Hi, my name is Jaya. I am a Canadian-based artist who travels to Cambodia every year to teach art classes to kids living in rural poverty. AMA!

Submitted by JayaKrishnan_1951 t3_107q7zb in IAmA

Hi Reddit, I'm Jaya.

As a child growing up in Malaysia, I hoped to find school supplies by rummaging through garbage. One day I found a painting, and it sparked my journey as an artist. Becoming an artist allowed me to find love, travel the world, and establish myself as a painter in Canada. Now, I travel to Asia every year to share the joy of art with local children and give them that same spark of inspiration and confidence. AMA!

Teaching art in Cambodia

Info about a documentary of my life's work, JAYA, can be found here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mooktracks/jaya-an-inspiring-documentary-about-sharing-through-art

Looking forward to answering your questions!

You can see some of my artwork here:

Cascading Florals

Path to Olive Growth, Denia, Spain

Rice Fields Ubud, Bali

Prayer at Temple, Penang, Malaysia

Seated Monk at Angkor Wat

Drummers, Ubud, Bali

Monks with Umbrellas, Phnom Penh

http://www.jkrishnanart.com

@jkrishnanart

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Comments

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ZaraZote t1_j3olzci wrote

What is one life lesson you wish you could download into every one in the world?

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matthewrodier t1_j3omxly wrote

Is there any way you see to monetize the art produced by the people you teach? I appreciate what you are doing a great deal and wanted to thank you for it but wonder if there is a way that you could use Reddit to offer some of this artwork for sale in order to help these people obtain basic resources such as medicine, food, and shelter. I know that art and the process of producing it has value outside of monetary gain, but am just wondering if there is more that can be done to help these people that you work with. Thanks again for all that you do!

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JayaKrishnan_1951 OP t1_j3qzgf3 wrote

Yes! We have done many fundraisers over the years. The proceeds go to art supplies.
This is part of what we are featuring in the documentary. Our work has build kitchens at orphanages and schools, water filtration, and more. Every year I go back I bring money from the art that has been sold in Canada. The kids are wonderful artists and Canadians really appreciate this. Always more than can be done.
Proceeds from the Kickstarter campaign will go to the schools if we hit our goal.

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Jaded_Ad7376 t1_j3of577 wrote

Hi Jaya, Happy new year. It's so nice to hear your story and see your artworks :) I'm interested in art too. My questions to you:

How do you pick your subjects?

And which piece took you the longest to paint?

Thanks for your time

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JayaKrishnan_1951 OP t1_j3qzosd wrote

My art is always evolving. I just want to explore and share. There is inspiration everywhere around us and the world is filled with light and colour.
I just go with my heart and keep painting. Not everything is perfect but I am always painting. You will know the magic when you do it.
Sometimes I work on pieces for years. They evolve as I do.

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hagcel t1_j3pgefv wrote

What are your three favorite food to eat when in Cambodia?

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JayaKrishnan_1951 OP t1_j3qz7h8 wrote

I love your reply and question!! Eating is one of my favourite things to do in Cambodia.

I love the duck in Siem Reap!!
Amok curry on the river is wonderful.
And the fresh coconut! I want to be there now!

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diesiraeSadness t1_j3qoz3c wrote

Have you encountered unusually gifted beginner artists in your travels? As a teacher myself, it’s always a pleasure to meet someone with pure innate talent.

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JayaKrishnan_1951 OP t1_j3qz1qm wrote

There are so many special children I have met along the way. They all fill me with joy.

One student from 2012 went on to start a successful graphic design and video production business that is thriving in Siem Reap.

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IAmAModBot t1_j3qztl5 wrote

For more AMAs on this topic, subscribe to r/IAmA_Art, and check out our other topic-specific AMA subreddits here.

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brntbndmr t1_j3rc4w4 wrote

Have you stayed in touch with any of the kids you've taught over the years?

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JayaKrishnan_1951 OP t1_j3rchui wrote

Absolutely!!! In fact that is one of the greatest joys I have. Going back to see the children as they have gone on to achieve success. Education, careers, marriage. I have seen it all and it fills me with joy!

I always am so filled with excitement when they send me all their updates and news.

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tazzsharpe t1_j58gej1 wrote

Where in cambodia do you teach? 🇰🇭

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JayaKrishnan_1951 OP t1_j5k3033 wrote

Hi, I mainly visit Siem Reap. I have volunteered at Anjali House, Treach, and ODA. Thanks for the question!

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