We were lucky to catch up with Affie Khetrapal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Affie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

A few years ago, I looked around the empty office one early Monday morning. As I waited for my computer to turn on, I knew the space would soon be filled with the clicks of typing, spurting of the coffee machine, and the “can you see my screen?” of never ending zoom calls. I was filled with dread, thinking about yet another long day ahead in this draining corporate job.

No one had arrived yet, and then the only sound in the perfectly silent office was my own disappointed whisper, “Is this what I’m meant for?”

It’s funny how one question can change your entire life in ways you could never have imagined.

I had been starting to see that my way of living really didn’t have much living at all. I wasn’t sure of what was missing but I figured that I needed the time to think and feel through it, so I started to take some time back from my job. The fewer early mornings and later evenings did me so well and eventually led me to art as a way to quietly connect with myself.

In every colour and brush stroke, I started to see myself so clearly; my hesitance to make mistakes, my frustration at losing control, and my fear in breaking moulds. And as I experimented, I started to feel a shift… that if I showed myself the love and trust I deserved, I could create something truly remarkable.

I was starting to see that my perspective was important… beautiful, even. And then one day, somewhere in the middle of a painting, I found the courage to dust off my old, forgotten dream of being an artist… and I started to live it.

I knew I had to share my art with other women who feel the way that I used to; women who feel trapped in a world bound by others’ expectations, and who feel so different to others that they don’t see their voice could be so powerful as to ripple even the stillest waters.

This is what I was meant for.

That’s why, today, I’m an abstract ink artist who paints immersive art that helps women create a special space in their homes where they can rest, recover, and reflect… because it’s in these powerful moments that they can see the life they deserve and feel inspired to create it.

Affie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a British, Iranian-Indian abstract ink artist, and I use the free flow of inks to create unique, mesmerising pieces of art. Whether you work in a demanding corporate setting or in running a loving home, each piece is a gentle nudge in your home that reminds you to capture moments of calm reflection even when it feels like the world is moving too fast.

Seeing the impact of my art over the last few years has been both overwhelming and humbling. It’s heartwarming to see how my pieces have changed the way women interact with their spaces, encouraging them to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with themselves more.

At the heart of all I do is the desire to use my art to nurture our wellbeing, and I don’t believe that you need a huge space at home for this. In fact, painting was the first regular wellbeing practice I had, and I started with a bin bag stuck to a window pane in the corner of my room when I was in a house share in London. I would rest my canvas against the black plastic and my little jar of painty water and brushes would sit beside it. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me a powerful lesson; sometimes, all you need is a small space and a big dream. And so you might notice that a lot of my pieces of art are quite small… perfect for any precious corner of your home

For those new to my world, I want you to know that my art is an invitation – to explore, to reflect, and to find joy in any moment. And what is our life if not a string of moments?

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being able to confidently forge my own path. Hands down.

When I first started my journey as an artist, I felt so intimidated by other amazing artists that I tried to emulate them. I wanted to paint like them, show up like them, and create my business like them. Even though it came from a place of profound admiration, I realised that way of thinking wasn’t going to do me any favours. In fact, I was going to end up feeling voiceless, and unsure of who I was and why I was an artist if I kept that up.

What truly changed my perspective was understanding that sometimes disconnecting from others is absolutely possible, priceless, and even necessary for the kinds of successes you’re dreaming of.

I was reminded of this recently, when I started to offer personalised art commissions in a way that I haven’t seen done before. Even though it was intimidating to do this, I knew that I wanted to offer something truly special and unique to the amazing women I serve. And, at the end of the day, forging my own path is how I know I can achieve my most personally meaningful successes.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The core of my creative business is, and will always be, about inspiring women to prioritise moments of rest, recovery, and reflection (even and especially on the busy days). I take so much pride in all the beautiful women I’ve been able to help on my journey until now, and my heart is still full of bigger and bolder ways to transform lives.

Looking ahead, one of the biggest goals I’m most excited about is expanding the reach and impact of my work by collaborating with charities and partnering with wellbeing experts to help women find their own space and peace, in whatever way that’s meaningful for them. I can’t wait to see what magic we bring to life!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artbyaffie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaffie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbyAffie