Through the power of paper mache and months of hard work eighth grade student Rayna Jagasia created a liberating sculpture of an Indian goddess for her art class.

Mrs. Donewitz, Jagasia’s art teacher for the first semester, assigned the class to make paper mache figure sculptures of whoever they wanted. Jagasia, however, said she wanted to make a sculpture of someone she looked up to. She chose to replicate the Goddess Paravati, a representative of her Indian culture.

Goddess Paravati, also known as Davi Paravati, is the goddess of nature and power. She is the wife of Lord Shivah, who is the Protector. Jagasia chose her sculpture to be Goddess Durga, one of the many forms Davi Paravati takes.

Jagasia felt as though the Goddess Paravati represented women empowerment, being inspired by the “different opportunities and traditions” her culture gives her. “She is a woman. She is the beginning and end of culture,” Jagasia described her inspiration. Mrs. Donewitz feels art classes should give “opportunities” for students, by “assigning projects that give students free expression” and “encouraging self-expression”.

The process of building the sculpture took about two months, starting in December and working until February. Jagasia began her project by bending a wire into a human form. Next, using duct tape, crumpled newspaper, and paper mache, she created a layer over the wire. She then painted it white, drawing a blouse and attaching a skirt on via hot glue. After painting the skin and face of the sculpture, she finalized the project with accessories and wool for hair.

After completing the “difficult” project, Jagasia felt “accomplished”, approving of the “pretty” result. Mrs. Donewitz also agreed, describing Jagasia’s project as “the most creative and detailed” project she’d ever seen. “Her work ethic really made anything possible.” Mrs. Donewitz commented on her student. “I really felt Rayna deserved the spotlight.”