Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, Jammu and Kashmir has been under continuous lockdown, first as a precautionary measure following the August 5 decision and then owing to COVID-19. For most residents, the prevailing situation has brought life to a standstill for most while some considered this an opportunity to upskill.
One of those who took the unusual path is 24-year-old Marukh Raina.
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During the prolonged inactivity in the Valley, Marukh, a resident of Srinagar's Zakura area, learnt resin art besides calligraphy and now makes miniature artworks. She is an engineering graduate from the Islamic University of Science and Technology and has been shortlisted for a job at a Fortune 500 company. She, however, says resin art will always be her priority.
"All these months, I had nothing to do. I wanted to do something unique which is why I chose resin art. I've been trying to master this art for the last five months. I can make a lot of things now," she said.
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Marukh is of the opinion that one should never claim to know an art unless mastering it. That is why she has been honing her skills with the help of online tutorials.
"I buy resin from the market, which is hard to find. Then I put them in different moulds. The whole process takes at least 24 hours, but I take two-three days for my satisfaction so that the output is noteworthy," she said.
Besides resin art, Marukh also does calligraphy. "Calligraphy is not just about writing...there is a rule of the line which you have to follow. The pandemic, for me, was a blessing in disguise as it gave me an opportunity to learn new skills," she said.
