Big changes can be brought on by small things — miniatures, in fact, as Delhi-based Niharika Rajput will tell you. The artist makes realistic paper and wire sculptures of birds — she has done so for over 100 species so far, and passes on her craft to children at workshops in schools.
The sculptures are one part of the workshops; the other, more subtle but just as impactful, is the awareness she raises, through her craft. “You can’t overemphasise the importance of education in children,” says Niharika, “We know that certain birds frequent our backyards, but we don’t really pay attention to them or study them.” She collaborates with other conservationists and experts who can make children more aware of their surroundings.
This is what she has been doing in Ladakh for the past three years. Last year, she headed the first Ladakh Bird Festival. Of the many birds in the region, “We pointed out the state of Black-necked cranes in particular, and how heavy tourism affects their breeding pattern,” she says.
For World Sparrow Day too, she held workshops, that not only taught children how to make hanging models of sparrows, but also bird feeders and birdhouses. Next, she is headed to Texas, to do the same for hummingbirds and then, to Nagaland.
Check out her work on Instagram, @paperchirrups
Published - June 05, 2019 11:27 am IST
