12| SOPHMORES
DEVICA SHAH
painting with a purpose Painting since the age of three, Miami Palmetto Senior High School sophomore Devica Shah has transitioned her hobby into a business that has earned over $400 to fund the construction of water wheels in a remote Indian village. The project hits especially close to home for Devica, as it connects her to her cultural roots and family back in India. “When I saw her paint for the first time, I realized that she had a lot of potential. She started out with coloring books and moved on to more symmetrical designs,” Devica’s grandma Dhanalxmi Shah said. “Being a college-educated painter, I have a very good eye for an artist, and I knew Devica had what it takes.” Dhanalxmi served as Devica’s first painting instructor and biggest artistic inspiration. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in painting at Bombay University, one of the most prestigious art schools in India with only a handful of female graduates at the time. “When I was very young, I always colored the entire page, but she corrected me and told me to keep a little bit of white to help balance the colors,” Devica said. “I have kept this tradition in my art to this day, whether it be in the smallest moon in the sky or a speckle of snow.” As Dhanalxmi got older, it became difficult for her to travel to the U.S. and continue to teach Devica. This, combined with an increased course load from school, caused Devica to put a pause on her painting hobby for approximately four years. “Quarantine was probably one of the biggest reasons why I could begin painting again, since I had so much extra time on my
hands,” Devica said. “One day I was scrolling on Pinterest and came across a painting I liked, so I decided to paint it for my room. I hated how it turned out, but my mom suggested I sell it on eBay. That’s when the idea hit me: I wanted my art to make a difference in the world, and I began creating my project.” Devica set up an at-home studio and her painting journey began. She decided to paint what provided her with the most comfort and familiarity: dancers. Her first major sale occurred at her former dance studio, Jill Mallory School of Dance, in the summer of 2020. “The studio helped me set up a table next to some of the food stations,” Devica said. “I had three finished paintings on display, and I sold around 20 customizable pieces, which are my favorite because I get to learn everything about my subject and make them 100% unique.” Devica’s love for dance began when she and her sister, Monica Shah, enrolled in Indian classical dance classes together. At first, Devica did not enjoy the classes, but Monica pushed her to not give up and continue trying for the sake of their family and heritage. “She was only six in the beginning, and when she would goof around, the teacher would get mad at her. After class, I would sometimes have to talk to her and be like, ‘Look, this is important to our parents, and trust me, you’re going to like it too one day,’” Monica said. “As we have both matured, I see dance as a great way for us to express our emotions.” Now, the roles have reversed, and Devica’s dedication to her project has inspired Monica.
