To preserve ancient crafts and traditions, Raahul Khadaliya, Bengaluru-based artist started a design company called Studio ABCD in 2011. He and his team of four upcycle old posters as well as other waste materials to create ancient art pieces. Most artworks are designed using age-old block printing technique. From decorative objects to practical office accessories, the firm creates almost everything that you need on daily basis.

The team collects old posters and waste materials to make practical objects. For instance, they use rubber tubes from scooters and trucks to make containers, placeholders, and several other products. The decorative papers on one side look like works of art, but when you turn them over, you can see old political posters, movie posters or newspapers. These patterned pieces can be used as wrapping paper, wallpapers or partitions in homes.

Khadaliya began working on upcycled products after he read an article that how traditional block printers from Kutch, Gujarat are throwing their tools into the river because of the rising competition. Though their artworks were cheaper, but didn’t match the modern products in quality or detailing.

So, he thought of preventing this dying art form and make people aware that how quality products can be made through upcycling, while adding ancient touch on them. In the images, you can see that all these products seem quite contemporary and you’d surely like to grab one or two.

Instead of recycling, Khadaliya prefers upcycling the products – as a lot of energy and resources are spent when recycling is done. So, he prefers to collect the unused materials and turn them creative works of art, without undergoing the recycling process.

In future, he hopes to employ 3,000 to 5,000 people to make more sustainable products. As for now, he and his co-workers are trying to make products as fast as any commercial machine-made products. This is because he wants his products to be accessible to a wide range of consumers. Plus, he doesn’t want his products to be sold under any designer label. For more details, you may visit the official website.

Besides the studio, Khadaliya also collaborates with a rehabilitation centre in Hubballi, which trains as well as provides employment to handicapped people. We hope that Khadaliya successfully attains his goal and makes his sustainable products reach more people.

Via: TOI