The Inspiring Journey of Bhutan's Cerebral Palsy 'Foot Artist,' Pema Tshering
Pema Tshering is an epitome of a soulful artist. No, he isn’t a famous singer, actor, or dancer, but one of the most well-known painters and wood-carvers of Bhutan. However, there is more to his story, for this 31-year-old man is indeed an inspiration for the world that has come down to only complaining about one thing, or other.
Pema Tshering was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, when he was a child. He is paralyzed from the hip to above. If that wasn’t worse, he was abandoned by his own parents at the age of 6, perhaps, because of his ‘rare’ disease. He doesn’t complain about his parents and their actions. However, he feels that it was his right to receive a good education, like any other child.
Even so, that didn’t stop him from living, or giving up his dreams. He accepted his life for the way it was, and today, he remains grateful for everything he has been through.
Every day is a new beginning for this inspirational soul, who, with a chisel and hammer, carves his talent on wooden piece. He uses his feet for his hands, and has been this way from the time he remembers himself.
During all these years, Pema has been able to make a decent living out of his artwork, which is quite popular in Thimpu, Bhutan. He is kind of a celebrity in the area, and is known as the ‘foot artist’ amongst his people. He also has a small shop set up with the help of Simply Bhutan Museum in Thimpu.
His story goes back to the district of Mongar, where he was born to a family of farmers. There is not much to tell about his childhood, because Pema never shares any story about that time. After he was abandoned by his parents, Pema was raised by his grandparents. In the beginning, Pema couldn’t even use his feet for any purpose, due to an impairment of his spinal column. Perhaps, it was the result of his endurance and hard work that gradually, he was able to move his feet, if not the whole body.
For a long time, Pema sold bows and arrows, which he made from bamboo until one day, like a fairytale, his life changed. One day, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuk visited him.
Pema still remembers his blessed encounter with The Mother, who, upon knowing, Pema’s desire to receive education, offered to sponsor it. Pema thought about it for a while, and then, instead of going for traditional school, decided to study art at Bhutan’s renowned art school, Institute of Zorig Chusum.
"I didn't mind doing any job but I didn't think I was fit to do some jobs, as I didn't go to school and didn't have knowledge. So I decided to choose to learn carving and painting," he told a source.
As an artist, Pema’s work is intense and intricate. He sells small wooden artwork, thangka painting and other such creations, which often exhibit floral, auspicious signs, dragon patterns. In fact, he has also exhibited some of his art at an exhibition in Delhi in 2010.
Today, Pema not only earns for himself, but also takes care of his parents, yes. Now, that’s a mark of true artist.
“I want to help my parents because if you don't help your parents, it's like disrespecting them. If you don't respect your parents, whatever work you do, you'll be unsuccessful in life,” he says.
Apart from being a successful and loved artist, Pema is also a participant of 2005 Bhutanese Olympics. His certificate of participation is one of his most-treasured possession, and hanging with pride in his workshop.
He dreams to be an art teacher someday, and we hope for nothing but all his wishes coming true.
