Naveeda Hassan is a self-taught artist from Delina area of Baramulla who specializes in portrait drawings and has attracted much attention for her artwork over the years.
From childhood, the 20-year-old wanted to become an artist and started painting and drawing from a young age. “Even when I was in middle school, I used to make sketches of my teachers and they would appreciate my artwork,” she said.
When she went to Higher Secondary School Delina, Naveeda developed more interest in drawing and painting and started participating in competitions that boosted her confidence.
A BA student at Government College for Boys, Baramulla, she said when she joined the college she participated in competitions and won first position in painting and drawing competition. She has also received an appreciation certificate at district level for her painting work.
For Naveeda, art is a way of storytelling, giving life to her creativity. “Art is an identity and it keeps a person alive for generations to come,” she said.
So far has made 250 painting and has kept a room to save them. She has pasted her work in every corner of her home. “When I look at these landscape paintings, I feel so happy and encouraged,” she said. She uses social media to connect to people and showcase her work.
Daughter of a farmer, Naveeda has made portraits of Bhagat Singh, Virat Kohli, Nelson Mandela, B. R. Ambedkar, and Baburbesides the painting of lush green mountains and various calligraphy works are all eye-catching.
She has also made a 3D art.“Painting on small stone takes a great deal of skill, but if you are willing to put in the effort then you can achieve stunning results,” she said.
Recently, on Red Cross Day, she made a unique portrait depicting issues of farmers, for which she bagged a position. “I have been getting a very positive and encouraging response from teachers, friends, relatives and other people,” she said.
Naveeda never learned the art, it was her inborn talent. What she draws is all-natural and has become one of the most famous artists of his generation. “Apple craved on the stone is my favorite because it’s the identity of Kashmir,” she said.
These days she is also working to learn Papiermâché for which she was inspired from an artist during her visit to market in Sopore town.
