Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayushi Khandelwal.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi! I’m a self-taught artist and a passionate creator at heart. My story started when I was a kid, sketching away for hours in my notebooks—completely lost in lines, shapes, and little details. What began as pure love slowly turned into a real talent. I started joining school and local competitions, and every small win—along with the encouragement from people who saw something special in my work—pushed me forward.
Even back then, I always knew I wanted a life connected to art and creativity… I just had no idea how I’d get there. Growing up as a 90’s kid, stability felt like the priority, so I chose a more “practical” path. I became an engineer, moved to the USA, and built a career as an IT project manager. And honestly—I did enjoy it for a while.
But life has a funny way of redirecting you. When I lost my job and started searching for the next one, something clicked. It felt like a sign—like maybe this was my moment to finally do something for myself. So I took the leap… and dove into art full-time.
Now, almost a year later, I’m here—living that once “uncertain” dream. I’ve done multiple art shows, sold way more than I ever imagined, and the best part? Seeing my art bringing joy, warmth, and color into people’s lives—exactly what I always hoped it would do.
I’ve always loved being creative in every sense—whether it’s painting, decorating a space, or making things feel cozy and beautiful. I believe in perfectly imperfect stories: every piece should have character, intention, and a clear sense of identity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path was never meant to be smooth—and perhaps that’s exactly the point. Growth rarely comes from ease; it comes from persistence, from trial and error, and from the quiet determination to keep going when things don’t work out the first time.
A couple of years ago, I began my journey online, full of hope and creative energy. But like many beginnings, it didn’t unfold the way I had imagined. When things didn’t take off, I chose to step back and refocus, giving my full commitment to my job and rebuilding my sense of direction with intention and discipline.
Then, in August last year, something shifted. I made a decision—clear and unwavering—that I would turn my art into more than just passion. I would build a real career, a real business. No matter how long it took or how much it demanded, I was all in.
Since then, my days have blurred into nights. I’ve worked through long hours, taken breaks only when absolutely necessary, and pushed myself beyond comfort. But it doesn’t feel like sacrifice. This is what I truly want. This is what fulfills me. In many ways, it completes me.
Transitioning into offline art sales came with its own learning curve. It took time to understand the space, to find my audience, and to refine my approach. But through patience, consistency, and a willingness to evolve, I’ve come to believe that it is not only possible—it is sustainable.
This journey is still unfolding. It isn’t perfect, and it isn’t easy. But it is deeply meaningful. And sometimes, that’s more valuable than a smooth path ever could be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I primarily work with acrylics—my most trusted and expressive medium—while occasionally incorporating mixed media elements to add depth and character. At the heart of my practice is texture art. I’m drawn to texture because it transforms a painting into something more than visual; it becomes something you can almost feel. It invites touch, evokes emotion, and creates a deeper, more immersive connection with thick layers.
From the beginning, I’ve wanted my work to do more than just exist on a wall. I aim to create pieces that carry a sense of feeling—art that tells a story and resonates with my clients and collectors on a personal level. My work spans a variety of textured styles, though I find myself most often inspired by sunsets, florals, and landscapes.
Sunsets, in particular, hold a special place in my process. They allow endless exploration of color, mood, and light—no two are ever the same, and you can rarely go wrong with them. Beyond the canvas, I’ve always been drawn to sunsets in everyday life. I’m the kind of person who will pause, sit still, and watch the sky shift for hours, often capturing those fleeting moments on my phone. That emotional connection naturally finds its way into my work.
In addition to my larger pieces, I also create custom texture art tailored to individual spaces and stories. I paint acrylic works on paper and present them in carefully curated, vintage-style frames. My collection extends into smaller, more intimate formats as well—hand-painted fridge magnets set in miniature frames, greeting cards, and other thoughtfully crafted pieces.
I’m often recognized for my signature thick, layered textures and my miniature artworks, which carry the same level of detail and intention as my larger canvases. What truly sets my work apart, however, is its originality. I do not create duplicates or reproduce prints. Every piece I make is entirely one of a kind.
No matter the size or price, I believe each collector deserves something truly unique—an artwork that feels as special and individual as they are. Every piece is created by hand, with care, intention, and authenticity. There are no copies—only originals.
I’m incredibly proud of the journey that brought me here—of the fact that I never gave up and was able to build a career from something I truly love. I don’t just create art; I live it and breathe it. It isn’t just my profession—it’s a reflection of who I am. It’s all of me.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a child, I was deeply introverted—most comfortable in my own world, immersed in art. While others found connection in large circles, I found mine in colors, textures, and quiet moments of creation. Even today, my circle remains small, with only a handful of people I truly call friends, and I’ve come to value that depth over numbers.
Creativity was never something I discovered later—it was always a part of me. I was drawn to colors instinctively and carried that love into everything I made. As a child, I explored freely: sand art, oil paintings, even painting on walls whenever I could. Art wasn’t just an activity; it was how I understood and expressed the world around me.
Academically, I was average—but that never felt like a limitation. If anything, it reflected my desire to stand apart in my own way. I wasn’t interested in following a conventional path; I always knew, in some quiet but certain way, that I wanted to build a life around art.
Of course, life doesn’t always unfold exactly as we imagine. Growing up meant making choices that didn’t always align with that early clarity. There were detours, responsibilities, and moments of uncertainty. But I don’t regret any part of that journey. Every phase, every decision, shaped my perspective and strengthened my resolve.
Looking back now, I see it all as necessary. Each experience taught me something valuable, brought me closer to myself, and ultimately led me here. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Pricing:
- I sell art in all price range from $5 to $2000+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadebyayushiArt
- Instagram: @handmadebyayushi
- Facebook: Handmade by Ayushi
