We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sophany Sor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sophany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I realized I wanted to pursue the path of a creative artist was in 2009 when I won a competition. At that time, I was still a student and only understood realism art. I have loved art since I was a child, but I never expected to become an artist. Luckily, I met many wonderful friends who were artists. They shared their experiences and styles with me, which inspired me greatly as an artist.

In 2017, I participated in a group exhibition for the first time and sold two pieces of my artwork. That moment helped me discover who I truly am and what I want to become.”

This year, on October 18th, 2024, I held my first solo exhibition. I was surprised and delighted by the large number of people who attended. I didn’t expect that my paintings would capture so much interest, not only in the artworks themselves but also in the stories behind them.

That evening was truly special and affirmed my passion for creating art that connects with others on a deeper level. The feedback and support I received inspired me to continue exploring and sharing my artistic journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a contemporary artist who mostly paints figurative pieces with oil on canvas, expressing my inner world through my work. I started as a student at Colors of Cambodia in 2009 and now I am a teacher and the general manager of the school.
In my art is a deeply personal reflection of my journey as an artist, a woman, and a storyteller, spanning the past, present, and future.

In my paintings, you will see pieces that reveal inner thoughts, raw emotions, and the subtle yet powerful force of identity and expression. Each brushstroke and each choice of color is a manifestation of who I am and who I strive to become.

The past is filled with stories of resilience and growth, which have carved the path to where I stand today.
My present work is a conversation, a dialogue between my inner self and the world around me—capturing both struggle and joy. My works are not just about the moments that have shaped me but also about how I see the world as a female artist. The present is an exploration of self-expression and identity.
As for the future, I hold hope not only for myself but for all artists who use their creativity to inspire change and evoke emotion. It is a future of hope and continued growth as an artist and educator.
I hope that “my paintings” resonates with people, not just as a collection of artworks, but as an expression of the emotions and experiences that connect us all. Because art is not just about the artist, it is about what it awakens in each of us.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having a lot of fans and making viewers wonder about the meaning behind our paintings, helping them understand what we aim to convey. Sometime, without words, we can awaken something within them unconsciously.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I graduated with a degree in finance and banking, by accident My manager resigned his position, which opened an unexpected door for me. Encouraged by other teachers, I applied to become an art teacher in 2014, and since then, I have been serving as the General Manager of Colors of Cambodia. This role has allowed me to work and learn simultaneously, shaping both my personal and professional growth.

I believe that resilience begins with understanding ourselves—knowing what we truly want and desire. While people around us can offer advice, share lessons, and provide experiences, ultimately, we are the ones who walk our path, make decisions, set our direction, and create our future.

At the core, we all aspire to lead better lives, to become individuals who are respected, valued, and remembered. But this journey starts with self-awareness and self-determination. Like a large tree that provides shade to all living things, our growth depends on the nourishment we receive—be it water, sunlight, or the challenges of life. Just as autumn leaves fall depending on the wind’s force, we must choose not to be like those leaves, passively swayed by external forces.

If we wish to be valuable and shine brightly in society, it must come from within. Relying too much on others to guide us will leave us adrift when their support is no longer available. Instead, we should strive to lead ourselves with purpose, ensuring we have a clear goal to follow, rather than being swept aimlessly by the winds of circumstance.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phany_phanin/profilecard/?igsh=ZGNvaG84ZHZhZTRi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Q2aBQJr85qt9C444/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Images by Sophany Sor