Shillong, December 12: A young and gifted artist from Pynursla in East Khasi Hills district, Pynshngaiñlang Sohkhlet, is rebuilding his life through art, transforming personal hardship into creative expression and resilience.
Sohkhlet recently showcased his artworks at the Winter Tales festival held at Ward’s Lake, an event organised by the Meghalaya Tourism Department. His stall attracted visitors with its collection of handmade frames and photo-art pieces, each reflecting emotional depth and lived experience.
Speaking to the media, Sohkhlet shared that difficult family circumstances, particularly the hardships endured by his elder sister, had deeply influenced his life and artistic journey. Drawing and visual storytelling, he said, became a refuge during times of struggle and a means to regain direction and strength.
“Art helped me escape my pain and restart my life,” Sohkhlet said. “Through art, I create new histories, express my emotions, and build the courage to move forward.”
He acknowledged that sustaining oneself financially through art remains challenging. However, he emphasised that the courage to begin and continue matters more than immediate success.
“Art is not only about earning money. It is about expressing what I feel and imagine. With continuous practice, there is always hope for growth,” he said.
Sohkhlet explained that his artworks draw inspiration from human emotions, life experiences, nature, and memory. According to him, art becomes a medium where unspoken struggles find form, even when they cannot be fully captured in a single image.
“Many struggles cannot be shown in a picture, yet they exist,” he noted.
Describing art as a source of healing, Sohkhlet said it helps him confront doubt, hardship, and uncertainty. “Art becomes my medicine. It is where I raise my voice, and people who see my work can feel it too,” he added.
He also stressed that his dedication to art is not due to a lack of opportunities elsewhere, but a conscious decision driven by passion. “It is not true that I have no work. Art is work. It is the life I choose,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sohkhlet expressed hope that more platforms and dedicated spaces would be created for young and skilled artists across Meghalaya, enabling them to confidently showcase their talents and earn a dignified livelihood through their creativity.
Through his journey, Sohkhlet continues to demonstrate how art can become a powerful language of the soul—one that preserves memory, reflects identity, and transforms adversity into purpose.
