by Kyaw Zin Tun
YANGON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Amid the bustle of downtown Yangon's crowded streets, where car horns blare and vendors call out to passersby, 61-year-old artist Ko Tint paints vivid Myanmar landscapes with his feet, transforming disability into beauty.
Born in Myanmar's Shan state, Ko Tint faced challenges from the very beginning. He was born with underdeveloped arms that he can not use, yet his spirit remained unbroken.
"I didn't understand much about painting when I was young," he recalled softly. "But I loved beauty. I drew flowers and other pictures in books."
When he was about eight years old, tragedy struck. His father passed away, leaving his mother to raise several children alone. As the eldest, Ko Tint took on responsibility early, tending other people's cattle to help support his family.
His life changed course when he was sent to a church-run orphanage in Taunggyi. There, fate intervened in the form of a Philippine diplomat who was deeply moved by the boy's determination and talent. The diplomat arranged for Ko Tint to study art in Yangon under a professional teacher.
Ko Tint arrived in Yangon in 1992, and immersed himself in art. He explored watercolor and acrylic painting and later mastered the delicate technique of palette knife painting under the guidance of a local artist near Kyauktawgyi Pagoda.
"I studied palette knife painting to make a living," he explained. "At first, I drew and sold my works at the foot of the pagoda."
"Painting requires patience and passion. For me, it is my passion and my profession as well," he said.
Over the decades, his gallery has not been in museums or studios but on the streets of Yangon, where art meets life.
"On the streets, I face challenges such as being frequently relocated and dealing with rain and wind," he said. "I can't work or sell when it rains. Sometimes the wind blows my paintings away."
Each morning, Ko Tint sets up his small corner near a busy intersection. With his toes, he dips and blends colors to create vivid depictions of Myanmar's beauty, misty mountains and tranquil lakes. Passersby stop, take photos, and watch in awe. Some buy his paintings, while others simply stand in quiet admiration.
"I am grateful to the people who buy my works and help me," he said. "Even though I try hard, I could not make a living without their support."
Despite his hardships, Ko Tint's outlook remains remarkably positive. "Sometimes I get depressed, especially when I can't work or earn money," he admitted. "But I understand that depression can't create anything. If we stay motivated and work hard, success will come. Some people belittle me, others praise me. I focus on those who encourage and support me. I am grateful to them. No one can belittle me forever."
Ko Tint also gives back through donations from his earnings. "I always donate from what I earn from customers and donors," he said. "I always pray for them to be happy and prosperous."
Ko Tint added that he dreams of organizing a solo art exhibition for his paintings, but the cost of renting a space is too high for him.
At home, Ko Tint is not just an artist. He is a devoted husband and father, working hard to support his family. His wife, Daw Aye Aye Naing, spoke softly of their enduring bond.
"We met when I was about 28," she recalled. "I sold betel quid, and he was attending a class at a church in Yangon. When he came to my shop, I fed him food and betel quid, and then we fell in love and got married."
She smiled warmly. "I'm proud of him. He loves me deeply. We depend on each other and take care of one another. We got married because we were destined to be together. As we grow older, we can't work as hard as before, but we still support each other in every way."
Young people who pass by Ko Tint's small art space on the street often leave inspired. 32-year-old Phone Naing shared, "I'm motivated by him. Even though he can't use his hands, he creates beautiful paintings and supports his family. It reminds me that I should try harder in my own life." ■
