Since school and college days, she had won many awards for her paintings. It is with passion and practice over the years that she is able to offer her expression in the form of her creative works. Colours excite Mrinmay and through her work, she wishes to share excitement, energy, warmth and happiness around her.
Mrinmay is also a great admirer of nature. From small she grew up seeing her parents nurturing plants even though they lived in a rented house in Chennai. Later when her parents built an own house they had their own small farm where they grew vegetables and flowering plants. Mrinmay adored flowers. She expressed her love through her paintings. She really missed the beauty of nature of her native place, God’s own land, Kerala. And each time she visited Kerala she relished and treasured the natural beauty . She expressed her admiration through her paintings and poems.
After 12th grade,,to encourage her artistic skills her cousin in collaboration with the Director of ITI, Madhavarm , Bro. Tomy awarded her 1st project to make 500 hand-painted greeting cards for Christmas .That vacation she visited Kerala and due to bandh, on reaching Aluva, Mrinmay,her Mom and brother visited her Aunt at St. Xavier’s College. Seeing the college on a riverbank, excited Mrinmay and she along with family’s approval decided to continue her graduation there. Those three years gave Mrinmay an opportunity to discover various skills. She was a very active leader, artist, supporter for sports and cultural groups. Thus St .Xavier’s college was a fabulous platform where Mrinmay’s talents blossomed.
Mrinmay began her career as a marketing personal while doing her last year of graduation. She passed her graduation with 1st class in 1997 and also managed to secure a job with Kuwait Airways. She worked 10 years with Kuwait Airways and moved on in career with many prestigious establishments like Blubook, Frankfinn Air hostess training institution, Joyalukkas and DLF. It was in 2012 that Mrinmay came to Dubai. After many years of service, she decided to take a break and explore her creative side.
Mrinmay’s artistic journey began by exploring different mediums and she found Watercolour as her greatest companion. It is the unique qualities of watercolor like transparency ,spontaneity and the ability to carry and use the medium where ever one’s heart desire – is what attracted Mrinmay to that addictive and healing medium.Now she works on spreading the magic of Watercolours.
Last seven years Mrinmay was mainly focused on watercolor. In September 2015 she was appointed as the Country Head of International Watercolour Society – UAE. In December she was also nominated as the Board Member of Advisory Committee 2015 till 2020 for the International Watercolour Society – Globe. Recognizing her contribution towards the Watercolour International Watercolour Society invited her to Turkey International Golden Brush Festival as a special guest.She promoted the watercolour medium through various activities like Workshops, Plein Air, Watercolor meet ups, Exhibitions, Masterclasses, National and International Festivals.
December 2015 Mrinmay was appointed as the gallery Manager of Cartoon Art Gallery. There she worked to promote both cartoon and watercolors. Rremembering how she longed for an opportunity to associate with a gallery and exhibit she with the support of the gallery owner, Mr. Melvin Mathew gave a platform to identify and nurture budding talents in the region. Very soon ,Cartoon Art Gallery became a popular gallery for various creative events. It was also announced as the headquarters for International watercolor Society of UAE. It was also a “Second Home “for Mrinmay.
Mrinmay has exhibited her works in India, UAE and other International Exhibitions in various Countries such as Hungary, Albania, Vietnam, Indonesia, Prague, Nepal, India, France ,Switzerland,Bangladesh etc. Her works have found many happy homes. She also helped the local watercolorists to participate in many International events.
Mrinmay worked as Gallery Manager of the Cartoon Art Gallery till Feb 2020. She was happy to organize many Art events both for Professionals and Kids and amateurs and was also invited to be a Judge for many Art events across UAE.. Mrinmay’s paintings found many happy homes and palace with many dignitaries.
In Feb 2018 she organised the 1st International Watercolor Festival of UAE under the Patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi. 50 Countries participated and they also created the longest watercolor painting of UAE. She has hosted many exhibitions, organized many prestigious events and masterclass of many Masters including Celebrity Artist Alvaro Castagnet, Atanur Dogan, Amit Kapoor ,Prafull Sawant ,Konstantin Strekhov, Nader Mohabsin. Mrinmay also provided her service as Art Consultant, Curator, Watercolor workshops and demonstrations, Art Event organizer etc.
Covid 19 was a very tough period for a lot of them in the UAE Art scene. Cartoon Art Gallery closed. Mrinmay did many freelance jobs to support her family, during which she also managed to create many interesting works. She also got an opportunity to work with a US based author Kathleen Gronefled to illustrate two of her books for children. She was also appointed as the Brand Ambassador for UAE for the Artistic Paints from Russia, Nevskaya Palitra.
In August 2021 considering her contribution towards UAE Art scene, she was awarded the Golden Visa and a designation- Creative and Innovation Specialist.
Mrinmay is married to a loving husband, Edward Jose who is a Graphic Designer and her strength. She has two lovely daughters, Fionaa and Shannon who are also very talented. With the support of her family and friends Mrinmay made her debut in Malaylam Cinema- NOBODY.
Despite her hectic schedule, she still continues to paint her favorite subject NATURE. She believes that nature is the most inspiring subject for any Artist. Her favorite subjects are flowers, birds, animals, fish, landscape etc. She believes by painting nature – we move towards nature, inspire people around her to love and embrace NATURE. Holding her passion close to her heart Mrinmay has journeyed through life spreading colours and happiness around her.
