Dubai: Not being able to channel her creativity at work, Bhawna Budhraja Bhutad began to use her talent to produce recycled art to make a difference in the community. Bhutad moved to the UAE from India three years ago, following her marriage. She tried looking for a job in her field of fashion designing but could not find one hence, took up a desk job in the marine industry. Seeing her unhappy at work and not finding a source to showcase her creativity, her husband, Nikhil suggested that she use the empty olive bottles at home for creating something creative.
On March 6, 2013, Bhutad started her journey of recycling materials such as empty glass bottles and newspapers to pieces of art. She posted a picture of her work on Facebook and received many likes and appreciation by her friends and family, encouraging her to continue her work.
“Three friends in India and United States have started recycling themselves after my posts,” she said. In 2013, she exhibited her work at The Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) market, based in Dubai. She has also gifted her work to her friends and family on special occasions and received positive feedback. Bhutad wanted to take her work a step further and applied to two different environment groups in the UAE but did not get a positive response from them.
Around two months back she quit her job to focus on her dream of working with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to teach children her craft. She’s found an NGO that allows people to come and teach classes free of cost.
“It is for the betterment of children, and helps them make a living for themselves as people buy things made by children registered with various NGO. Many people are reluctant to use recycled products and instead, dump waste, which is very dangerous for the environment.’ Bhutad has done extensive research online for conservation and recycling and wants to create awareness for the cause.
“It is very easy to arrange the materials for the art work. Restaurants throw away their empty bottles, so I collect them from places near my home. Eggshells could be brought from local bakeries. Any waste fabric, laces and old newspapers are good materials.
“Everyone should start recycling and try to stay close to Nature. We do not needs more complications as there is so much happening in the world. It feels good to be a part of contributors - recycling community,” Bhutad concluded.
— The author is an intern at the Readers Desk at Gulf News.
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