Arish John Andrews, a BAMS graduate turned Ayurvedic Doctor turned artsy wizard, is a man of many talents who resides in Kottayam. He has traded his stethoscope for a paintbrush and clay, transforming discarded materials into beautiful works of art. His Instagram page is a testament to his craftsmanship and creativity. Through his work, Arish has demonstrated that one can create treasure out of waste materials. Who needs a medical career when you can be a modern-day alchemist, right?
His Main Vision
“Not business, my friend, but to showcase my artwork and help you discover the child within you,” Arish stated.
Arish John had a passion for art since a young age. While others were stuck in the monochromatic world of textbooks, he danced with colours. However, he pursued medicine and became an Ayurvedic Doctor. Despite that, the allure of the canvas and the smell of wet paint were too strong for him to resist. Eventually, he found solace in healing through art.
While completing his house surgency, Arish encountered a child with special needs who quickly captured his heart. Rather than simply sympathizing, Arish took the initiative to interact with the child and even created a YouTube channel to help engage him. With Arish’s techniques and support, the child improved significantly.
After his sister asked him to do something creative with clay during the lockdown, his journey took an unexpected turn. In 2021, his unique vision came to life on Instagram, not as a business but as a canvas.
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Arish promotes the idea of embracing imperfection. He is not a businessman and does not intend to treat you as a customer. His passion lies in creating simple and beautiful things. When you buy his artwork, you get more than just a product. You also get a sense of mindfulness that comes from opening a package that smells of nature and contains a letter that makes you feel like a part of his artistic journey. This personalized touch adds to the overall experience and makes it more meaningful.
His Creative Work
Arish creates a diverse range of artwork, including paintings, necklaces, bangles, wall hangings, and bookmarks. He even held an exhibition in the USA. Despite common gender assumptions, his work is not exclusively for women. He challenges stereotypes as a gender-bending artist. The prices for his artwork start at Rs. 50.
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Arish is not just a recluse artist. He also conducts art workshops for kids, bringing colours to the lives of those who have no access to the arts. He is not a traditional teacher; rather, he acts like a creative drill sergeant, pushing talent to the forefront.
He also makes sure that his workshops are accessible to all. Art and its boundless possibilities should transcend financial barriers, he believes. He shared, “Workshops and products ought to be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial means. Demanding fees for workshops in marginalized communities, where meeting daily needs is a struggle, goes against the essence of art, which should always be within reach for all, irrespective of financial constraints.”
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If you’re looking to experience the whimsical world created by Arish John, simply slide into his Instagram DMs and request one of his nostalgic packages wrapped in leaves, flowers, and even unicorn dreams. In Arish’s world, imperfections hold value, and every discarded item is a masterpiece in the making. Don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in this unique and confident artistic vision.
