by Muskan Fatima
SRINAGAR: In a region where conformity is the norm, two engineering cousins stood out with their unconventional thinking and unwavering determination. Their remarkable creativity and innovation resulted in the birth of Epoxy Resin Art furniture in Kashmir, turning heads and sparking interest in the design world.
Epoxy is a type of synthetic resin used in a variety of applications such as adhesives, coatings, and paints. It is made by mixing two components, a resin and a hardener, which react to form a strong, durable and often waterproof material. Epoxy can bond materials together, fill gaps or cracks, and create a protective layer over a surface. It is commonly used in construction, woodworking, automotive repair, and marine applications.
During Covid, Kashif began researching and making use of internet resources. He believes that the internet can be resourceful if used to surf the right things. After a lot of brainstorming and hard work, the business venture officially started in 2021. As Covid led to job losses on a large scale, an idea like this seemed like a good option for employment generation. Moreover, Kashmir is known for its wood, and Kashmiris share a common love for wood in general, as seen from the popular Kashmiri wood-carved furniture found in many Kashmiri households.
The catch is that Divine Epoxy Furniture uses scrap wood to create unique and durable pieces of furniture that showcase the natural beauty of the wood. Scrap wood can be repurposed and incorporated into epoxy furniture as a sustainable and eco-friendly option, adding a rustic touch to the design while reducing waste and contributing to a more environmentally conscious approach to furniture making. Scrap wood can create a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that tells a story and adds sentimental value to the item, making it more meaningful and valuable to the owner. Moreover, epoxy resin art gives a unique new look to the furniture, and since epoxy is waterproof, it also increases the lifespan of the furniture.
The harmonious marriage of wood and epoxy resin in furniture making creates a captivating and luxurious aesthetic that effortlessly blends organic warmth with modern elegance, resulting in exquisite pieces that are as visually striking as they are durable and functional. “Initially, people were surprised that something like this was made in Kashmir itself,” said Tanzeel Khan, a Research Scholar from SKUAST Shalimar who has been working with the duo and is part of the team.
Divine Epoxy Furniture mainly deals with Epoxy Coffee tables, Epoxy Wall clocks, Fractal burn kitchen cabinets, Customized Epoxy doors, and much more. Customers have given high praise to the craftsmanship and quality of their work. One customer shared, “I had a custom epoxy river table made for my living room, and it is absolutely stunning. The combination of wood and resin is breathtaking, and it is a real conversation starter.” Another customer stated, “I purchased an epoxy desk for my home office, and it has been a game-changer. It is so much more stylish than a regular desk, and it makes working from home feel like a luxury. The fact that it is so durable and easy to clean is just a bonus.”
They have recently started Fractal burning art as well, which involves using high voltage electrical currents to burn branch-like patterns into the wood. It gives an artistic look to the furniture and adds character to it.
Tanzeel Khan expressed their vision for the future by saying, “Our aim is to create a Hybrid industry.” While their journey has been filled with obstacles and challenges, they have persevered and learned valuable lessons along the way. They faced the challenge of entering the market and establishing their own unique niche. However, they view their journey as a great learning experience. The power of imagination is evident in their success, as they have brought their ideas to life through hard work and determination. Tanzeel Khan believes that exploring our potential can lead to limitless possibilities, and she encourages others to do the same.
