Say hello to BEADS, an awesome design studio from Bhubaneswar! They're all about creating elegant and super cool products that are inspired by our rich ethnic culture. And the best part? They're totally eco-friendly! They truly believe in the magic of art and design. Their handmade products are contemporary and toxin-free. They do not use any plastic packaging either. Cool, right?
The art and craft scene in Odisha is a treasure trove of bewitching, varied, and intricate creations that make your jaw drop. We're talking stone work, silver filigree, wood craft, applique work, brass and bell metal work, dhokra castings, horn work, patta paintings, papier-mâché, terracotta, and more! It's like a never-ending list of creativity. But sadly, in recent years, some of these arts have been struggling to survive with artisans finding it hard to get work.
But don't worry! BEADS is here to save the day! They're on a mission to rejuvenate this amazing art heritage. They're all about combining tradition with contemporary design thinking and experimental art. It's like bringing the best of both worlds together! Their collection includes tableware, decorative pieces, wall art, planters, vases, and much more. If you’re looking for minimalistic yet elegant, earthy, and rustic pieces for your home, this is the store for you.
We loved the Raku-fired vase inspired by the rhythm of nature. The absolutely beautiful and unpredictable finish, the colours, textures, and forms give this vase a quirky yet refined contemporary look. Use it to keep brightly coloured, freeze-dried or artificial floral assortments in your room. Another favourite is the Jeda Kettle Set made by ceramist Upendra Kumar for those who love to spend time together and live in the moment. Jeda defines love and affection in the Kui language.
Baleri (which stands for intoxication in Kui) is a ceramic take on shot glasses, inspired by Dongria artwork. These triangle-shaped shot glasses are too cute and such a nice and artistic break from those regular ones. Also, check out Venus, a hand-moulded, glazed, and Raku-fired decorative piece that represents the strength to speak one’s mind, take bold choices, and yet stay humble.
The wall art is what stood out for us. BEADS is all about promoting art with a cool twist. They want everyone to unleash their creativity and let their imagination run wild through this super amazing programme called One Wall Residency - a creative playground for artists to come up with fresh ideas and try new stuff. They want to encourage artists to think outside the box and then turn these amazing ideas into wall art. It's like turning imagination into reality! They carefully keep all these cool art pieces so they can be installed whenever someone requests them.
So, if you want to rock some elegant and ethically inspired products while supporting local artisans and our incredible art heritage, BEADS is the place to be!
Prices start at INR 1,500.