ARTIST Baburam Bastakoti

Ten years ago, I had a heart attack that led to open-heart surgery—a moment that changed everything. Lying in the post-operative ward, I promised myself that if I got a second chance at life, I’d dedicate it to something new, something meaningful. As I recovered, I kept thinking about ways to push my art in a new direction. That’s when I started experimenting with fabric collages—piecing together scraps to create something whole again, much like my own healing process.

At first, it wasn’t easy. The technique was unfamiliar, and the materials didn’t always cooperate. But over time, those scattered pieces turned into landscapes, geometric designs, and abstract compositions, each one reflecting my journey—resilience, gratitude, and a deep sense of renewal.

Art, for me, has always been more than just creation; it’s a way to connect with something bigger. My later works became more spiritual, shaped by the introspection that came with recovery. In my fifties, I went back to university and co-founded a fine arts college in my hometown, hoping to inspire others the way art has inspired me. Along the way, I was honored with the National Folk Art Award from the government of Nepal, but what really drives me is the constant evolution of my work.

I believe life’s challenges shape us, coloring our experiences in ways we never expect. My journey—like my art—is always evolving, driven by gratitude, curiosity, and the excitement of what’s still to come.