Shiavax Chavda born in 1914 in Navsari Gujarat, Chavda joined the Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai in 1930. In 1935 he went to London where he studied at the Slade School and then in 1937 at the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere, Paris.

He travelled extensively through the length and breadth of India. Indian temples, the ancient art traditions, rural life, the sacredness of art, all formed the basis for his unique style. Chavda's style evolved from the early realistic portrayals to depiction of the personality and character of his subjects but the works always remained optimistic and vibrant, though never dramatic. His ability to capture the life force, the movements, even their muscular structure or their body structures with a few simplified strokes is what makes him stand apart.

In 1945 he had his first solo exhibition in Mumbai and then in Indonesia, Singapore, London, Paris and Switzerland. His works have also been featured in the UNESCO International exhibition (1946) and the Salon de Mai (1951). He had also exhibited with the Bombay Group during the year 1956 - 63.

He was a masterful interpreter of ancient Indian art forms and his sympathy with its subjects, whether human, animal or architectural and his ability to enter their souls with a few deft strokes is considered the hallmark of his work.