India

Suresh Iyengar

The Artist
Born in Dharwar, India, Suresh Iyengar is a prolific sculptor, painter, and craftsman. Having been a visual artist since childhood, he has enhanced his skills by attending sculpture workshops in Pietrasanta, Italy; Cambria; and Los Angeles. Since 2004, he has been a contributing artist and sculptor for the City of Burbank Rose Parade Float.

His artistic works have been part of several productions of the Rangoli Foundation for Art & Culture, as well as other site-specific concerts, museums, events, installations, and weddings all over California. His sculptures and paintings are also part of a private collection. A recipient of several distinctions and awards, Iyengar has received multiple nominations for outstanding achievement in set design by the Los Angeles–based Lester Horton Dance Award Committee. He is a member of the Pasadena Society of Artists.  

In addition to being an artist and a dentist by profession, Iyengar is an avid jogger. He trains regularly and has run more than 150 marathons all over the world. His best time in completing a marathon is 3 hours and 18 minutes.

The Elephant
Iyengar considers it an honor to be able to represent his heritage and culture in painting an elephant for the L.A. Zoo’s Elephants of Asia project. His inspiration for the elephant painting comes from the mosaic designs, paisleys, florals, frescoes, textiles, temples, and traditional floor designs seen all over India. He is assisted by visual artists Malathi Iyengar and Lakshmi Iyengar.