Scissors shaping stories

Art comes in all shapes and sizes, but for the amateur artist, paper as canvas is what strikes first. However, for Neetu Sam, a teacher in grade one at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad, paper is art. Psaligraphy or paper cutting, is the art of turning paper into intricately detailed artworks. It was popular in the 19th century and is a celebrated form of art in many cultures. Neetu is as close as it can get to being an expert in the art, her designs and the accolades she received only prove it further. I got in conversation with Ms.Neetu to understand where it all began - she had always been one for art, whether it be photography or sketching. “art felt easy, art felt natural." She recounts her earliest memory with art from the age 12 when she entered a state-level art competition. Although she lost the competition, Neetu was never disappointed. 

Years later, the joy of making art remains a part of who Ms.Neetu is. Her media doesn’t limit to Psaligraphy. As an artist, she works with sketching, paper sculpting, and clay sculptin. She is also a canon certified photographer in landscape photography and is an avid solo traveller. She is now a happy teacher at the Academy inspiring young children to find their passion. When asked about the most important skills she needs as an artist with a day job, she explains that discipline and respect toward both her job and her art is what keeps her going. After a long day, coming home to work on her art is more a therapy than a task.

The fact that Psaligraphy is a challenging art is irrefutable, and for her the hardest part is the patience and commitment it takes to reach the level of quality and intricacy that she expects of herself. However, despite the struggle, the art has definitely paid-off. She says her passion for Psaligraphy unlocked several gateways for her. Sharing the space with a few prominent artists of the country through art showcases in the state art gallery and also across the country, being a part of the Indian Film Project and Serendipity Arts Festival in 2022 are only a few from the list.

She credits her family for supporting her towards her passion through the highs and lows. She knew what she loved and wanted share it with the world. She does this through an Instagram account that boasts of over 2000 followers. The Academy is incredibly proud of Neetu and her work. hER message for young artists all around is that “a hard truth many of us do not talk about is that following our passion is never a cakewalk! One truly needs to understand the reality of the journey and commit themselves. With practice comes mastering the skills, so no matter how hazy it looks right now, never give up! We may or may not become great artists, but in the process of exploration, we indeed will become much better human beings in how we learn and unfold the lessons it teaches us.”

Interviewed by Amulya Madasu, Diploma Programme One