BAVINA SOOKDEO
Kashma Khan wears many hats, each woven from the threads of creativity and dedication. He is a retired public servant with a career spanning over four decades. He has contributed to several governmental institutions, including the Ministry of Education and the National Museum.
Now, as the manager and curator of the ASJA Archives and Museum at the Education Complex, Charlieville, he oversees the preservation of Islamic and local artefacts. His other passion? The delicate, ancient Japanese art of origami, which he has uniquely transformed into an expressive cultural craft.
A La Romaine resident and father of four, Khan’s introduction to origami was serendipitous. In 2008, during a visit to Canada, he encountered a tutorial book on 3D origami at a bookstore in Toronto.
“I was always a craft-oriented person and so I was constantly exploring different types of creativity of art and crafts, including paper crafts.”
This book reawakened his interest in origami, which was first nurtured by his mother.
[caption id="attachment_1128387" align="alignnone" width="540"] Plaque design by Kashma Khan -[/caption]
“My mother...taught a wide variety of crafts...during my childhood to teenage years. I believe that I inherited this skill in my genes from her and my father, who, himself, was a good artist and craftmaker.”
Inspired by her and equipped with newfound techniques, Khan, 67, began to hone his origami craft.
“I made a few pieces for family members and friends. Their appreciation and very positive comments really encouraged me to get into this seriously. Then I started experimenting and creating.”
His origami experiences are also coloured by his years as a public servant and as curator of the Islamic museum.
“Meeting and interacting in numerous different ways with thousands of people, I learnt about things my friends and associates liked or wanted as well as their appreciation of gifts on special occasions and this gave me opportunities to create things people liked and to present to them. I believe I am very good at creating things with my brain, my mind and my hands.
[caption id="attachment_1128382" align="alignnone" width="748"] Origami pieces designed by Kashma Khan. -[/caption]
“My experience…has afforded me the understanding and knowledge of objects, shapes, and functionality.”
His origami pieces often incorporate culturally-inspired elements. Among his favourite designs are penholders, jewel and trinket boxes, decorative pieces, Islamic items, plaques and household items such as napkin holders, stationery holders and also pieces of a national flavour in red, white and black, all in 3D origami.
“The joy is in seeing something magnificent, magically taking shape from just sheets of paper to an object of art that attracts your eyes over and over. I made that!” Khan shared with pride.
Creating these intricate pieces is no small feat, involving hundreds – sometimes thousands – of folded paper units that are carefully arranged and glued.
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