Artist's apartment takes life
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore has more than one art gallery.

Hidden behind the worn brown door of a Houston Street apartment, Anup Bhandari, 27- year-old Nepali artist living in Kilgore, showcases his works.

"When I came here I thought this apartment was boring and empty," Bhandari said. "I though to myself, 'I can fix that.'"

Bhandari came to Kilgore seven years ago as one of many Kilgore College international students. As he worked, studied and grew increasingly weary of his stark surroundings, Bhandari, who has painted since childhood, picked up his brush and set to work in an effort to fill the entire dwelling with art.

As Bhandari welcomes guests into his apartment, they are greeted by the aroma of Nepali tea and a Technicolor treat.

"I use a lot of color, because color makes people feel good," Bhandari said. "Everyone responds the same way when they see how I live."

It takes almost an hour to realize Bhandari has no furniture in the living room-turnedgallery - not one stick. The eyes feast upon countless canvases, covering every inch of wall space - and even the low ceiling.

Works include sculpture, portraiture as well as impressionistic paimtings and abstract pieces. Bhandari said he does not have a favorite, but there are some he will not part with.

On his walls one will find an eclectic gallery of the real and surreal. Images that speak volumes about the man behind the brush include typical Nepali people, Hindu gods, landscapes and even a painting of Bill Gates.

"I would like to give this painting to him," Bhandari said. "This is my life. This is what I do," Bhandari said. "I want to share my paintings with the world."

Bhandari has exhibited and sold many works in galleries and shows, but finds dissatisfaction in a gallery that closes at the hour most of the public is freed from the confines of nine to five life.

"My gallery is always open after hours, but please call first," Bhandari jokes.

Bhandari said people driving along Houston Street often see his apartment from their cars and stop.

"I leave the door open sometimes, for light and air; they come and ask to have a look," Bhandari said. "I don't mind at all."

Bhandari shares his apartment with another Nepali international student, Laxman Raut.

"I don't mind," Raut, a KC business major, said of the artfilled apartment. "He is very talented. We get a lot of visitors."

Bhandari finished classes at KC last year and has continued his education at University of Texas, at Tyler. Art may be his life, but education is dear to his heart.

One remarkable thing about Bhandari, that many do not know, is his giving nature. He sends a portion of his income and some painting proceeds, to Nepal where the funds send children to school.

Recently Bhandari collected toys and clothes to send to Nepali orphanages. One-by-one he is working and painting to pay shipping costs for the many donations he received.

"I never imagined freight would be so expensive," Bhandari said. "But I collected these toys and clothes and I am going to deliver them."

Since Bhandari arrived here, he has never once been able to visit his home in Nepal.

"I miss home," he said. "Every time I talk to my mother, she asks me when I will come home, but I have to finish what I have started here. I just tell her, 'One day'."

Bhandari said the art surrounding him makes him feel at home in Kilgore and he knows he can still do more good while he is here.

"I do not know what the future holds," Bhandari said. "But, for now, I will paint and try to make the world a better place."