The Artist: From Canvas to Construction

Intrigued by her ability to create captivating paintings like the one gracing our front cover, we at Nonahood News reached out to Ravi Singh-Bravo to learn more about her progression into an artist. Read the conversation below to see how our May artist tells stories through paint and canvases – and now architecture!

Nonahood News: What drove you to become an artist?

Ravi Singh-Bravo: I have always loved to draw and doodle. My mother likes to tell stories about how I would mark up all of the walls in the house when I was a toddler with crayons, my preferred medium at the time (and favorite snack; apparently, I liked to chew on them).

NHN: When did you realize creating art was your passion?

RS: Growing up, I knew I loved to create art but never thought of it as a career. I am from India, and our families tend to direct us toward professions like medicine or engineering. I had an interest in medicine, but once I started college, I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. You can only imagine the reaction my parents had when I told them I wanted to pursue an art degree! In 1999, I graduated summa cum laude with a fine arts degree from Florida Atlantic University. At the time, I had two young daughters, a three month old, Savin, and a four year old, Milana, and wanted to be able to work from home, so I opened my first company, Milraj Design Studios.

When we moved to Lake Nona in 2004, both of my daughters were in school, and I wanted a change. I was fortunate enough to get a position at Three Points Elementary School teaching art! This was absolutely the most fulfilling job I have ever had. Working with kids and seeing those smiles everyday were priceless. In 2006, my husband and I had an opportunity to open up our first cellular retail store. Because of the overwhelming workload, I had to step away from teaching and, subsequently, away from art. In 2019, we sold our stores, and I finally was able to re-ignite the creative juices!

NHN: How often do you find yourself creating art?

RS: Currently, I am working daily on the biggest art project I have ever attempted. I designed a house with input from my amazing daughters. I started the design three years ago, and the house is finally under construction. This will be an artistic dream on paper that has come to fruition.

NHN: How long did it take you to discover yourself as an artist?

RS: I feel I am still in the discovery process and probably always will be! I am always focused on growing and learning as an artist. I am obsessed with all types of art – painting, graphic design, interior design, sculpture and architecture.

NHN: Which of your projects would you consider to be your favorites? (Pick a top three.)

RS:

Designing and building the Singh-Bravo House – I wanted to design a house that was different from the typical Mediterranean-style home you see here in Central Florida, while still blending into my beautiful neighborhood, Moss Park Reserve. The key was also to maximize views of Lake Hart from every room of the house. Seeing the lake from a higher vantage point really is breathtaking. Making the main floor on the second level then led to the design of a split-level entrance that is unique. After creating the layout on paper, I was lucky to find an imaginative architect that created the engineering plans and the front elevation of the house. We are now halfway through construction!
Water Buffalo – The water buffalo gives me a feeling of nostalgia. I was born in Punjab, India, and this painting was inspired by memories of being on my grandparents’ farm. I was mesmerized by these giant animals and would spend hours watching them. Even though they were so huge and powerful, they were also the most kind and docile creatures.
Solitude 2012 – This painting depicts a difficult period in my life. We all have times in our lives that leave us feeling alone, even when we are surrounded by others. Overwhelming feelings of doom or feeling like you are drowning in insurmountable tasks or responsibilities. Thankfully, these times pass, but it is important to realize that we all go through tough periods. Some have told me it feels like strength in difficult times. Others have described it as leaving a feeling of desolation. For me, it is a reminder of how lucky I am to have overcome those tough times, and it continues to give me strength.

NHN: Which of your projects were the most time-consuming/challenging and why?

RS: The Singh-Bravo House. I have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during the construction phase of the house that I designed. The designing process was so much fun. but building has proven to be much more frustrating and scary. It is always difficult to hand your artistic vision off to others, but these feelings of fear are definitely outweighed by the possibility and opportunity to create something truly amazing.

NHN: What serves as your inspiration on a day-to-day basis?

RS: I am inspired by my incredible friends and amazing close-knit family. My daughters especially keep me striving to be my best. They are artistic and are always there for me with advice and support. They give me strength and bring me immense joy.