A full-time job on salary offers financial comfort and stability but it doesn’t guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Just ask Istanbul-based Turkish artist Sena Runa. It might sound crazy to some, but Runa gave up the cozy ideals of her job in human resources to pursue her passion for making paper art.

Instead of working as an HR specialist Runa now spends her days paper quilling, and the results are simply amazing. Many people dream of quitting their day job to go after a bigger passion or goal, but the thought alone is daunting enough, forcing many to stay in lackluster positions for monetary stability.

If you’re toying with quitting your job for a more independent, creative career path Runa says, “I’d advise them to follow their imagination. There they can find originality. If they try to copy others’ works, that will limit their works. And they should have the passion for it, they should keep creating even if they’re tired or it’s 6 am in the morning.”

She adds, “I am new in the art career (I’ve been a full-time working artist for 7 months), sometimes I feel scared and sometimes I don’t. I just believe in what I do and I know I’ll continue to create in the future.”

Runa’s paper art will blow your mind causing you to question just how she does it. Technically known as quilling or paper filigree, the intricate art “involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs.” Paper quilling was popular during the Renaissance period and 18th century, but to the delight of many is making a comeback in modern art.

In an email interview with MyModernMet.com Runa shared, “I began quilling three years ago. While I was searching the Internet for inspiration to find the right hobby for me, I found a colourful picture that was made from paper using the quilling technique, but I had no idea what it was called. I tried to make it (I had colored papers from my earlier hobby: origami), but it turned out awful! After exploring many quilled creations online, I soon found my own style.”

“I make a lot of hearts because people love the details in them, and it is one of the first artworks that I created. Also, it is a great way to say ‘I love you!’”

“Everything you create could be art, so if you believe that you make beautiful things, then you’ll see that everyone will agree.”

Follow Runa on Instagram to see more of her ongoing work. You can also purchase your own quilled paper art through her Etsy shop.

Photo Credits: Facebook, Instagram, Etsy

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