In Randpark Ridge, 21-year-old Sumar Mothiram spends most of his days with a pencil in hand, steadily shaping a passion that has been with him since his early teens.

He has been drawing since he was about 10 years old. What began as a natural passion has stayed with him, growing into a daily habit. For Mothiram, art is simple: it makes him happy. He attends art classes in Greymont under teacher Rennette De Munnik, whose guidance has helped refine his technique. His lines, once firm and heavy, have softened, showing clear progress in his work.

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While autistic, he is not defined by the condition; instead focusing on his art. He finds a sense of calm and focus in his work. When he draws, he shuts out distractions and slips into his own space. Those around him say it is where he is most relaxed, fully absorbed in what he is creating.

His subjects are often animals, though his earliest inspiration came from superheroes. Spider-Man, in particular, left a mark – so much so that he became known by the name at school. Characters such as Batman and Superman helped spark his creativity, but over time, his work has taken on a more personal tone.

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Each piece reflects what he is feeling in the moment. Whether it is something light or more thoughtful, his drawings tend to mirror his inner world rather than simply what he sees. Recently, Mothiram reached an important milestone when he exhibited for the first time at a Cats and Dogs exhibition. An owl, selected by his teacher, was among the works on display.

Despite the step into the public space, his routine remains unchanged. He draws every day and, given the chance, would spend hours doing so. For Mothiram, the goal is not complicated: to keep creating, one sketch at a time.

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