Sabina Da Cunha, a talented artist from Goa, has been making waves in the art world with her stunning traditional crafts. Recently, she was awarded the prestigious Art & Culture Award at the Orchid Awards 2025. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Sabina to discuss her artistic journey, inspiration, and creative process.
When asked about her win, Sabina shared, “It feels incredibly humbling and rewarding to be recognized for something I do with so much love and passion. This award is not just for me but for everyone who has supported me, especially my family and the women in my community who have kept this tradition alive.”
Sabina’s artistic journey began as a necessity. After her son was diagnosed with a rare bleeding disorder, she had to leave her job in Dubai and return to Goa. It was then that she turned to mollam weaving, a traditional craft she learned from her grandmother. “It started as a necessity but soon became a passion,” she explained.
Sabina’s love for working with coconut leaves to create mollam is evident in her work. “It’s a simple yet beautiful craft that connects me to my roots and the environment,” she said. Her creative process begins with selecting the right coconut leaves, cleaning and preparing them for weaving, and experimenting with new patterns inspired by nature or her children’s drawings.
Sabina’s biggest inspiration is her family and community. Her children remind her every day of the importance of perseverance and finding joy in small things. She also draws inspiration from the women in her village who have been weaving mollam for generations.
Sabina stays true to traditional techniques and designs while also adapting to modern tastes. “I listen to my customers and incorporate their feedback,” she said. “For example, I’ve started creating smaller, decorative pieces that appeal to younger generations and tourists.”
Sabina hopes her art will be remembered as a celebration of Goan culture and a testament to the strength of women. She wants her work to inspire others to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and to keep traditional crafts alive.
Sabina’s advice to aspiring artists is to start with passion and patience. “Art is not always about perfection; it’s about expression and connection,” she said.
Sabina is planning an exhibition to showcase the art of mollam weaving and its cultural significance. She is also organizing workshops to empower women with skills that can support their families.
We are thrilled to celebrate Sabina Da Cunha’s achievement and share her inspiring story with our readers. Congratulations once again on her well-deserved win!
