30 Sep 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Jaiya Bhandari, a St Albans painter and self-taught portrait artist who creates work that emerges from a meditative space, where the creative process becomes a path to freedom and reconnection with the inner child.
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
Wash my face, drink warm water and practice breathwork and meditation.
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
I have a beautiful book in my bedside cabinet by a spiritual teacher from India. It’s no longer published, and it’s full of life wisdom that always seems to be exactly right for whatever I’m going through whenever I open it. It’s the first thing I’d grab. It would fit in my pocket, so perhaps I’d have time to save a favourite painting too!
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Go for it, whatever it is. Follow your gut, and don’t be afraid to fail. Taking a leap might lead to more success than you imagined – or it might teach you something important and help you grow. Either way, you’ll move forward.
Are things getting better or worse?
In my opinion, people love much louder than they used to so things are getting better. The people who spoke or acted from a place of fear and hatred used to be louder or get more air time, but over time I’ve seen people who stand for peace and love gain the confidence to love more loudly. There was always a lot of good in the world, it’s just becoming more and more visible and I hope that continues.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
My husband recently took me to Watercress Wildlife Reserve for an evening walk after we’d logged off from work. It was so peaceful, and I couldn’t believe that after living here for six years, I’d never heard of somewhere so close to home.
Odyssey or Netflix?
Odyssey, any day. It’s a gem, and we’re so lucky to have it—especially when there are seats available at one of the tables downstairs.
Wednesday or Saturday market?
Wednesday! I love its quieter pace and community feel – it’s lovely seeing familiar local faces and having time to stop and chat. It also makes a great lunch break from work, and the food stalls are always a treat!
What was your best subject at school?
Art, of course – but closely followed by maths and chemistry.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to swim with dolphins and orcas. I’m not sure what job that would have been, but I absolutely loved them – and I’ve had many dreams about them too!
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
Yep – from lots of Disney characters at Disney World!
