Vandeepp Kalra Artist

In the meticulous hands of Vandeepp Kalra, every piece of glass tells its own story…

Vandeepp Kalra is a self-taught artist who has spent over a decade experimenting with various art mediums, ultimately finding her true calling in mosaic art. Her work is characterised by a unique juxtaposition of texture, light and scale, composing stories that are as colourful as they are mysterious

Her dedication to the craft is evident in the elaborate detailing that defines her work. This attention to detail transforms her mosaics into narratives that unfold slowly, allowing viewers to discover new layers of meaning with each glance. Despite the inherent static nature of glass, Kalra manages to infuse her mosaics with a sense of movement and fluidity. Vandeepp Kalra’s studio in Kolkata is a sanctuary for her mosaic art, where she creates an eclectic range of home décor products, including mirrors and wall art. ‘The Street – Crossroads’ is a testament to Kalra’s mastery of the mosaic medium and her ability to convey complex emotions through her art.

Vandeepp Kalra in conversation with The Tiles of India

You have had a beautiful journey experimenting with different art mediums. Can you share a little about it?

Art has always been an inseparable part of me. Growing up, I’ve created quite a few works in oil, acrylic, and watercolour—each helping me understands form, movement, and expression.

How did you get interested in mosaic art?

My journey with mosaic art began quite unexpectedly. I stumbled upon it while experimenting with different mediums and was instantly drawn to it. The idea of creating something fluid and expressive out of rigid pieces of glass fascinated me. What started as curiosity soon turned into a deep passion. It allowed me to bring together my love for painting, detail in a completely new way.

Mosaic art can be extremely demanding and meticulous, could you tell us a little about the process?

Mosaic art is indeed a very detailed and time-intensive process. Each piece begins with a concept or sketch, which I then translate into a design. Once finalized, I start hand-cutting glass tiles into the desired shapes and sizes—this is the most meticulous part. Each piece is placed individually, until the composition comes to life. After that comes grouting, which fills in the gaps and adds depth. Depending on the size and intricacy, a single artwork can take anywhere from one to two months to complete.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere—nature, travels, life experiences, fleeting thoughts, or even moments of introspection. Sometimes it’s a riot of colors, other times; it’s a quiet, reflective moment. For me, inspiration is about noticing the beauty in ordinary moments and letting them take shape through color, texture, and form.

Where do you source your material from, especially the tiles?

I source my materials very carefully to ensure the highest quality for each piece. The glass mosaics I source from Europe—primarily Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. I also source select materials from India, especially when I need something unique or locally inspired.

What kind of workshops do you conduct and how has the response been so far?

Due to my busy schedule managing commissioned artworks alongside my own creations, I don’t get much time to conduct workshops as often as I’d like. However, I often receive many inquiries from people eager to try mosaic art. To make it more accessible, I recently launched my DIY Mosaic Kits—pre-designed, pre-cut home décor pieces like trays, mirrors etc. These kits allow people to experience the joy of creating their own mosaic art.

Any upcoming project that you would like to speak about?

I’m currently working on a new artwork inspired by abstract impressionism—a seascape that explores the ever-changing movement of both the sky and ocean.