We were lucky to catch up with Justin Keishing recently and have shared our conversation below.

Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I first knew I wanted to pursue art professionally during the COVID-19 pandemic. While experimenting with painting at home, inspired by Bob Ross, I discovered a deep passion and talent I had never explored before. In June 2021, I entered my first art show, and seeing people connect with my work and even buy it was a turning point. That moment made me realize that art was more than a hobby; it was my calling and the path I was meant to follow.

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?

I was born and raised in Ukhrul, Manipur, India. My journey began in hardship—losing my father at the age of three and later my mother to cancer when I was 19. Despite our poverty, my mother’s faith and determination ensured that my siblings and I received an education. Her last words to us, “Love one another,” became the foundation of the resilience and purpose I carry with me today.
As a child, when asked what I wanted to be, I said, “a traveler.” That dream eventually brought me to America, where I am now living the life I once only imagined. My creative path began unexpectedly in January 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I discovered Bob Ross on TV. His calm, joyful spirit inspired me to pick up a brush. With no formal training in art, I taught myself through practice and YouTube tutorials, pouring my heart into every piece.
In June 2021, I entered my first art show. To my surprise, people not only connected with my work but also began purchasing it. That was the turning point—I realized art was more than a hobby; it was my calling. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself fully to creating in multiple mediums, including acrylics, abstract painting, epoxy resin, string art, and feather art.
One of my most recognized acrylic series, Chase Your Dreams, features musicians, athletes, animals, and emergency workers surrounded by vibrant bursts of color. These works symbolize passion, resilience, and perseverance, reflecting both my personal journey and the hope I want to inspire in others.
What sets my art apart is not just the mediums or techniques I use, but the mission behind them. To me, art is more than beauty—it’s purpose. A portion of my profits goes toward sponsoring education for women and deaf children in India, honoring my mother’s legacy and ensuring others have access to the opportunities she fought so hard to give us.
Looking back, art entered my life as a miracle during a time of global uncertainty, but it has become my path, my voice, and my purpose. I want my work to remind others that no matter your background, poverty, or brokenness, you should never stop chasing your God-given dreams. If a boy from a small village in Manipur can cross the world and live as an artist in America, then miracles can happen for you too.
Never stop dreaming. Never stop chasing. Miracles still happen.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely. My mission is to use art not only as a form of beauty and expression but as a source of purpose and hope. Every piece I create is rooted in my own journey growing up in poverty, losing both of my parents at a young age, and yet finding strength and resilience through faith and creativity.
A big part of my mission is to speak to young people, especially those who feel like giving up on their dreams because of poverty, hardship and brokenness. I want them to know that don’t ever stop dreaming. If you hold onto your dreams and have faith, they can come true. I grew up poor in a small village in India, my family had nothing but I had dream and love. Today, I am living proof that dreams, no matter how impossible they seem, can become reality.
That’s why my Chase Your Dreams series is so meaningful to me. It symbolizes passion, perseverance, and the unique gifts we each carry. Beyond the canvas, I also use a portion of my art profits to sponsor education for women and deaf children in India, honoring my mother’s legacy and making sure others have access to opportunities she fought so hard for.
At its core, my mission is simple: to remind people, especially the younger generation that miracles still happen, that brokenness can be turned into beauty, and that no matter your background, you should never stop dreaming.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing how my work touches people’s hearts and inspires them. When someone connects with a painting—whether it reminds them of their own journey, gives them hope, or simply brings them joy that’s the greatest reward. Art came into my life as a miracle during a season of hardship, and now I get to use it to encourage others, especially young people who feel like giving up on their dreams. Knowing that my creativity can bring light, healing, and inspiration to others makes this journey so meaningful. It also allows me to open up my own story through art, while giving my collectors and customers the chance to share theirs. That exchange of stories through creativity is truly a beautiful thing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Artsbyjustin.com
• Instagram: arts_byjustin
• Facebook: Arts by Justin
• Linkedin: Arts by Justin
• Twitter: Arts by Justin
• Youtube: Arts by Justin

Image Credits

Paphro photography