Anurag Bhandari, the founder of Ek Kalakar Designs, is a Gujarat-based designer who has embarked on a remarkable journey of transforming discarded objects into stunning eco-friendly furniture. His sustainable design studio has gained recognition for its unique approach of using fallen trees, manhole covers, and various waste materials to create exquisite pieces of handcrafted designer furniture.
A Creative Calling: Choosing the Path Less Travelled
Anurag Bhandari’s life has been defined by his love for creativity and an aversion to conventional choices. With a background in transportation design and a decade-long involvement in his family business, Anurag realised that he yearned for a more creative outlet. Despite facing uncertainty, a series of family disputes in 2017 propelled him to leave his family business and follow his passion.
From Uncertainty to Inspiration: The Birth of Ek Kalakar Designs
With limited savings and a desire to explore the world of furnishings and decor, Anurag found himself at a crossroads. He turned his attention to the discarded materials in a spare room of his farmhouse, including fallen trees and various household items. Recognizing the potential in these forgotten objects, Anurag saw an opportunity to build his brand and combine his passion for furniture design with sustainability and aesthetics.
Crafting Beauty from Waste: Ek Kalakar’s Innovative Approach
Anurag’s creative journey began by repurposing the discarded materials he found. Through trial and error, he transformed old wood, broken furniture, and other waste into remarkable pieces of functional art. His early creations had a raw and experimental aesthetic, but with valuable input from friends and visitors, he honed his designs and focused on perfecting the finishing touches.
Embracing Authenticity: Creating Timeless and Meaningful Furniture
While Anurag did not have a formal background in interior design, he discovered that his unique perspective allowed him to break free from trends and create pieces that came from the heart. Each piece of furniture from Ek Kalakar Designs carries a strong and meaningful story, bringing a sense of authenticity and soul into the homes of their customers. Anurag’s dedication to upcycling and sustainability remains at the core of his brand’s philosophy.
Ek Kalakar’s Material Alchemy: Transforming Waste into Art
Anurag’s resourcefulness knows no bounds as he scours scrap markets and his farmhouse for materials. By breathing new life into discarded TMT steel bars, metal corrugated sheets, plastic pipes, and even manhole covers, he showcases the beauty that can arise from waste. Anurag’s careful treatment of old wood, preserving its natural state and using natural remedies to ward off insects, adds an artistic touch to his designs.
Unveiling the Unconventional: Unique and Striking Designs
Ek Kalakar Designs has created a range of extraordinary products that captivate the imagination. From a table made from a fallen tree with its roots suspended in air to standing lamps crafted from PVC pipes, Anurag’s designs defy expectations. He takes pride in the reactions of people who are amazed to discover that these exquisite pieces are made from discarded materials.
Success with Sustainability: Ek Kalakar’s Journey Forward
Anurag’s commitment to sustainability and his unwavering dedication to his craft have resonated with customers across India. Ek Kalakar Designs ships its products pan-India, with prices varying based on the intricate work involved. The brand’s turnover reached an impressive Rs 18 lakh last year, a testament to the growing demand for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing furniture.
Anurag Bhandari’s Ek Kalakar Designs serves as an inspiring example of how creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to sustainability can revolutionise the world of furniture design. Through his innovative approach and ability to see beauty in the discarded, Anurag has crafted a brand that combines artistry with eco-consciousness. As Ek Kalakar continues to grow and thrive, it reinforces the idea that making waste look beautiful is not only a challenge but also a deeply gratifying endeavour.
