Deaf and mute nearly his entire life, Ajay Garg can’t verbally express his feelings about the United States.

But a look under a magnifying glass intricately reveals his thoughts on a single grain of rice, “I Love America.”

Ajay, a 41-year-old internationally renowned artist who specializes in Indian miniature paintings, is currently staying with his brother Vijay in his Sammamish home.

“It’s very clean, the weather is good, the houses are nice,” communicated a smiling Ajay, through his brother.

While his work has been displayed in the United States several times, this is just Ajay’s second trip west as he prepares to show his work June 7-30 at the Augen Gallery in Portland, Ore.

Ajay’s style is heavily focused on detail. He uses a magnifying glass and a single-haired brush to produce his miniature paintings on canvases, many of which represent traditional and contemporary aspects of Indian culture. Subjects include everything from village settings to deities like Vishnu, and take anywhere from five days to six months to complete.

He also specializes in the most miniature of artwork, creating images on rice.

Ajay’s path to artistic success began at age 3 in the small rural town of Dholpur. He had a violent allergic reaction after receiving a shot to treat a burn on his leg. The complication left him permanently hearing impaired.

At a loss, Ajay’s parents watched him get enjoyment when he picked up a paint brush. They encouraged the activity and he was eventually noticed in a competition by royal court artist, Shri Sua Lal, who taught him the art of oil painting.

“He said, ‘I can tell you the way he uses his fingers, one day he will become a great artist,’ Vijay said. “That’s how all this started.”

A few years later, while attending the Deaf and Dumb School, Ajay learned the technique of miniature painting from artist Asha Devi. By age 21, he had his first art exhibition and sold 144 of his 150 works.

Popularity has only picked up from there for Ajay, who is well recognized in his native Jaipur, India.

In 2004, he was awarded a national award of accomplishment from the president of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He’s met several Indian movie and television stars. And when Ajay takes the train, autograph seekers often swarm around him for a signature.

While in Sammamish, things have been a little more laid back for the artist. He will return home July 5 with his wife and two children, but hopes to have left an impact in Washington. He will show his work this Friday at the Issaquah Artwalk. He also plans to show his work to local Boy Scout Troop 677, the Vedic Cultural Center and other local organizations to relay the message that even with a handicap, success is achievable.

“Not everything is lost,” Vijay said. “If there is a will there is way. You can’t change the past, there are things which you can’t control, but you can still create a future.”

In 2004, Ajay Garg, right, was awarded a national award of accomplishment from Indian President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.