US girl aims to make art exhibition reflecting Indian culture

Having developed interest in Indian sculptures, US girl Laida is now researching on Indian culture and wishes to establish an exhibition of sand sculptures in her native country.

Hyderabad: The youth of today dream to get a degree in a reputed educational institute and then hunt for a corporate job with a decent salary. But the story of Laida is different. A resident of the United States in Columbia, Laida came as a tourist to Visakhapatnam but during her short stint, she became fond of the place and its lifestyle and started studying about ancient sculptures.

The young girl wants to set up an exhibition of sand sculptures in the US reflecting Indian culture and traditions. She feels that studying sculpture makes her feel alive and free.

When Laida visited Visakhapatnam in 2017 for the first time, she instantly fell in love with the city. She liked the place so much that she decided to pursue her education in fine arts in Vizag and was intrigued to know about the Indian culture and lifestyle.

The culture, tradition, food and lifestyle attracted Laida and she gradually started developing interest in sculpture and art. The US girl, is now on a mission to explore the Indian culture, is making constant efforts to learn more and more about India's art and sculptures.

After securing a seat in under graduation in the fine arts department in Andhra University, Laida began studying about sculpture and started researching on the same.

Laida says, "I am amazed to see the natural beauty, the art and sculpture and the enticing surroundings of Visakhapatnam. At times, I go to the beach and spend some time."

Asked about why she did not go back to the US, she said, "I loved the place and its culture. The memories of Vizag compelled to stay back in the port city."

Laida learnt the art skills from one of her professors Ravi Shankar Patnaik and in less time, she received huge appreciation for her sculptural work.

Laida has mastered the art of wood sculptures and she does a lot of experiments with oil colour, watercolour and charcoal.

"Though born and brought up in the US, she got accustomed to Indian culture and its lifestyle. Laida is trying to shine in fine arts and not just for a certificate. Though many foreign students study in the university, the way and interest being shown by Laida are appreciable," Patnaik said.

"During the Corona pandemic many students left the varsity but Laida remained here to learn skills. Her friends in the varsity appreciate Laida for her determination," he added.

Despite being a foreigner, she lovess and enjoys the bliss of Indian soil, its fragrance and love the sculptures made out of it. Laida is putting efforts to make sure that Indian art reaches the foreign audience.