Tsuktiben Jamir
At Ek Kalakaar Design Studio, they explore the imaginative creativity that coexists peacefully with art and design. The studio is committed to avoiding the banal and favouring the creation of classic daily furnishings and settings. It brings creativity to life in a world of possibilities with strikingly original concepts and materials derived from sustainably managed forests.
In the pursuit of distinctive designs, the sustainable brand strives to create furniture that effortlessly enhances the aesthetics of any space. However, their philosophy’s core lies in a commitment to upcycling and sustainability. The founder frequently dedicates his weekends to exploring scrap markets, procuring TMT steel bars, remnants from construction, metal corrugated sheets, plastic pipes, old tires, and, naturally, wood from his farmhouse.
“I had a degree in transportation design and was then engaged in my family business for a decade. But I soon realised it wasn’t my cup of tea. I couldn’t cope as I wasn’t of a business bent of mind, but rather a creative one,” Anurag told The Better India. Anurag founded Ek Kalakaar Designs, a sustainable studio specialising in handcrafted designer furniture.
Courtesy: The Better India.
Anurag continues by describing how he spent his days debating what career to pursue and how, in 2017, a string of family conflicts forced him out of the family company, leaving him worried about the future. Nevertheless, it seemed as though the world had already decided whether or not he should quit his job and follow his heart.
As Anurag contemplated his next steps, he discovered an inner passion for the art of interior design and décor. He recognized furniture design as an avenue to unleash his boundless creativity. With unwavering determination, he delved into this realm, unknowingly stepping into a world where fate weaves its intricate tapestry. Anurag’s quest for suitable materials to craft his furniture became a captivating journey where the threads of destiny aligned in the most enchanting and mysterious manner.
He was drawn to the abandoned materials in his farmhouse’s spare room, including the discarded wood, TMT steel bars, old cabinets, and broken chairs. A conviction that one day this particular area would change into his treasured studio surfaced as he focused on this collection of abandoned treasures. The farmhouse, according to Anurag, also had several dispersed fallen trees that provided a lot of wood that was ready for use for the furniture.
Courtesy: Ek Kalakaar Designs.
Eventually, Anurag arrived at the day where he drilled holes into large slabs of wood before starting to shape and reshape his first piece. After months of labour on the scrap wood, he finally finished a bench supported by a wooden trunk that would become his most famous piece.
Lacking a background in interior design, Anurag found himself less acquainted with prevailing trends. However, instead of perceiving this as a hindrance, he considered it fortunate. He took advantage of his predicament and enjoyed the freedom from trends and rules, making his creations emerge from the depths of his heart. By shifting the focus away from trends, Anurag embraced a more intuitive approach, allowing his creations to evolve organically.
Anurag emphasises that each piece of furniture he has made has a compelling and meaningful intent. As a result, in 2019, when he decided to expand the reach of Ek Kalakaar Designs and make them available online, the reception was positive. Around this period, the COVID epidemic drove everyone to stay inside their homes. Anurag used this opportunity by working long hours in his workshop on designs.
