I'm Bala Thiagarajan, a South Asian immigrant artist located in Arvada, Colorado. My art – through painting and ceramics – delves into cultural memory, ritual, and strength. My South Indian heritage is a core inspiration, especially traditional practices like kolam and rangoli that were a part of my daily life growing up. I'm fascinated by the balance between permanence and transience, a theme I explore whether I'm painting mandalas or shaping clay. A significant part of my work highlights feminine energy and power, with portraits that reveal how everyday women embody Shakti, divine power. Ultimately, I aim to build cultural bridges and provide viewers with moments of reflection, connection, and beauty. I also founded a South Asian visual artist group in Colorado to support and uplift fellow artists. My roles as a 2024–2025 Colorado Leaders of Color Fellow and a Leadership Arts graduate allow me to advocate for equity in the arts and champion DEI initiatives.