Designer Shahid Datawala mixes sewage layouts and cutlery with jewellery designs and dishes out quirky neckpieces
Designer Shahid Datawala mixes sewage layouts and cutlery with jewellery designs and dishes out quirky neckpiecesWhile most of us curse the sewage system of the city that causes havoc every monsoon, Shahid Datawala looks at the beauty in the beast. Datawala who is an artist, jewellery designer, furniture designer and photographer all rolled into one, has recently launched two collections of jewellery -- The Great Bombay Sewage System and Tablewear -- inspired by the sewage system of the city and vintage cutlery respectively.
Shahid Datawala's jewellery inspired by sewage and made of
vintage cutlery"However convoluted the sewage system might be, I found an inspiration in it. Most of my work is a result of my daily observations. The sewage line is considered inane by most people, but I have given it a new life," says Datawala about his copper neckpieces. The patterns of the pieces are based on how he imagined the sewage lines would be underground. He also makes these neckpieces in silver and gold when commissioned.
Datawala as an avid collector of all things quirky be it irons or sewing machines. His second collection, Tablewear, is a result of one such object he owns. Datawala's grandmother used to collect cutlery from the British era and when she was discarding them Datawala says, "I just took it from her." After some twisting, bending, cutting, sculpting and welding, Datawala transformed these vintage pieces into statement-making neckpieces. "Each piece takes about four to five hours to complete," he points out.
The two collections launched have strikingly different themes, one deals with food while the other with waste. The designer says that it was just a coincidence that they were both launched together. Datawala who has been working on these pieces since a year and a half now says that all his works are a mix of humour and sensuality. Though some might find it quite cheeky to wear forks as neckpieces, he explains that their form is what makes them beautiful and sensual.
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