I still vividly remember someone asking me why we have kept these things in the storeroom and why not just discard them. I was labelled as a compulsive hoarder and what not. Well, I could not explain it to them at that moment, as to what their worth in the journey of my life was and what memories were emotionally involved. Those were the things that could still bring a smile to my face and brighten my day by making me take a quick walk down memory lane. One fine day I decided to transform these useless, unwanted, discarded, products (waste for all but wonderful memoirs for me), and impart them newness which would be perceived to be of greater quality, have artistic as well as esthetic value and would be environmentally sustainable. Driven by these emotions and not wanting to lose my precious reminiscences, I found myself picking up my brush and tools, searching for the vibrant colours and isolating myself from the world so as to give a new lease of life to almost forgotten things.
The COVID lockdown and compulsory isolation proved to be a boon in disguise to discover the latent artist in me (for I firmly believe there is a hidden artist in every human creation) and then there was no turning back and Eureka!! Some of these renovated, rejuvenated and refurbished stuff made me also wonder, why I had never thought of this before. The inspiration always came from surroundings and from the scenes or events long gone by. So, the passion goes on and on, and every old long-forgotten thing finds its way into my studio. After it is redone, it finds some or the other utility and creates a new topic of conversation.
The makeover works have left many a person flabbergasted and speechless. It is my sincere advice to one and all to think about all the options before discarding something. The pleasure and satisfaction in rejuvenating something is unparalleled and much beyond using a readymade article may it be a household item, a wearable piece or even something like packing material.
“What may be worthless Today may prove it’s worth tomorrow.”
Dr. Mukti Bhatnagar (Sangh Mata – Founder, Subharti Group)
