We’ve all had bad dreams to some extent, at least once in our lives. Whether it was because you watched a horror movie before sleep or the exams keeping you up. Dream catchers are mythologically known to protect us from these bad dreams and nightmares. But over the years, it has developed into an art form of its own. Kiran aka @RabtbyKiran on Instagram is here to remind us just how creative one can get while making dreamcatchers!
Every dream catcher she has ever crafted has a special story associated with it. Her customers, their relations, their dreams are inspiration for her as she hand-weaves each piece on her own. Filled with emotions and positivity, each piece of her work is sent with nothing but love.
How It All Started
Born and raised in Jalandhar, Punjab, Kiran has always been into art. It started with small things like scarp-books and flowerpots and here we are today. But that isn’t the career path she chose. An agricultural engineer by profession, she completed her undergrad degree in Ludhiana in Punjab Agricultural University. She then took a great step and moved to the US to pursue her masters. Her Master’s degree is in the Science of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
But it was also after her move when she realized she has to follow her dreams. She entered an art store and magic happened. Seeing all the materials and craft supplies, Kiran knew she couldn’t just let it go. She had to make art.
Where we are now
Narrating a beautiful story, she talks about this one time when she was asked to make a customized dream catcher of her own choice. Her customer wanted to gift it to someone. She sat and felt the piece within her and picked up wood, pearls and white threads. It just felt right, she said. Later, Kiran found out that this dream catcher was meant for her customer’s mother who suffered from cancer. And she loved pearls. Quite magical, if you ask me!
But it is precisely moments like this that push her to work hard towards her passion. She later admits that the sparkle of joy in their eyes when people receive their orders is her biggest motivator.
“It’s a beautiful feeling knowing your hand-crafted art is spreading happiness and joy”
@rabtbykiran
But life isn’t filled with only successes. You have to take a few falls, to learn and grow. Kiran admits that there have been times when people would place orders but not go through with them. And it would be heart-breaking to plan something and work on something, and get no response from the other side. But she rightly believes that when you are truly passionate about something, nothing can stop you. Sure, some people will reject you, your art, but hundreds will support you too.
Kiran also shares how creating these beautiful pieces of art brings her peace. She was fortunate enough to not deal with familial pressures. Her decisions have proven to work out for her and she has the full support of her family. “You eventually learn how to separate societal delusions from what your soul wants,” she says.
A message for all young dreamers
Kiran’s advice to all young aspirants is to keep exploring to find what you love the most, what brings you joy. And once you find it, don’t let go, no matter what. Regardless of time limitations, economic crunches or societal pressure, try your best to work your way through it. Hard work and passion can take you anywhere you want!
Make sure to show her your love and support by checking out her Instagram!
