Article by NIRMAL MANGAR
When life once posed its own set of challenges, a young boy found refuge in pencils, colours, and blank sheets of paper. Shiva Chettri, is not only a committed artist but also as a Mathematics teacher at Tashi Namgyal Academy, and a social contributor who firmly believes that art is as much about humanity as it is about aesthetics.
Born to Shova Chettri and Bhanu Chettri, Shiva’s journey as an artist began in childhood, long before galleries, exhibitions, or recognition entered the picture. Drawing became his safe space—a silent language through which he processed emotions, incompleteness, hope, and contentment. Over the last 17–18 years, that personal escape gradually transformed into a purposeful artistic practice, evolving from amateur sketches into professional works rooted deeply in Sikkim’s soul.
A Self-Taught Artist Rooted in Sikkim
Despite having no formal training in art, Shiva’s growth as a self-taught artiststands as a testament to perseverance and dedication. Educated at Kyi-De-Khang School (secondary level) and Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, his formal academic path led him to teaching mathematics. Yet, parallel to the chalkboard ran a quieter, more colourful journey—one shaped by Sikkim’s landscapes, wildlife, culture, and people.
His artworks often feature landscapes and wildlife, blending realism with local serenity. Through these visuals, Shiva explores emotions of resilience, harmony, connection, and hope, echoing the fragile yet powerful relationship between humans and nature in the Himalayan region.
“Our society, culture, landscape, and people constantly influence my thought process. I am still learning,” he humbly reflects.
Art as Social Responsibility
For Shiva, art has never existed in isolation. He firmly believes that art is a catalyst for awareness and social change. This belief translates into action through his decision to dedicate 10% of his annual art earnings to social causes—starting formally from 2026.
Over the years, he has collaborated with institutions such as Balika Niketan (Girl Child Home), Speech and Hearing Impaired Schools, and People for Animals Shelter Home, often offering his services free of charge. Most of these initiatives—especially mural projects—are undertaken during his winter breaks, with institutions providing only basic materials and accommodation.
“Seeing smiles on their faces clarifies my purpose as an artist,” he says, explaining his special connection with orphanages and hearing-impaired children.
Children, particularly those with hearing impairments, respond with remarkable patience and curiosity, often observing every brushstroke closely. These interactions, Shiva says, inspire him as much as they benefit the spaces he paints.
Healing Through Creativity
Shiva strongly advocates the therapeutic power of art. In his experience, colours and forms often give children a voice when words fail. Art becomes a gentle, inclusive space—one that restores confidence, calm, and connection.
He believes art can empower marginalized and differently-abled communities by challenging stereotypes, building identity, and fostering belonging. Murals, workshops, and collaborative projects, according to him, turn pain into purpose and creativity into resilience.
Oviya Art Circle and Community Support
A member of Oviya Art Circle, Sikkim since 2013, Shiva credits the collective for refining his skills and reinforcing the importance of sincerity, love, and effort in art-making. He also acknowledges strong community support, appreciation campaigns, collaborations, and early features by Sikkim Chronicle that encouraged him to persist despite challenges.
Balancing creativity, livelihood, and social responsibility, however, is no easy task. Like many regional artists, Shiva faces financial uncertainty, high material costs, and limited platforms. Teaching mathematics sustains him, but the struggle, he admits, is real.
Artful Studio: Creativity with a Conscience
Founded in 2019, Artful Studio represents the culmination of nearly two decades of practice. Originally known as Shiva Art Studio, it was later rebranded to reflect inclusivity and broader engagement. Inspired by Sikkim’s mountains, its logo symbolizes resilience and boundless creativity.
Currently operating as an e-studio, Artful Studio thrives on digital platforms like Instagram, promoting collaboration, inclusivity, compassion, and social work. Shiva envisions a future physical workspace—an “Art with Heart” space—where people can visit, discuss ideas, and experience creativity as a shared journey.
Upcoming exhibitions are being planned at venues such as West Point Mall, Wellness Park, and the Reserve Bank of India, offering the public opportunities to support his cause through engagement and art purchases.
A Message of Hope
To fellow artists hesitant to contribute due to financial constraints, Shiva offers reassurance born of experience:
“Start small. Every step matters. Society embraces authenticity.”
To the youth of Sikkim, his message is equally powerful: practise relentlessly, collaborate, give back, and believe that persistence can turn pain into purpose.
For Shiva Chettri, success is not measured by acclaim alone. It lies in kindness, compassion, and the ability to create spaces where others feel seen and heard.
“Humanity before creativity,” he says—a philosophy that continues to guide his journey from chalkboard to canvas, and from self-expression to social healing.
Contact: (+91) 8906674401
