Annie and I love to travel, and one of our favorite parts of traveling is discovering local artists and art that reflect the character and culture of the places we visit. Because of that, our collection is quite eclectic — each piece serves as a reminder of a particular trip, experience, or place that meant something to us.

My first piece of art was purchased during my first trip back to India in the summer of 1995. I wanted to bring home something that would connect me to my roots and serve as a lasting reminder of India. I heard about an art exhibition organized by the State of Gujarat, and there I discovered a clay artist from the Kutch region who created a traditional style known as Khavda Pottery — pottery distinguished by its black, white, and red geometric designs set against earthy backgrounds. The artisans used natural pigments extracted from local river rocks and frayed bamboo twigs as brushes. The artist was an older woman who had traveled to the city of Ahmedabad to sell her work and support her family. I remember spending nearly an hour speaking with her, learning about her art, her family, her life story, and the challenges she faced as an artist.

My favorite piece of art that I have collected is a hand-carved replica of the famous window from the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, India. The original stone lattice window, known for its intricate “Tree of Life” design with intertwining date palm branches and foliage, is one of the most iconic works of architecture in the city. The replica I purchased was carved from a single piece of wood and took the artist nearly a year to complete. What makes this piece especially meaningful to me is the personal connection it carries to my childhood. My parents and I moved to Ahmedabad when I was in eighth grade, and each day I would take the city bus to school. The bus route circled around the mosque, and I still remember watching the morning sunlight stream through the window on my way to school and the glow of the sunset through it on my ride home. I was always captivated by the intricacy and beauty of the carving. As I grew older and moved away, the window became one of my fondest memories of Ahmedabad. Today, we have a beautifully hand-carved wooden replica that allows me to reconnect with that memory and enjoy it every day.

What motivates me to buy art is the experience of discovery that comes with travel. Before and during each trip, I spend hours researching and reading about the art forms and artists indigenous to the places I visit. Through that process, I learn about the destination’s people, history, and culture through the lens of art. I also make an effort to learn about the artists themselves and, over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting many of them and hearing about their life journeys and their passion for their craft. In many ways, the search and discovery process is just as rewarding — if not more so — than acquiring the artwork itself. These conversations and experiences have taught me that purchasing art can do far more than decorate a home; it can help support a family, preserve a cultural tradition, and create a meaningful connection to a place and its people. 

We are sharing a signed print by Michael Israel that depicts the Statue of Liberty set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. The piece is filled with vibrant shades of red, white, and blue inspired by the American flag, while fireworks illuminate the sky above the city. I am drawn to the energy and patriotism captured in the artwork, as well as the way it celebrates both the spirit of New York and the broader American experience.

We acquired the print in 2017 at a fundraiser for The Outreach Center, a nonprofit day shelter that provides basic-needs services to the poor and homeless across five Acadiana parishes. Michael Israel is what I would describe as a true performance artist — incredibly energetic, painting to music and creating art in a way that keeps the audience constantly engaged. One of his unique talents is his ability to paint on a canvas that is upside down or continuously changing orientation, turning the experience into a fun challenge for viewers trying to guess what the final image will become. Michael painted the original artwork, from which my signed print was made, live at the fundraising event in Lafayette. I had the opportunity to be there in person, watching him create the scene and being completely mesmerized by his talent, creativity, and energy. Acquiring the print was meaningful to me for two reasons: first, it allowed me to support The Outreach Center and its important mission, and second, it became a celebration of America — a country and people that welcomed me with kindness, generosity, and open arms, and supported me as I pursued and achieved my American dream.