From torn paper to art
Shopna Begum is a busy woman. Not only the mother of a teenage boy stays occupied taking care of her family, but also helps her husband in his business.
Yet, amid work and daily chores, the 45-year-old finds time to pursue her passion, which is to create busts of her childhood heroes and eminent personalities.
Shopna makes those out of torn papers and napkins that she gathers from her house or buys from the hawkers.
While visiting her residence in Sylhet city's Chowdekhi area, this correspondent was greeted by busts of eminent personalities including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, poet Rabindranath Tagore, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Ataul Gani Osmani -- made from torn papers, but the care and respect is evident.
“I have been making busts with papers for around 10 years. My younger sister Richna taught me. But she had to put an end to her dreams to support her family,” she said in a melancholic tone.
She said it takes around two to three days to complete one, made with rice starch and papers, and then they are dried for around two weeks. “It gives me a lot of pleasure to create something out of almost nothing.”
“My husband has always supported my passion,” she said smilingly while informing this correspondent that the first bust she made was of his.
She has made around 300 busts so far.
“My dream is to exhibit my work and inspire women by teaching them. It is not only about passion but also a way of remembering those we admire and love and ultimately be happy,” she said.
She said she is seeking assistance in this regard.
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