my story
Painter of Cosmic Possibilities
My name is Tanya Gupta and I am an artist, creative director, filmmaker and photographer. Whether I’m capturing through a lens, crafting with my hands, or designing behind a computer, I am seeing the bigger picture: how it all connects back to one form to tell a consistent story, a story grounded in reality while open to new, infinite possibilities. My mission is to enliven creative visions that help others live in service and find joy and appreciation in their lives. I wish to share the beauty of the world all around us - the magic that lies within the paradoxical chaos and simplicity of silence. Welcome to my world.
“You decide how to belong in this world and the gifts you’d like to share... Right now, where is your sense of belonging?” - Ron Young
For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in learning and experimenting with new artistic mediums and techniques. There is a spark I can feel in me when I approach a blank “canvas” or a new idea, and am given the time and space to allow my mind to let go and explore. And then within that spark there is a moment of surrender, where I become the medium and the creation takes on a life of its own. Being in that flow state is when I feel I truly belong, and the creations that come from those moments help me feel more grounded and connected to life.
For many years though I struggled to find balance and integrate my various interests and explorations, feeling pressure to pick a straightforward path, establish a designated style, or follow structured processes when creating. Each time I would think I’ve made a decision, not long after I would enter a period of inner turmoil. In time I would learn to listen to my body and find silence within the chaos, accepting that my expression, my inner “World”, could not be contained within a specific style or medium and follow a traditional path - The World of Tanya wishes to constantly evolve in collaboration with life all around me.
For many years though I struggled to find balance and integrate my various interests and explorations, feeling pressure to pick a straightforward path, establish a designated style, or follow structured processes when creating. Each time I would think I’ve made a decision, not long after I would enter a period of inner turmoil. In time I would learn to listen to my body and find silence within the chaos, accepting that my expression, my inner “World”, could not be contained within a specific style or medium and follow a traditional path - The World of Tanya wishes to constantly evolve in collaboration with life all around me.
my bear necessities
Simplify
simplify to find what's most essential and true
Honor
honor mine and other’s experiences, instincts, intuition, body and lineage
Believe
believe that innermost dreams and visions have the power to come true
Through the guidance of many teachers and experiences, I have learned to trust my own creative process, understand my need for creative expression, and recognize my ability to help others reconnect with their inner artist. I graduated from New York University, Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Study, integrating the realms of Design, Psychoanalysis and Human Rights in my final rationale and colloquium, "His and Her Story: Redesigning the Self". I obtained my Master of Arts in 2020 from Columbia University’s Spirit Mind Body Institute in Psychology in Education. Throughout my education, I met my foundational teachers for whom I am truly grateful:
Mrs. Parsekian was one of my earliest role models, a strong dedicated teacher who was always kind and respected. She encouraged my creativity when she noticed how seriously I was taking handwriting - I would re-write my notes everyday so they’d look clean and “perfect” and would experiment with different styles of penmanship. Mrs. Parsekian taught me calligraphy during lunch time and recess, memories I will always cherish, and instilled in me the desire to integrate art into whatever career path I chose.
It was during my trainings with Robin that I learned how connected the mind and body truly are. Through kinetic awareness and various other somatic exercises, Robin taught me to listen to my body and find rest. My interest in psychology and spirituality grew as I studied Reiki with Robin and learned more about the art of healing.
Though I had attempted many forms of meditation before, Vedic Meditation was the first form that I felt I could participate in without laughing or wanting to run away. Robert created an environment that allowed me to safely access a realm of mindfulness and self-compassion. With him, I learned to bring awareness to my inner self without judgment and begin a regular meditation practice.
I was a regular student of Naomi’s yin yoga class before I decided to enroll in her Yin Yoga level 1 training. Her clinical and anatomical knowledge and gentle yet grounded presence always intrigued me, and I noticed how certain yin postures would bring up incomprehensible memories and emotions stored within my body. Through yin practices, Naomi taught me what it means to sit through difficulties and let go, releasing the desire to “fix things” and finding peace within my body.
I first met Ron at Columbia University, where he was my Professor for a Spiritual Healing practicum. Since then, I have continued years of Constellation, Spiritual Healing, and meditation trainings with him. Ron opened my awareness to the One in Flow, helping me find myself and what's true and honest by reconnecting with a home inside my heart. In training with him, I am learning to trust the world around me and honor Creation within me. Ron’s support through the years and unwavering faith has given me strength to pursue my wildest dreams by taking a deeper seat.
Bisan helped me reconnect with my inner child and find my voice, something that I had unconsciously repressed for many years. With her support and guidance, I was able to embrace the darkness and give voice to my innermost “creatures”.
Studying with Jade has allowed me to build confidence, strength and technique while learning to breathe - something I thought I knew how to do but realized had been restricted most of my life. With her guidance, I have been learning to honor and challenge my voice while being more present in how I communicate my inner self to the outer world.
In addition to these transformational teachers, I want to acknowledge the greatest pillars of my life: my parents, partner, family, and friends. Together they support my creative endeavors, crazy ideas, and give me the freedom to pursue my dreams so that I can move beyond the barriers and societal expectations I sometimes feel entangled in. They teach me the importance of boundaries, communication, and unconditional love.
creative ventures
With the pursuit for freedom in creativity came the inspirations to explore and design new ways of providing service and collaborating with the various communities I engage with. Featured below are some of my creative ventures which encompass and embody my creativity, visions, and aspirations for global healing.
Enlivenment is a Public Benefit Corporation and multimedia production company, existing to enliven the world through artistic endeavors that challenge the ordinary. As co-founder and a collective member, I collaborate with a talented team of artists to bring to life large scale visions such as films, documentaries, books, and immersive events. Learn More >
Vast Open Fields is an audio-visual collaborative partnership based in the Netherlands. I collaborate closely with singer-songwriter and music composer / producer David Groeneweg to produce music videos, live performance videos, documentaries, and more. Learn More >
htE is a 501(c)3 creative arts nonprofit, providing survivors of economic hardships, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking with an avenue for creative expression. As co-founder and creative director, I design and lead in-person and online workshops in vocational training and sustainable crafts. Learn More >
In a world where exerting ourselves is the norm and we’re constantly striving for perfection, time for rest and play have become a luxury. Yinscape is a fully immersive and restorative class I’ve designed to gently immerse all five senses through somatic healing flows and various creative mediums, integrating Yin Yoga with the arts. Learn More >
