Teen upcycles everyday items artistically

CHENNAI: Colours bring joy to me and I’m happy that I can spread joy through art and colours, creating usable materials thereby upcycling and contributing my bit to sustainability,” says 17-year-old Srishti Kucheria, founder of Caught in Colours.

Srishti continues, “My brother decided to discard his shoes. I picked them up thinking they were still in fairly good shape and decided to restore their reusability. Even if something had gone wrong it wouldn’t have mattered because it was a waste to him. I started my work and by the end of it, he decided to wear the shoes again and he wears them even today. This concept struck a chord within me that day.”

Talking about her small business, Caught in Colours, she says, “I started the venture in 2018 to celebrate art and make usable things that could bring a little bit of col- our and happiness to people.” Srishti upcycles everyday items like clothes, shoes, and stationaries trying out different forms of craft and customisations.

“This journey started with combining various forms of craft and creating an entirely different usable material or item. I started experimenting with any waste material that I thought could be reused into something useful and was also environment-friendly.

“I started by customising diaries, gift wrappers, mugs, t-shirts, and canvas shoes. Initially, it was difficult to cater to the different needs of the clients and their expectations. Some of them wanted themes like- space, good luck charms, florals, doodling, nature, and even brands and logos,” says Srishti.

She adds, “I turn discarded pieces of wood into planners, give new looks to worn-out tote bags, and enhance recycled paper with block printing. Upcycling is important, we can give a makeover to things and they’ll be of use again. What feels better than returning the utility and value of something that’s about to lose its value”

Srishti’s goal is to take those pitiful pairs of pants and turn them into something worth keeping. Having to balance school and her small business, she tries her best to ensure that she does not lose touch with art and upcycling.

“Upcycling through art is an integral part of my life and I intend to keep working on it and growing with it in the coming years. Think twice before throwing something out; a little creativity and enthusiasm can transform your things around. I believe all things that one does must contribute to oneself, the community, and the world. Caught in Colours is my way of giving back,” Srishti signs off.