Upcycled and Sustainable Art Commissions
I turn discarded materials—from old cassettes to worn-out shoes—into functional art. Explore how we can give your waste a beautiful new story.
A closer look at the hand-painted shoes, turning old footwear into a piece of wearable ocean art. If you have an old pair of shoes you love, we can work together to give them a creative new beginning.
This custom tote bag was painted for a Liverpool FC fan, featuring a portrait of Steven Gerrard. It's a great example of how we can combine personal passions with functional, sustainable art.
This piece, 'The Human Imprint', uses a simple handprint on a tote bag to send a message about our impact on the oceans. The small fish swimming within the print is a reminder of what's at stake.
This piece, 'The Human Imprint', uses a simple handprint on a tote bag to send a message about our impact on the oceans. The small fish swimming within the print is a reminder of what's at stake.
I love using traditional techniques in my work. Here, I'm using a wooden block with an elephant design to print on a tote bag, a simple yet beautiful way to customize fabric.
A plain sheer curtain gets a new personality. I used wooden blocks to print a pattern, adding a touch of character and custom design to an everyday home item.
This is the journey of creating a side table entirely from waste materials. I used discarded beer bottles, cardboard, and paper bags to construct a functional and artistic piece of furniture.
This is the journey of creating a side table entirely from waste materials. I used discarded beer bottles, cardboard, and paper bags to construct a functional and artistic piece of furniture.
I have a deep sense of nostalgia for cassette tapes, which I love to upcycle into art. This video shows my process of using the tape to create textured portraits of icons like Freddie Mercury and The Beatles.
Can you guess what this is made from? I created this Dali-inspired melting clock keychain by upcycling a part of an old pair of eyeglasses, showing how even small scraps can become art.
About Upcycled & Sustainable Art
Whether you have a pair of scuffed sneakers you want to revive or a pile of ‘junk’ you’re not ready to discard, I work with what you already have. We’ll chat about your vision, and I’ll use weather-resistant fabric paints or structural upcycling to turn those items into something uniquely yours, without needing to buy anything new.
My approach to art is simple: if you have a memory attached to an object, let’s keep it alive rather than sending it to a landfill. I work with clients across Bangalore and India to transform everyday items—think old bottles, fabric scraps, or worn-out shoes—into pieces that spark joy and conversation.
The Process of Upcycling
- The Conversation: We start by talking about your item and the story you want it to tell. Whether it’s a portrait on a tote bag or a side table built from beer bottles and cardboard, the goal is to make it functional.
- The Medium: I use professional-grade acrylics, fabric sealants, and structural adhesives to ensure your piece is durable. For wearable art like shoes, I apply water-resistant sealants so you can actually use them.
- The Outcome: You get a one-of-a-kind piece that isn't just art; it's a statement against consumption. I love it when people send me things they’re hesitant to throw away—old eyeglasses, cassette tapes, or even vintage furniture. Everything has potential if we look at it with a little patience.
Common Questions
- Can I send you items from outside Bangalore? Yes, I ship across India. You can courier the items to my studio.
- What items can be upcycled? From denim jackets and sneakers to small furniture and home decor. If you have an idea, let’s brainstorm.
Madhuri Umashankar
Hi, I’m Madhuri. I’m a self-taught artist based in Bangalore who believes that the things we throw away often have the most potential. I’d love to help you turn your personal items into art that tells your story.
Looking for something else?
Explore other ways we can bring creativity into your space.
More from Custom Art Commissions by Madhuri Umashankar
More services by Madhuri Umashankar