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Nik's Touch Transforms Paper into Meaningful Art
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Culture & Society

Nik's Touch Transforms Paper into Meaningful Art

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Nik Norkatijah Mohd Razak transforms paper strips into intricate art through paper quilling.
  • Her passion for paper crafts, influenced by her mother, began in childhood and was reignited after a 12-year break.
  • She learned the technique via YouTube, starting with simple bookmarks and overcoming challenges in achieving neat rolls through persistent practice.

Nik Norkatijah Mohd Razak, 35, transforms ordinary paper strips into valuable works of art using the technique of paper quilling. Each meticulously arranged roll of paper embodies patience, precision, and creativity. Her interest in paper quilling, which had paused for 12 years, has now become a significant part of her creative journey.

I've always loved paper since I was young. I feel this creative talent comes from my mother because she was also involved in handicrafts.

— Nik Norkatijah Mohd RazakNik Norkatijah shared her early influences and passion for paper crafts.

Originally from Kuala Besut, Terengganu, Nik Norkatijah's fascination with paper-based art began in primary school, where she enjoyed creating colorful notes. She credits her mother, Engku Rafieah, a former crafter, for influencing her artistic inclination. "I've always loved paper since I was young. I feel this creative talent comes from my mother because she was also involved in handicrafts," she told Seri.

I started looking for tutorial videos on YouTube and taught myself. I watched technique after technique, then practiced until I successfully created my first piece.

— Nik Norkatijah Mohd RazakNik Norkatijah described her self-taught journey into paper quilling.

While her love for art started early, Nik Norkatijah began experimenting with paper quilling during her third year at Yarmouk University in Jordan. During a long semester break, she taught herself the technique by watching YouTube tutorials. "I started looking for tutorial videos on YouTube and taught myself. I watched technique after technique, then practiced until I successfully created my first piece," she recalled.

I was very happy and excited when I finished it. My friends encouraged me to sell the bookmark to other students.

— Nik Norkatijah Mohd RazakNik Norkatijah reflected on the satisfaction and encouragement she received after completing her first paper quilling artwork.

Her initial creation was a flower-patterned bookmark. Despite its simplicity, the piece brought immense satisfaction and marked the beginning of her evolving passion. "I was very happy and excited when I finished it. My friends encouraged me to sell the bookmark to other students," she said. However, mastering the craft presented challenges, particularly in achieving perfectly neat paper rolls, which required careful shaping before arrangement. This skill demanded continuous practice, taking her several weeks to fully grasp the basic techniques.

For neat results, a lot of practice is needed. It took me several weeks to truly understand the basic techniques of rolling paper.

— Nik Norkatijah Mohd RazakNik Norkatijah explained the dedication required to master the paper rolling technique in quilling.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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