Expressions on canvas at European exhibit

She is 53, she is on a wheelchair but her expressions on canvas have taken her work to London, Finland and Germany.

Patricia, who has been a member of Cheshire Home since she was only five, has carved a niche for herself in the world of art. Though physically challenged, her determination to produce good work has taken her paintings to many countries of Europe.

Delegates from various organisations have exhibited her paintings at shows and recently her work was one of the best-sellers at the Shatrang Mela in the steel city.

Exhibited at the Sports and Infotainment programme, an integral part of Tata Steel’s centenary celebrations at the Dhatkidih Community Centre, many of Patricia’s paintings were sold on the spot.

Patricia developed a fancy for colours and paintbrushes from a very young age. The periodic training at Cheshire Home helped sharpen her skill.

“Patricia’s work has been appreciated by various organisations. A few months ago, delegates from a London-based agency took some of her paintings with them. Earlier, some delegates from Germany had also picked up her paintings. They even encouraged her to work on more themes. Some foreign agencies have promised to buy more paintings from her, too,” said Sister Matinda, the in-charge at Cheshire Home.

So far, the 53-year-old has made over 2,000 paintings on varied themes — from landscapes to mythological characters — but what inspires her most is nature.

“When I came here, I did not want to mingle with the people. I started drawing sketches to vent out my thoughts and soon, I realised, that paints and brushes were my friends,” said Patricia, who uses water paints, fabric and oil paints for her work.

When asked how she felt when someone appreciated her work, Patricia thought for a while and said: “I never aspire for any prize. I love making paintings because my friends at Cheshire love them and become happy on seeing those creations.”

Apart from drawing vivid sketches, Patricia excels in baking dishes, too. She specialises in preparing bakes items and also takes orders.

“She loves painting during her leisure time. Apart from this, she is good at stitching and embroidery, too. In fact, she stitches clothes for other children at the home,” said Sister Matinda.

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