Artist brings the funk to FIU

Kali-Ray Skinner / Contributing Writer

Ten years ago in Chhattisgarh, India sat a child scribbling on her school paper.

Today, Srishti Jaiswal, an experienced artist, looks back at her drawings of houses and trees in embarrassment, and a humble appreciation for how far she has come.

Her mother and father were not interested in “wasting” money on her pursuit of studying art in college. Upon deciding to study at Florida International University, she chose to major in journalism.

“Art is my passion and will always be my passion, it stays by me,” said Jaiswal.

She doesn’t feel hindered by her parents opinions, and acts as an outspoken, self-motivated artist. She is a part of the Global First Year Program, which creates a family-like environment that helps new students acclimate to FIU and Miami. She lives with people she is well acquainted with through the program on campus.

Jaiswal is a self-trained artist who works with mixed media, creating mostly abstract and nature-related pieces. In India, she worked creating murals on walls, along with her own personal creations.

Since living in Miami, she has searched to find work and merge into the art community. However, it isn’t as easy as it seems. She visited Wynwood in search of an opportunity.

“I have been sending a lot of work in for the past three months and have had no response,” said Jaiswal. “It’s really hard to get into the art galleries here. It’s as if they only want people from Miami or America. They look at me and say, ‘where is your social security card?’”

Upon hearing she is an international student, they aren’t interested.

Jaiswal has many ideas to bring color and creativity to FIU; while walking around she sees the blank walls as canvases. She wants to create murals and spread messages to inspire students.

Sitting down with her, she’ll teach ya a thing or two about art, it’s culture and the common misconceptions.

“What is art? Art doesn’t just have to do with painting,” said Jaiswal. “There’s art of living, art of speaking, art of listening. Everyone is an artist in their own way. I can paint, but someone can dance well, and that is an art.”

In the meantime, she decided to sell her work around campus. Students can find Jaiswal wandering around the GL Starbucks area on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons. Anyone interested in seeing and purchasing her artwork online, can search her name, Srishti Jaiswal, on the website fineartamerica.com.