There was a time when it was thought to the word recycle as gifts, terrible gifts, of which we wanted to unpack again making a gift without feeling too guilty.
But today we talk about recycling and it is immediately art: vintage items with new uses, clothes made using old clothes fabrics, objects made with reprocessed materials to which has been given a new look.
What I think is that the idea of recycling hides a bit ‘of that love for the art of repairing things that, in the not too distant past, contemplated other options before throwing an object in the trash that until that moment had a place in our home or life.
The “Noah’s Ark” project is based on these good intentions.
Promoted in 1986 by Samuel Masih, it had the very first aim to propose a new craftsman-exporter relationship in the production of eco-friendly, ethical and fair-trade furniture, made by recycling various materials, such as wrought iron, steel, metal and tin. Behind these colored objects and original forms are hiding the artisans of Moradabad, the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India, skilled metal workers who – thanks to this initiative – succeed in keeping alive their activities put a strain on the high costs metal and strong commission payable to exporters.
You can not even imagine the variety of objects that are part of the project, but we are here today to give you a little taste.
Bowls, trays, lanterns, hot pads: useful items that express the belief that behind the surface of things can be hidden a beautiful story made of recycled materials, skilled hands and hope; that behind the mask of a society too often just cynical and indifferent there is still the face of a humanity that knows how to be empathetic, caring and supportive.
Ph. Sara Cartelli
© The Eat Culture
