Biography
Creativity takes courage!
Like Henry Moore rightly said, “To be an artist is to believe in life.”
For Sunil Ranjan Das paintbrush is the key to his life. He is a visual artist and has been into teaching art for the past 4 decades. He spent his early years growing in Murshidabad (West Bengal, India) and later moved to Durgapur (West Bengal, India).
He began his artistic journey at the very young age of 5. Creative expression is a big part of his life. From a signature style painting on black cloth canvas to Indian art forms like Pattachitra, Mithila, Madhubani, and Kalamkari constantly strives to put a unique stamp on his work – In short “A Colorful serenity of art”
His family is a circle of strength and love. His wife Smt. Sushmita Das and his loving daughter Samarpita Das, have always extended their love, trust, and support
He takes comfort in knowing no matter which path he chooses; his family stands behind him.!
Sunil Ranjan Das
Contemporary and Traditional Indian Artist
Founder of Shilpa Kuthi
Sunil’s dream come true, Shilpa Kuthi - The Shilpa Kuthi Academy of Art was founded in 1982 as a school for budding and professional artists. Their classes have traditionally placed an emphasis on preparing students for a career in art. They are home to 500 students across India and North America with an age range of 5 to 50!
Shilpa Kuthi provides students with artistic skills and knowledge of contemporary as well as traditional tools and techniques. Today, the Shilpa Kuthi continues to build on this strong reputation of educating art enthusiasts.
To see and learn more about Sunil’s art click here
Artist Statement
I am a firm believer that every art has a purpose. I have always loved art—I painted a lot as a child. The road wasn’t easy at all. I lost my parents at a very young age, and I learned things the hard way! But nevertheless, today when I look back, I see a journey that had changed my life’s perspective and made me strong and resilient in so many ways.
Creativity and art were always a part of me. I can proudly say that I’m a self-taught artist! I had rough beginnings. A lot of struggles and hardships. Many days I was homeless, later I was able to build my own home with mud, and that too with my own hands. The struggle was real but, today when I see myself teaching the next generation of artists, I feel so gratified and Thankful to God and all my well-wishers.
Where did I practice art? Well, on the walls of my home and street. My unique artistic vision and hard work were recognized by the family members of Kazi Nazrul Islam. They invited me to teach them, and this is where the passion for teaching seed sprouted. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My goal now is to educate young artists who are high-spirited and are passionate to be self-made and expressive through their art. “Dreams and passion are more powerful than facts and reality.”
Achievements and Recognitions
- Has been associated with Bangiya Sangeet Parishad for over 40 years and is also a Senior Examinar.
- Associated with the prestigious Carmel Convent School of Durgapur (M.A.M.C) and was honored on the school's 50th anniversary.
- Conducted paintings classes in various clubs of Durgapur and the oldest association has been with East Durgapur Club.
- Honored by some of the esteemed clubs of Durgapur namely Lions Club and Rotary clubs.
- Paintings done on Steel Plates using a kind of unique blue ink for ASP (Alloy Steel Plant) of Durgapur. This is a very rare and unique art form.
