Niharika Rajput // PaperChirrups
Star Castle Spotlights are monthly artist spotlights that feature one of the many artists/makers that inspire the Star Castle community.
Niharika Rajput at Paperchirrups is the perfect example of seamlessly combining nature, intention and art. She is a professional wildlife artist and conservationist based in New Delhi, India.
She uses her artistic talents to support and celebrate the natural world, while inspiring others to do the same. She focuses on Bird Conservation in India and all over the world, and works to promote the restoration, protection and conservation of all endangered wildlife through art.
Niharika’s incredible attention to detail and innate ability to intricately capture natural textures & colors, takes her work to an awe inspiring level of realism. Keep reading to learn all about how she got started, her process of creating, as well as tips for those of you looking to turn your own artistic passion into a full time profession.
I am a Wildlife Artist specializing in intricate paper and epoxy sculptures of Birds and animals. Each piece is carefully handcrafted to perfection. I start by sketching out all the body parts, wings, tail feathers and body feathers. Thereafter which each one is retraced on paper and cut to precision. These feathers are glued to the body which could be made out paper and wire or epoxy in the miniature versions. Then comes my favourite part, painting the birds realistically.
Growing up, Birds and insects always fascinated me.
When it became clear to me that art is what I wanted to pursue as a career option it was only fitting that I should have chosen wildlife as my subject to best represent my work.
My inspiration really comes from the outdoors…
& just like nature: it’s not quiet, structured or rigid– it keeps changing.
What are 3 words you'd use to describe your unique art style?
Intricate, Realistic and sometimes Playful
The reason why I build these creatures is not only because they fascinate me, but I want my customers or viewers to have a piece of wildlife in their homes which acts as a reminder of what is out there and needs to be protected, since we are moving towards a more human centric, technology driven, anthropogenic world. That is one reason why I also run Art for Wildlife Conservation initiatives in India and all over the world likewise.
What would 'success' look like to you with this passion of yours?
Hmm, I would feel like I am at the peak of my career when I have influenced enough people to act on the ground and help protect these species and live in harmony with them. Also I would love to work for some high end brands.
“I want my customers to have a piece of wildlife in their homes which acts as a reminder of what is out there and needs to be protected.”
I know when a piece is done when somebody looks at it and can’t tell if it’s real or fake.
Please share a bit about the studio / workspace you've created to work in and how that impact your progress & final product.
Well, I am not as organised as I’d like to be in my workspace. My inspiration really comes from the outdoors, just like nature is not quiet structured or rigid it keeps changing. My workspace is also not permanent. I keep changing the set up as per my requirements.
Money and Mindset both.
Initially when I started my business, it was difficult to reach out to people and also to make money. There have been many difficult days where I thought maybe I should look at more lucrative careers or do this part time and take up a full time job but somehow I kept myself motivated and met the right kind of people who were extremely supportive of my talent. They helped me sail through.Do you have any advice / tips for someone looking to dive deeper and pursue their own creative passion?
Just be fully involved and devoted, never have doubts, fear or worry. First, focus on the product– once that comes out right everything falls into place.
Be fully involved & devoted, never have doubts, fear or worry.
First, focus on the product– once that comes out right, everything falls into place.
View more from PaperChirrups:
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