Dr Arya Thampi is a physicist by training and works as book editor in Cambridge, UK. She chose Bhadra (Sanskrit word that translates to ‘woman purified by fire‘) as her pen-name when first started writing 10 years ago and continues with it while engaging in writing or creating art at the present. Bhadra comes with a prefix now- Vaaka (വാക), which is Malayalam for the Gulmohar. Reminds her of the strength and voracious blooming of its bright red flowers in the peak of summer where all green around in tropical regions like India die down to shades of yellow ochre and umber.
First coming to Cambridge for her PhD in 2015, she studied how light interacts with matter, playing with lasers, exploring electronic level structures of organic materials. Exploring colours and letting them into her writing and life during this period, made her switch careers to the publishing sector. Now, Bhadra explores the world of art during her past time. Vocal about mental health fitness, issues of racism, socio-economic inequalities and gender-bias, she tries to raise awareness and let her rage out occasionally through words and art. With the timid confidence of a budding art-epreneur in this chaotic world, Bhadra has begun to accept art commissions in a few varieties of styles and art media. Contact here for buying or commissioning Vaaka Bhadra’s art.
Beginning in January 2020, my art career is pretty young. I am still searching for my niche, but have started a new journey as an art educator on Skillshare!