Meet Anusree Sattaluri | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anusree Sattaluri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anusree, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The most important reason for starting my business was to create something that was mine, something I had ownership and control over, and something I was truly passionate about. I started painting around 8 years ago to help cope with my anxiety and depression, and one of the hardest things at this point was the lack of control I felt in most aspects of my life. I started painting elaborate, overly romanticized scenes that helped me (and still help me) lose myself in something truly calming and peaceful. From this came the idea and desire to grow as an artist and also the name of my brand, Outer Peace by Anusree Sattaluri. I also started taking pottery classes around this time and the clay really helped me let go of things needing to be perfect and let me play a lot more with my work. Both mediums push each other and help define my art practice.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work celebrates the joy of being alone and the little everyday moments. I am very inspired by the peace that can be found in stillness and solitude. I have a background in architecture and the built environment has always been a major influence and inspiration in my work. I love beautiful spaces and strive to create the same with my work. With my ceramics, I take a little more of an organic approach, adding a bit of whimsy, whilst still trying to portray a sense of calm. The inspiration for my ceramics is ever-evolving and often comes from a particular mood or feeling, which I try to capture through drawings and words. The longer I work with both mediums the thinner the line between them grows and that’s been great.

The biggest lesson in my art practice has been consistency in showing up to create each day while also being flexible since each day in the studio is different. Nothing about starting or running an art business has been easy or straightforward but it has most definitely been the most fun and fulfilling thing I’ve had the pleasure of doing and I can honestly say I have never worked as hard at anything else.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooh, I love this one! I am a big townie and love showing Ann Arbor off. While the things to do change seasonally, Ann Arbor always has some fun places to go to all year round. Breakfast would be at Q Bakehouse. Then maybe visit one of our many parks, libraries (the best) or even UMMA for a museum morning. Strolling around campus, the Law Quad and Nickels Arcade is something I recommend too. My favorite lunch options include Detroit Street Filling Station or Bao Space from where we can walk and explore the wonderful small businesses in Kerrytown. The courtyard at Kerrytown is one of my favorite spots in the city and a stop there with a cup of tea from Teahaus (or RoosRoast if you are a coffee person) is a definite must. Also, we would be visiting the many amazing local bookstores especially my favorites Literati and Dawn Treader. Cocktails would be at Last Word or Ann Arbor Distilling Co. For dinner, my favorites include Mani (the best pizza ever), Miss Kim and Frita Batidos. And to finish the day of eating with ice cream at Milk and Froth. So basically my itinerary includes a ton of food with some relaxing hanging out/strolling included.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people! First and foremost, my best friend and husband, Tejasvi Chunduri. If you’ve ever met me at a show, you’ve probably met him too. He fulfils a ton of roles, from being my unpaid craft show helper, idea sounding board, accounting helper, heavy things carrier and constant emotional support to just being the most supportive partner a person can hope for! My family has been the most supportive and loving since I decided to try out a completely new career path at 30. It’s also really important to give a shout-out to the incredible artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with. Being self-taught has meant approaching these amazing artists with so many questions, and they’ve been wonderful in sharing their knowledge. Michigan does have the kindest artist community!

Website: https://www.outer-peace.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anusreesattaluri

Other: Monthly letter – https://www.outer-peace.com/email-signup

Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/anusreesattaluri.bsky.social