At 28, S Girija’s life is a testomony to endurance and energy. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a uncommon genetic situation that causes excessive bone fragility, she has endured not simply bodily hardship however the weight of being doubted, underestimated, and dismissed. But she has remodeled that ache into function. For her clients, she is the artist behind delicate handmade earrings and personalised clay art work. For herself, she is one thing way more highly effective: a girl who refuses to surrender.
This dysfunction has been Girija’s lifelong companion, however that has not stopped her from pursuing her goals. Her bones are fragile, and her physique aches continually, however she stays agency on her journey and her ardour in the direction of art work. Girija was born in Bengaluru’s Chickpet, a bustling market space. Her father is a tailor, and her mom a housewife.
Girija by no means went to highschool or school. She watches TV and learns. She is keen on cartoons and flicks, particularly James Bond. She doesn’t enable an absence of formal training to outline her.
“Individuals ask why I didn’t examine. I simply say, “It didn’t come to my head,” she stated. However what did come to her — naturally and persistently — was artwork. “I began once I was round eight. I’d draw cartoons. My mom noticed it and inspired me. She couldn’t fulfil her goals, so she stated—let’s make yours come true,” stated Girija, who additionally tried her luck in a authorities job however was denied one because of an absence of formal training.
Girija was with osteogenesis imperfecta (File)
A mom, a greatest buddy, a warrior
What carried her by was not simply medical care however the ironclad bond she shares along with her mom. “We aren’t like a traditional mom and daughter — we’re buddies. We combat; she shouts; generally she slaps. However principally she is my chill mother,” Girija stated. The humour slips in simply, however there’s darkness too. “When my mother is sick, I really feel so helpless. I need to maintain her now. That’s my dream. I don’t need to rely upon my dad and mom financially anymore. I need to be the one they rely upon,” she stated. This need for independence fuels her work.
Paintings created by Girija (File)
Creating artwork – slowly, superbly, painfully
Girija began promoting artwork in 2020. Initially, the enterprise was at a sluggish tempo. No followers, no orders. However then one lady, Preeti from Mumbai, discovered her Instagram in 2022 and have become her first consumer, after which she turned her buddy. She gave her hope. Since then, she has made dozens of earrings and clay items. Everybody thinks she sells loads, however sadly, her enterprise is simply taking off, and loads of hardships include it. With every bit comes bodily ache and exhaustion.
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“One earring takes me 4 to 6 days. A full clay art work? Possibly 15 to 21 days. Individuals don’t perceive. They ask for a reduction, or they ghost me after I inform them the worth. However I put my physique and soul into it. They don’t perceive the exhausting work.” She begs for persistence, respect, and kindness. “Give me time,” she says, “I need to do it properly.”
Earrings made by Girija (File)
For years, nobody in her neighbourhood recognised her work. Now, after her story went public by social media, she will get some recognition. Some supply help, whereas some even query her existence. “Somebody referred to as me on video name simply to see if I’m actual,” she says. “My mother and I cried that day. I’m not pretend. I’m actual. Please don’t do this.”
She remembers how folks stare at her in public, “like I’m a zoo animal”. They take a look at her like she’s “an alien that got here to town.” However she desires to be heard; she insists, “I’m a human being. You respect me; I’ll respect you. That’s all.”
Rising up, each motion posed a threat. Fractures have been frequent; hospital visits have been routine. “In a single harrowing episode, I used to be within the ICU as soon as in 2016. Even medical doctors informed my mother—that’s it. However I informed myself, ‘Don’t hand over’. That’s what I maintain saying to myself even now,” she remembers.
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Earrings created by Girija (File)
Defying each social and bodily constraints, Girija now runs a small however thriving enterprise from house, crafting handmade jewelry and clay art work. Every bit is the results of lengthy hours, immense precision, and bodily effort many would take as a right. She speaks of artwork as one thing that gave her dignity and a future.
And her message to different younger women and artists? “Seek for your objectives. No matter you need to turn into—physician, artist, or musician—don’t cease. Simply maintain doing exhausting work.”
Her dream is straightforward: to show her artwork right into a enterprise. She desires folks to see her not as a woman with a illness however as an artist, a girl, a traditional individual. It’s her manner of standing up, even when she will be able to’t stand. Girija doesn’t ask for sympathy. She solely asks to be seen for who she actually is.
Mehak Singh and Bhoomika Roy Banerjee and interns with the Indian Categorical