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Sheela Devi
"I'm Sheela Devi and I'm from Bihar where i was born in 1976. I have three sisters and two brothers. When I was young, girls were not allowed to go to school. Although I wasn't educated, I've always wanted to study. <br><br>
"As a little girl, I used to spend time playing. Since I didn't have much to do, my grandfather encouraged me to learn about Madhubani art from my grandmother. Although I was not very keen at first, I gradually began to like it. <br><br>
"My grandmother used to paint Madhubani art on walls, earthen pots, floors and canvases, along with the other ladies of the village who were taught and encouraged by a local artist. As part of our village tradition, I learned Madhubani art from my grandmother and my paternal aunt. <br><br>
"When I was ten years old, I got married. After five years of marriage, I arrived in Delhi with my husband. Initially, he was unhappy about me painting, saying it was a waste of time and money, without any profits. But I managed to convince him otherwise, and he now encourages me to paint. My three children also love my paintings. <br><br>
"In the village, we used colors procured from flowers and leaves. Because these are not available in Delhi, I use acrylic and tempera paints. I start by drawing the design and adding lines. Then, I use bright colors to fill in and decorate the images. I've drawn many designs, but my favorite are the Hindu gods ? Ganesha, Radha, Krishna and Lakshmi, among others. My first painting was of the Goddess Durga, who symbolizes the divine energy 'Shakti' in Hindu tradition. <br><br>
"Along with painting on canvas, I also paint on apparel such as saris, <i>salwar</i> suits and <i>dupattas,</i> tablecloths and other items which people bring to me to embellish. Lately, I've started painting on papier mache images, which I also craft by hand. I have a hectic schedule at home, while taking care our my family. I take a few hours a day for painting. <br><br>
"I've shown my paintings and papier mache creations in different exhibitions. I also teach other women how to paint. <br><br>
?My parents are very happy that I am participating in so many exhibitions and doing well in the field of Madhubani art, despite not knowing how to read or write. I want to make a name for myself and my village to become well-known someday. I want to exhibit my paintings all over India and I would like to provide my children with a better future."
