This Bengaluru based artist’s paintings were featured in the Oxford Encyclopedia
Andrew Paul, a 23 year old copywriter and artist from Bengaluru was featured in the 2015 edition of the Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and the Arts in South Asia. Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including religion and his painting ‘The Mighty Saviour’, for instance, was painted after he came back from a Catholic retreat. His artworks have been sold globally and he’s been featured everywhere, from newspapers to television channels!
Visit his upcoming exhibition at the Sublime Art Gallery in UB City, Bengaluru on October 7, 2016 and buy all his artworks before they shoot to multi-million prices!
Colours attracted and fascinated me from a very young age. I however only used to dabble with the arts as a child. Only when I was in my second semester of my Bachelors in Finance and Marketing that I started taking painting seriously.
What is your painting ‘The Mighty Saviour’ based on?
‘The Mighty Saviour’ is a work of art that has been inspired by a dream of mine. I had gone to Kerala, Divine Retreat Centre for an inner healing retreat for 5 days, which was a beautiful experience. After I got back home, I saw a dream which was a bit disturbing, but I got up immediately and sketched it down on the canvas at 2 am. I worked at it a littler more later during the day.
How long did you take to complete it?
It took me close to 8 hours to complete the work, not at a stretch though.
What inspired you to do ‘Imaan’?
It was to portray the culture and honesty of the Indian culture. It also includes ingredients of our Indian tradition – Turmeric (Haldi), red chilli (mirchi) and mehendi mixed with acrylics and oil.
How would you describe your art?
It’s a blend and layers of colours that speak more than what the eye sees. I want people to understand the emotions, depth and seriousness in every work that I produce. It’s not mere colours and an abstract image, it’s a world of its own and awaits you to enter into it.
At 23, you have achieved more success than most artists in India.
I believe that everything I have achieved in my life, especially in the art world, is all because of god’s grace and my family’s love and support. My parents and my elder sister are my greatest strength and will always be.
What’s next for you?
I plan on showcasing my work on bigger platforms and my ultimate dream is to have an art show in Manhattan, U.S, the city that is known for its culture of art and giving rise to the world’s greatest artists.
Who are you inspired by in life?
I draw my inspiration from people around me, from incidents that I face or even from the stories and experiences that my close circle of friends go through.
Inspiration is basically everywhere it’s within you, how you perceive it and interpret it to take the best out of that moment.
Which artists do you admire the most and why?
Mark Rothko, Gerhard Richter, Brian Rutenberg, etc.
Some of the Indian artists that I admire the most include S.H Raza (also because he is from the same place where I was born), Vasudeo S. Gaitonde, etc.
Have you ever experimented with your artwork and tried out something unexpected?
Painting is a process and to better this art form the only way is working more and more. The more you paint the more you evolve as an artist, and as a human being.
I have always experimented with painting, because I never had a formal training in art. I had the creative liberty to explore and learn more. I wasn’t stuck with a method or formula. The more I created the more I learned. I have used blowtorch, bee wax, aluminum, wood and various such elements to create my work of art.
Do you have any funny or interesting stories related to your artwork that you’d like to share?
Hmmm… so there is this recent painting I made oil on canvas I call it ‘Fading into the past’, I was pretty moved after I finished with the work and many people who saw the work of art told me that it conveyed a very strong message and felt it was a deep, thoughtful work of art. But my girlfriend laughs at the work everytime she sees it and laughs about how the breasts resemble mangoes.. Can you believe it? That’s so loving and supportive right?
Check out this awesome video by Passion Connect on Andrew Paul.
Quick Questions
A book that every artist must read?
Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You at Business School this is a book by Richard Brandson. That is what I read recently. In my opinion, there isn’t a specific book an artist needs to read. They can obviously subscribe to various art magazines and check websites and videos online and learn from artists. I feel an artist needs to do what he likes and read whatever interests him/her because that’s where they are going to get their next inspiration.
Your favourite popcorn flick?
I don’t have a favourite but if it’s compulsory to answer that question then, ‘A Walk to Remember’ is one among my favourites. I had tears in my eyes at the end of the movie, and it was pretty inspirational.
Stranded on a deserted island, which three items would you want?
A swiss knife, my ipod, and my DSLR.
Name your favourite colour?
Crimson is my favourite colour, because of its depth and strength.
Your response to all those who say, ‘I could’ve made that in school’?
Please go ahead and try it. I know everyone ‘could’ have.
Check out his Facebook page; Andy’s Abstract’s to view more of his fantastic artwork.
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