She Magazine Interview
In Conversation with Kamal Kothari
Founder & Director – ArtistHubSydney | Art Therapy Practitioner (Non-Clinical)
She Magazine: Kamal, tell us about your journey. What first drew you to art and teaching?
Kamal Kothari:
Art has always been a constant in my life, not just as a creative outlet but as a way to connect, communicate, and grow. Over the past 17 years, my journey has evolved from teaching art techniques to building meaningful learning experiences that support confidence, emotional expression, and personal development. Teaching art has allowed me to work closely with people of all ages and backgrounds, and that human connection is what continues to inspire me.
She Magazine: You’ve taught across India, the USA, and Australia. How have these global experiences shaped your approach to art education?
Kamal:
Teaching across different countries and cultures has deeply influenced my perspective. I taught in Ahmedabad and Bangalore in India between 2010 and 2013, followed by Chicago and New Jersey in the USA from 2014 to 2017. Each place brought unique learning styles, cultural expressions, and community values. Since 2018, working in Australia has allowed me to blend these experiences into a more inclusive, structured, and adaptable approach to art education that respects individuality while maintaining strong foundations.
She Magazine: What inspired you to establish ArtistHubSydney – Home of Arts?
Kamal:
I founded ArtistHubSydney with a clear vision—to create a structured, accessible, and nurturing art education ecosystem that goes beyond hobby-based learning. I saw a need for an environment where art is taught systematically and correctly, while still allowing room for creativity, self-expression, and emotional well-being. ArtistHubSydney is a space where students can build strong artistic foundations and grow with confidence.
She Magazine: You were also involved in a public art initiative at Paddington Markets. Can you tell us about that experience?
Kamal:
In 2013, I had the opportunity to be part of a public art installation titled “High Street Shopping” at Paddington Markets in Sydney. I worked as an Installation Assistant and Concept Bag Designer, contributing to shopping bags individually designed by local artists and designers. It was a wonderful experience that celebrated creativity within a retail and community setting, reinforcing my belief that art belongs in everyday spaces.
She Magazine: Mental well-being is a strong theme in your work. How does art support emotional expression and healing?
Kamal:
Art is a powerful tool for emotional expression. It allows individuals to communicate feelings that are often difficult to put into words. Alongside my teaching work, I’ve collaborated with diverse communities and mental health–focused projects. I hold a Certification of Attainment in Mental Health from TAFE NSW, and I’ve seen firsthand how creative processes can build confidence, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being across all age groups.
She Magazine: You recently became a certified Art Therapy Practitioner (Non-Clinical). How has this influenced your teaching philosophy?
Kamal:
Completing my certification as an Art Therapy Practitioner (Non-Clinical) has added depth and intention to my work. It has helped me integrate therapeutic art approaches into my teaching in a safe, non-clinical way. This allows creativity to become not just a skill, but a supportive process for growth, reflection, and healing.
She Magazine: You’re also a creative entrepreneur. Tell us about your work beyond education.
Kamal:
Alongside ArtistHubSydney, I founded Brand Canvas Australia, where I work as a brand designer and marketing strategist, supporting both large-scale and emerging brands with creative direction, visual identity, and marketing strategy. I’ve also previously run handmade boutique brands—LittleCuties&Co and LittleQuillsSupplies—which specialised in vegan and biodegradable fashion accessories. These brands achieved strong retail representation before closing in 2025, allowing me to refocus on education and impact-driven creative work.
She Magazine: What sets ArtistHubSydney apart from other art programs?
Kamal:
ArtistHubSydney is built on structure, care, and purpose. It’s not just about learning art as a hobby, but about developing disciplined techniques, confidence, and meaningful creative experiences. Art here is respected as a language—for growth, healing, and lifelong creativity.
She Magazine: Finally, what is your long-term vision for ArtistHubSydney?
Kamal:
My vision is to continue building a strong creative community where art education is accessible, structured, and nurturing. I want ArtistHubSydney to remain a place where creativity supports skill development, self-expression, mental well-being, and personal growth at every stage of life.
🔗 Connect with Kamal Kothari & ArtistHubSydney
🌐 Website: www.artisthubsydney.com
📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/artisthubsydney
📘 Facebook (ArtistHubSydney): www.facebook.com/artisthubsydney
👤 Personal Page: www.facebook.com/Identity.crtv