Chris Gurjao

Capturing Tranquility: The Art of Chris Gurjao

For Chris Gurjao, art is more than just a creative pursuit—it is a way of bringing peace and reflection into everyday life. Growing up in a family that valued artistic expression, she was drawn to the quiet beauty of nature, finding inspiration in its stillness. A pivotal moment in her artistic journey came when she witnessed a mesmerizing group of butterflies in a garden. That experience illuminated the power of visual storytelling, igniting a lifelong passion for capturing moments of serenity through art.

Though she does not hold a formal degree in fine art, Gurjao’s skills have been meticulously shaped through self-study, hands-on practice, and learning from online tutorials and workshops. Her journey is a testament to the idea that dedication and passion can forge a distinctive artistic voice outside of traditional academic pathways.

A Journey Through Soft Pastels and Light

Primarily working with soft pastels, Gurjao’s work is an exploration of light, color, and emotion. Occasionally, she experiments with acrylics and watercolor, pushing the boundaries of her creative expression. These explorations allow her to break free from routine and embrace new ways to translate her vision onto paper.

Recurring themes in her work center on tranquility, natural beauty, and peaceful everyday moments. Her goal is to evoke a sense of calm, creating spaces of reflection and harmony for her viewers. She draws inspiration from a range of artistic movements, from the Renaissance to the Impressionists, using their mastery of light and emotion as a foundation for her own evolving style.

The Process: A Daily Ritual of Reflection and Creation

Gurjao follows a structured but fluid creative routine. Before beginning a painting, she takes time to organize her workspace and mentally visualize her subject, allowing her to connect with the essence of what she wants to portray. Inspiration often strikes in the simplest of ways—like a Christmas tree that sparked one of her winter-themed still-life pastel paintings.

A typical creative day involves sketching, layering colors, and sharing progress with her audience on Instagram. However, like all artists, she encounters creative blocks. When that happens, she takes breaks to reconnect with fresh ideas or engages in smaller, no-pressure projects. One such project—a series of fruit-inspired artworks created during a difficult time—taught her resilience and the power of self-expression through art.

Finding Peace in Creation and Connection

For Gurjao, art is a form of therapy, not just for herself, but for those who engage with her work. She hopes to communicate themes of peace, harmony, and a deep connection with nature, encouraging others to pause and appreciate beauty in the ordinary.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of her artistic journey has been hearing how her work has helped bring peace and calm to others. A particularly moving moment came when a viewer reached out to share that her art had helped them cope with anxiety. These moments of connection reaffirm her belief that the true measure of success isn’t external recognition, but the emotional impact her work has on others.

Looking ahead, she aspires to expand her art’s reach globally, creating pieces that resonate with diverse audiences and transcend cultural boundaries.

Embracing Creativity and Future Collaborations

Gurjao’s personal life—especially her love for quiet, introspective moments—deeply influences her work. She finds inspiration in spending time outdoors, reading, and engaging with different art forms like music and photography. Rather than seeking a strict balance between art and life, she focuses on setting clear boundaries and dedicating specific time to her creative practice.

As she moves forward, she envisions collaborations with other artists, particularly blending pastel work with digital or multimedia formats. Her current project, a collection inspired by personal experiences, aims to evoke emotions tied to the beauty of ordinary events.

Her advice to aspiring artists?

"Focus on your unique voice, practice consistently, and never be afraid to experiment. Creativity has the power to bring peace and meaning to your life—make space for it."