We recently connected with Ashvinder (Ash) Rana and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ashvinder (Ash) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Since I have worked as an IT Consultant in the corporate world for more than 20 years, I am able to make the comparison between the “regular” work and my artistic work! And I can tell you, emotionally, I am most definitely happier being an “Artist”! Note that I did not use the term “creative” here because, most of the times I had to be “creative” even as a Data Migration Specialist in my Corporate career!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Sketching, Arts and Craft was always a hobby that was close to my heart while growing up in New Delhi, India where I am originally from. Although Sugar Hill, GA has been my home for close to 20 years now. Anyway, I really “lost touch” with my inner passion for art and instead I got busy in the corporate world of Information Technology even if it was as an independent consultant! It was only in 2016 that I rekindled my artistic passion in the form of creating Zentangle® inspired artworks (I will refer to this as ZIA hereafter) after having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis earlier that year. This artform ended up being quite therapeutic for me.

The ZIAs not only brought back my confidence in my artistic skills, but also made me realize my love for creating. Being a self-taught Abstract Artist, I explored various Abstraction techniques such as Fluid Art, Neurographic Art, Mark Making, etc. All the abstract artworks gave me a sense of calmness, just radiated positivity around me. That’s when I decided to take my art to the next level and share it with others too and “Ashthetic Art” was born in May 2021.

Each of my art creations is unique and although I may be able to recreate some, no two artworks will be the exact same. The primary medium I work with is Acrylic Paints alongside other Mixed Media.

I (Ashthetic Art) am all about positivity, vibrant colors and as such, my creations reflect my inner visualization and imagination. At this time, Ashthetic Art offers Spiritual or Abstract Artworks on Stretched Canvases or 4”x4”/6”x6” Unglazed Tiles (with Mounted Cardstock or Direct Painted), Coasters (Hand Painted Ceramic or Printed Artworks), Zentangle® Inspired Artworks on (Thick Cardstock Mounted on pre-cut Matboard). My Spiritual Artworks are quite popular and are now Best Sellers on my website amongst returning customers and if I may add, they are becoming more of my Signature Collection. Each artwork is beautifully packaged and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity!

Ashthetic Art’s mini artworks make for great home décor, individual and corporate gifts, wedding, or party favors too and makes the recipients feel special for the uniqueness of the gifts, each made lovingly by hand!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe there are a couple of things that go hand in hand – shop locally but with a mindset change. What I mean is, yes, as a Small Business Owner and being a Creative myself, I can tell you, that when you choose to shop from local small businesses (especially someone who operates online only – me for example), you’re not just making a purchase; you’re supporting your local neighborhood community. Eventually we will all grow stronger together.

By Mindset change – many prefer a discount/sale; many prefer Free Shipping. It’s human/customer nature. We all want that. However, it’s quite challenging for me as a small business owner for example, to provide Free Shipping with every order but I still do – at least for all my ceramic tiles and most of my small to mid-size canvases. For the larger size canvases, I do charge an additional flat rate shipping fee. I try to do my best, but it would go a long way for people to realize and appreciate the small margins that small businesses work with. However, it would be nice if everyone had this mindset change and Creatives / Small Business Owners didn’t have to worry about such Pricing challenges.

So, these are some of the challenges that small business owners or creatives like me face that customers don’t even realize. Therefore, I believe anytime society makes a purchase from a creative and local small business owner (online or retail) it helps us all stay in a healthy and a thriving creative ecosystem.

I personally appreciate everyone when they make a purchase from my Online Store or even when they appreciate and encourage me and check out my artworks on my website or social media accounts! It really means a lot to me! Thank you all!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There’s a two-fold answer to this question. Being Creative has been the best thing that happened to me in the past few years. The most rewarding aspect of being creative for me is that this has been my Art Therapy. At the same time, the second most rewarding aspect of being creative is when my Abstract or Spiritual Artworks bring happiness, positivity and are loved by people who acquire and display them in their homes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashtheticart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtheticart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ashtheticart.ash

Image Credits
Ash Rana, Babbi Rana, Alaize Photography.