the power of art to bring us together and transcend borders. In a world that often feels fragmented and divided, it's more important than ever to celebrate our differences and find common ground through shared passions and interests. For me, collecting and sharing folk art has been a journey of discovery – one that continues to inspire and connect me with others around the world.