Priti Kabra
I am a professionally trained interior designer who followed my curiosity into the world of upcycling and handcrafted art. Living a low-waste life made me look at materials differently. I wanted to create art that not only holds meaning but also reduces waste in the process. To do that, I had to unlearn almost everything I knew so far, and I knew thinking outside the box was my only way forward.
Today, I work primarily with textile and other waste, spinning yarns and weaving them into one-of-a-kind creations. The process is intuitive and grounded in deep respect and discipline for materials that are often discarded. While I was trying and experimenting with a few things at a time, I found myself constantly alternating between spinning and weaving. It was a strong calling. It just felt right. What began as experiments evolved into a practice that allows me to give shape to emotion, moment, and inspiration I draw from daily life and the natural world. Each piece is a transformation of material, of thought, and of the way we choose to see what already exists.
Through My Lens
A closer look at the thoughts, moments and processes that shape my work
Now when I look back, there are so many things that transpired for me to be here, gradually and steadily shaped by everyday choices and unexpected encounters. Travelling played a crucial part. To me, seeing waste floating in the seas and oceans felt expected, but finding trash atop remote mountains where few people reach was extremely unsettling. It was a reminder that everything finds its way somewhere, even when it is no longer visible to us.
Once I had seen that, I couldn’t unsee it. That realisation made me look more closely at what surrounded me. I began choosing materials with care, prioritising what was already present and often neglected. Glass and textiles drew my attention for different reasons. One is entirely recyclable but rarely reused. The other is one of the largest contributors to pollution and is difficult to recycle. Not to forget, they are also beautiful materials to work with. I have since upcycled over 1,000 kilograms of glass into planters, lamps, and objects, and worked extensively with textile waste in decor and art.
This journey has been self-taught, shaped not by instruction but led by curiosity, experimentation, and a quiet commitment to creating with intention.
Let’s Connect
If something you see here speaks to you, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a thought, a question, or just a hello, you can reach out directly.