Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Step-by-step rolling and coiling… and colorful strips of paper turn out into a real masterpiece.

A modern trend -- Quilling -- is in the peak of its popularity today. Quilling is the art of turning paper pieces to flowers, toys, pictures and even jewelry.

In the 15th century Quilling was considering as art in Europe, while in the 19th it turned to the ladies entertainment. The most part of the 20th century people even forgot about this kind of art. And only at the end of the last century Quilling again become popular.

About 20 basic elements are used in Quilling. However, the same technique is used in nearly every element, like rolling, gluing and of course imagination, which is undoubtedly required for those who are engaging in such kind of art.

Aysel Abdullazada and Nigar Kazimova are one of a few Azerbaijanis who are engaged in this unusual art. They did not go to special courses and they are not graduates of the art faculty. The two young talented girls just have had interest to art as long as they can remember themselves, for whom glue, scissors, tweezers and awl have became the best friends.

To be honest, I never thought that I can devote my life to this business, said Aysel. “After graduating the university I was looking for a job about half a year. Looking for something interesting to do I stumbled onto an article about various kind of paper art. There were many options. But, Quilling attracted me more with its patterns, curves and of course its bright colors.”

Nigar says that she was inspired by Aysel’s amazing works. “When I first time saw her works, I was excited how she make them, as Quilling looks very beautiful and gentle. Then, I rolled flowers by my fingers, but as I did not know how exactly to do it, I had to leave this occupation awhile,” she said.

However, it was not so easy for the girls to start their hobby, as wherever they went to buy equipments for the Quilling, sellers ruefully were shaking their heads, saying they never heard about it.

“Now, I order all the equipments via Internet or when I travel abroad. Sometimes my friends and relatives buy those colorful papers and bring while coming to Baku,” Aysel said.

“Once, while we were making Qulling angel, sitting in a cafe, a servant approached us and became interested in our works. He asked one of the works as a gift. After a while, he approached again and asked for another one, as a staff in the kitchen took his gift. Then, girls from the staff came and we distributed all our works. It was very interesting for them to look at our products. This is an example of how interest in art emerges, “ they remembered.

But in a short time, this activity has turned from a hobby to a real profitable job. A naive exhibition, where Aysel put her works on display, surprisingly changed her life. “Our works was published in the social networks. And what a surprise it was for me, when a woman liked my works and ordered for a competition. Perhaps it was one of the happiest moments of my life. I earned my first money from the hobby I really love,” she said remembering that day with admiration.

Since they became popular, orders for their handmade became flow like water, through social networks. They always find a time to make the job they really love.

”Yes, we have individual pages both on Facebook and Instagram,” the girls said. “Aysel’s page is devoted to the Quilling art, while my to various handmade I make,” Nigar said.

Girls have seriously engaged in their favorite business, along with their main work. Of course, sometimes something goes wrong or lack of inspiration play their role. However, they constantly believe that it is very uplifting and calming occupation, which helps make a day more productive.

“Tiredness after work plays its role. But the work we do never get bored, even if we could not deal with the same work several days. As the material in your hands is a perfect listener and storyteller,” Nigar said.

If the work you do is a favorite one, even the sleepless nights will not seem lost. Aysel shared memories with Azernews about her most laborious work.

“This work need accuracy,” said Aysel “that’s why my longest work was “The Starry Night” by Van Gogh. I often saw, that all those who are involved in Quilling make his work from paper well, and I decided to keep up with. I spent two months to this creativity, but I think it’s worth.”

Recently, the girls won a grant of a project held by Azerbaijan Youth Foundation. To this end they will have a chance to have their own studio for a month.

“This is a public workshop for those who did not receive art education, but seek for the art, whole their life. We just won the grant, so far. There is still a lot to do on the project implementation,” the girls stressed.

Those who want to get acquainted with the works can follow Aysel and Nigar at http://instagram.com/icequilling, https://www.facebook.com/quillingbyice?ref=hl and http://instagram.com/vilionsflowers, https://www.facebook.com/vilionsflowers