Sharda Chitrakar was born in 1940 in a family involved in art. Her father, Tejbhahadur Chitrakar, is one of Nepal’s finest artists and art teachers. Having a teacher at home, it was almost impossible for Sharda for not learning painting. As a result, she started painting at the age of 13.
Sharda Chitrakar is constantly striving for the protection and promotion of Newari folk art. When she was appointed at the Department of Folk Art in Nepal Fine Arts Academy, she started many national art movements, art workshops, awards, and publications, with the sole aim of preserving Newari and other ethnic identities. When her tenure at the Academy was over, she got even more responsibility as the vice-chancellor of the Academy.
As the vice-chancellor, she wrote a pictorial book about Newari folk art—Pauranik Newar Lokkala Pujya. She has even made her house, located at Purna Chandi Marga, Jawlakhel, as an art training center. She particularly trains about the paintings important in festivals—for instance, that of Goddess Laxmi during Laxmi Puja. That she wants to kindle awareness for tradition among the present generation is lucid from her attempts. In fact, she still uses Thasa (Newari word for wooden blocks used in paintings), believing that it is a symbol of Newari civilization.
In spite of five decades’ experience, she never hurried for an exhibition. Instead, she waited for her voice, and it was only in 2002 that she had a solo art exhibition. That exhibition clarified her subject matter. She is much interested in landscapes and cultural heritage. With watercolors and sketches, she regularly illustrates culture and nature, especially birds, in her art. She uses fewer colors and lines, yet gives powerful messages. Such communication has remained her signature style.
She has also helped in the establishment and functioning of Painters’ Society, particularly to ensure a regular organization of artists. She is a member of its working committee. She is constantly working in the research and progress of Newari Culture and folk art.