Today we’d like to introduce you to Niharika Rajput.
Hi Niharika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am Niharika, Wildlife Artist and nature educator based in New Delhi , India. I use art , education and storytelling as my conduit to simplify science for the younger demographic and the local communities across the globe by designing immersive experiences that mainly focus on creating hyper realistic sculptures of birds and animals clubbed with cutting edge technology and animation films to enhance the overall experience. I work very closely with indigenous and artisan communities and help facilitate mixed modality workshops targeting waste management issues and offer radically different and creative solutions to repurpose locally available resources into utilitarian products that can be circulated back into the economy thus helping them generate new income streams whilst preserving the cultural heritage and traditions.
I started my journey as a wildlife Artist back in 2016. At the outset my work was very abstract even though it was always inspired by nature and wildlife it did not realistically replicate anything. I stumbled upon a documentary on Birds of Paradise by Tim Laman and Edwin Scholes and instantly fell in love with these birds. I became aware of the deteriorating effects the palm oil industry and climate change was having on these evolutionary gems and was driven to take up the challenge of building these birds and collaborating with Ornithologists and wildlife organisations to raise awareness. I started building realistic replicas of birds back in 2016 and have been collaborating since with many organisations , evolutionary biologists , schools and Forest departments to raise awareness through exhibitions , workshops and outreach programs. The structure of my work changed drastically after receiving a grant from the National Geographic Society back in 2022. I have been taking on a multi-pronged approach to tackle different problems with radically different solutions. My current projects are based in Papua New Guinea and India. Moving forward I am looking at engaging with Indigenous and artisan communities in Peru, Ladakh and the Arctic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No , it was never a smooth road in fact I still feel like I am exploring uncharted territory without Google maps. There are always new forks in the road but navigating through these challenges is what makes the journey worthwhile. Figuring out which career path to choose was the first challenge, monetising it whilst trying to raise awareness and championing positive change was another. Zeroing in on projects that resonated and finding the right people to support you and your project was another challenge. Once the projects are set in motion then one has to deal with administrative and logistical challenges. There are difficult days and easy days but each day has to dealt with patience and resilience while keeping the spirits high that’s the only way I can deal with whatever comes my way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Wildlife Artist and Nature educator. I specialise in building hyper realistic sculptures of Birds and animals nestled in their habitats. These get built in as permanent exhibits in Museums and Nature Centres across the globe. I create my sculptures using paper and wire and am know as a paper Artist who builds life like sculptures.
I am most proud of taking risks when it comes to my projects, I usually have no qualms about approaching people and organisations with my proposals. I believe that there is no such thing as failure for a woman or man who is truly committed and devoted to their work.
I have unwavering faith in the work I am doing and am not afraid of uncertainties , in fact I have learnt to embrace whatever comes my way and make the best of it to serve the people around me . That is what sets me apart from others.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is alchemising and transmuting situations to work in my favour.
Pricing:
- Starts from $470 with no upper limit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paperchirrups.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperchirrups/
