Lovely: A role model
The themes of Lovely's works are flowers, boats and landscapes. The flowers range from roses, tube roses and hasna hena, among others. Of late she has been painting street and village scenes, relying mostly on her imagination. Some of her works focus on the tragedy of women disfigured by acid burns.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the well-known Savar-based CRP. As Lovely maintains,' I learnt to paint after coming to CRP nine years ago.' Since then, the 17-year-old Lovely has been getting lessons and her work has been shown in many exhibitions.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Last year was an eventful time for her: she went to Germany to sell her cards and calendars at the invitation of the Friends of CRP. At the end of 2003 she also went to New Delhi to participate in the 6th International Abilympics.
This year too, Lovely has been highly productive. She has won several prizes: an honorary prize in the National Museum painting competition, first prize in the World White Stick Day, Save the Youth Forum (first prize) and Utsav Viddya Niketan (honorary prize). In a Victory Day competition at National Museum also she won a prize. Recently, she participated in a competition in the Savar Laboratory School .
All through her achievements, she has had the solid backing of CRP. Under a new agreement, the organisation provides painting materials, teaching fees and printing costs. She also gets Taka 3, 000 a month for painting, irrespective of her output.
Asked about her dream, Lovely says, 'I want to continue painting and one day be able to support my family. In future, I would like to learn to use a computer, do oil painting and build a beautiful home.' She has certainly built strong foundations for the future and her talent will take her places notwithstanding her impairment.