Hi, I’m Debasree Dey, an artist, educator, and creative explorer from India.

After spending a decade in the IT corporate world, I felt a deep longing for something more—something freer, more expressive. My love for art reignited during my time in London, where painting became my escape, a way to break free from structure and embrace imperfection. Eventually, I made the bold decision to leave my white-collar job and pursue my passion full-time—a choice that completely transformed my life.

Nature, travel, and emotional storytelling shape my creative voice. I’ve backpacked through 25 countries, finding inspiration in the fleeting beauty of landscapes, the raw textures of aged walls, and the untamed energy of everyday life. My work reflects the journey of letting go, embracing the present, and finding beauty in the imperfect.

Since 2016, I’ve been sharing this passion with others, teaching art to nearly 20,000 students worldwide and leading over 700 in-person workshops. For me, art is more than just creating something beautiful—it’s about self-expression, healing, and discovering the hidden parts of yourself.

Through messy brushstrokes, layered textures, and expressive compositions, I encourage artists to break free from perfection and create fearlessly. I can’t wait to help you embrace your creative freedom and tell your own story through art!

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What does "Art is Magic" mean to you?

To me, "Art is Magic" means transformation. It’s the ability to take something raw—whether it’s emotions, memories, or even physical materials—and turn it into something meaningful. It’s the alchemy of layering, tearing, rebuilding, and expressing what words can’t always capture. Art has the power to heal, to reveal truths, and to bring wholeness to fragmented parts of ourselves.

Why do you create art?

I create art because it’s the one place where I feel completely free. It’s how I process emotions, release what’s buried deep inside, and integrate the different versions of myself. Art helps me make sense of my experiences and my constant need to "break free" from limitations—whether external or self-imposed. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about understanding myself on a deeper level.

Tell us about your journey to become an artist.

My journey into art wasn’t linear. I started in IT, working for 10 years in a structured, logical environment that never felt like home. I had always been drawn to creativity, but I suppressed that part of myself until I couldn’t anymore. Leaving my job to pursue art was another step in my lifelong pattern of breaking free—first from my childhood home, then from the city, then from a career that didn’t align with me. Even when I started painting, I felt confined by the rules of realism. It wasn’t until I let go of structure and embraced messy abstracts, textures, and mixed media that I truly felt like an artist.

Tell us about your journey to claim the title "artist."

For the longest time, I struggled with calling myself an artist. I thought I had to reach a certain level of skill or recognition to earn that title. In the beginning, I was just "someone who paints." But the more I created, the more I realized that art wasn’t just something I did—it was how I processed life. Art was my language, my way of understanding myself and the world. That’s when I finally embraced the title of artist—not because I had reached some external milestone, but because creating had become a way of being.

What is it about making art that stirs your soul?

The freedom. The feeling of moving paint, layering textures, tearing fabric, and seeing something unexpected emerge. Art is one of the few places where I don’t have to follow rules, and that excites me. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing emotions take shape on a canvas—especially ones I couldn’t put into words.

What is currently inspiring you?

Right now, I’m inspired by the idea of wholeness. Of bringing together all the fragmented parts of myself. I’m also drawn to botanicals—flowers, leaves, organic shapes—because they remind me of the fleeting nature of life and the beauty in impermanence. Texture is another big inspiration for me; the more layers, the more history a piece carries.

What does your creative practice look like?

My creative practice is daily—there’s no exception to that. In the past, I used to think that painting meant creating a finished piece, but now I understand that anything counts—messy mark-making, collaging, preparing collage papers, or even doodling. As long as I’m engaging with my materials in some way, I consider it part of my practice.

Even when I have business work to handle—painting, shooting, editing—I still make sure to create for myself. If I go even two days without my art materials, I feel restless, like I need to go back to my studio and do something, even if it’s just playing in my art journal.

It’s not about productivity; it’s about staying connected to my art, my emotions, and myself.

How do you keep your creative practice fresh and inspired?

By experimenting. If I feel stuck, I’ll introduce a new material or technique—maybe layering something different, like thread or stitching. I also revisit old works and rework them, seeing how I can push them further. Taking breaks and stepping away also helps; sometimes, clarity comes when I’m not actively trying to find it.

What sort of creative walls do you hit?

Overthinking is a big one. Sometimes I get stuck in my head, questioning if my work is "good enough" or if it conveys what I want it to. Perfectionism can creep in, even though my art is about embracing imperfection.

What do you do to move through them?

I remind myself that art is about expression, not just the end result. When I get too caught up in making something "right," I’ll switch things up—use my non-dominant hand, make big, messy marks, or work on multiple pieces at once to keep the energy flowing.

How has your process evolved?

I started with structured landscapes, carefully staying within the lines. But over time, I let go of precision and embraced abstraction, layering, and mixed media. My process has become more about feeling and intuition rather than planning and control. Now, I focus on textures, movement, and emotional depth rather than making something look a certain way.

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your creative journey?

That art isn’t about proving anything. In the beginning, I thought I had to reach a certain level of skill before my work would matter. But now I see that the most powerful art isn’t always the most "perfect"—it’s the most honest. I wish I had given myself permission to explore and play sooner, rather than worrying about whether my work was "good enough."

Do you have a Creative Self-Care Practice?

Yes, and it’s mostly about allowing myself to not create when I need to rest. I used to force myself to paint every day, thinking that’s what a "real artist" does. But I’ve learned that my creativity needs space. Sometimes self-care looks like stepping away from the canvas, going for a walk, or just sitting with my thoughts without trying to turn them into something.

Do you have any creative rituals?

Earlier I used to listen to music or podcast while painting — but now I prefer silence. I like listening to my own thoughts, staying present with myself, or sometimes letting my mind wander. That, in itself, feels like a ritual.

I also tend to start by collaging or layering materials before I begin painting. There’s something grounding about it, like laying a foundation before letting the art take shape.

I don’t always follow a strict process, but I do like to ease into creating rather than jumping straight into a blank canvas. Sometimes, just touching my materials or moving things around in my studio helps me get into the right mindset.