Justin Keishing
Ukhrul, India
11 Works exhibited on Kooness
Represented by
Categories
Works by Justin Keishing
"I was born in small village in Ukhrul, Manipur India. My father passed away when I was 3 years old, and our mother had no income and raised me and my five siblings alone. Somehow she sent us all to college. She passed away from breast cancer when I was 19. I taught myself English, how to manage travel, and how to do art. I’ve now worked for a U.S.-based nonprofit since 2015. When my flight back to India was canceled due to Covid, I taught myself art by watching Bob Ross videos. I’ve been doing art ever since. I was shocked when the public began paying for my art. It’s now turned into a big business. I’m so thankful. In January 2020 I entered the USA for the 7th time. My return flight was canceled because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In my spare time I started watching YouTube videos and experimenting with art. It was another sense of calling. I couldn't stop. My roommates asked me what I'd do with all the art I was creating. In June 2021 I entered my first art show. I was pleasantly surprised when so many people loved my art and even purchased my art. I love working on multiple mediums like epoxy resin arts, canvas arts, string arts, and feather arts. One of my most popular canvas arts series is called Chase Your Dreams. It's a series of various characters (Animals, musicians, athletes, emergency services personnel) all demonstrating their gifts with a burst of colors following them. I'm glad people love this series! For me it's more than a series. It's my life. It's my mom's dream. I'm living proof no one should ever stop chasing their dreams! I have no formal education in drawing, painting, or the arts. All I had was a dream. That dream fuels a fight within me to learn. I constantly watch videos. I train myself. I take risk. I try. I get better. Every piece of art starts with a dream. Every display of my art continues with gratitude. I used a portion of profits to sponsor education for several needy women and deaf children in India. I’m happy that my art is an art with a purpose.”