The Better India · 6 days ago
Imagine stumbling across a forgotten box of childhood toys, each one holding a fragment of a story, a moment of joy, now destined for the attic. Poonam Shah, an artist in Mumbai, saw these relics not as remnants but as opportunities. "Art is not just about creating something beautiful," she reflects, "it is also about giving life to the forgotten, the discarded, and the overlooked." From her studio, she transforms her daughter's outgrown toys into stunning, bespoke resin art furniture-a playful yet profound nod to sustainability and creativity. Her journey began with a simple question from her daughter, Ayana, sparking a revelation. Could these toys, once cherished and adored, be resurrected into unique creations like chairs, tables, and lamps? Poonam's work is more than just practical; it's personal-a celebration of nostalgia encapsulated in resin's glossy embrace. Each piece, such as vibrant chairs or tables adorned with frozen candies, is a tapestry of colorful memories intricately woven together. Despite her initial career in finance, Poonam's artistic calling pulled her back to her roots. Her audience, discovered mostly through Instagram, revels in the fusion of the past and present her work embodies. These aren't just pieces of furniture; they are heartfelt time capsules, preserving childhood joy for generations to admire. As Poonam aptly puts it, "Each piece is a new opportunity to prove myself as an artist," inviting families to hold onto those precious, fleeting moments.