After a hiatus of 14 years, I recently revisited bubblewrap jewellery. I came across an open call for an exhibition asking for art objects and wearables made using plastic consumables in circulation to present a concept about the preservation of the environment in Chennai. I chose to make jewellery out of bubblewrap and plastic lids titled “Pond Lillies” to highlight the growing concern of plastic materials being dumped in water bodies.
Pond Lilies – a context
Chennai was once a city of ponds, temple tanks, and vibrant water bodies. The area of Triplicane – Tiruvallikeni in Tamil, gets its name – Thiru (meaning sacred), alli (lily), keni – pond/tank from the blooming lily tank belonging to the Parthasarathy temple. Unfortunately, in all my visits I have never seen lilies blooming there.
Rapid urbanisation, unchecked construction, and poor waste management have turned many of these once-pristine water bodies into dumping grounds. The Pallikarani marsh which is a home to pink flamingoes is mostly gone. The introduction of non-biodegradable plastic into these ecosystems has been particularly devastating, disrupting aquatic life and clogging natural drainage systems. This is the story of many temple tanks, ponds and marshes across Chennai.
These serene spaces, brimming with clear water, were home to a flourishing ecosystem. Among the many aquatic blooms that thrived, pink lilies stood out, their delicate petals gently unfurling on the surface, a symbol of purity and renewal. Today, however, a very different sight greets us. Where flowers once bloomed, plastic waste now floats. Discarded bottles, wrappers, and lids choke these water bodies, suffocating life beneath the surface and replacing nature’s splendour with the permanence of pollution.
Concept note
Pond Lilies necklace and earrings are made from bubble wrap, plastic lids, and plastic sheet sequins. These pieces transform waste into wearable art. However, they do more than just upcycle materials—they serve as a warning. What if, in the future, the only lilies left to admire were those made of plastic? This work urges us to rethink our relationship with waste. It advocates for reduction, segregation, and upcycling to protect our environment. Hopefully, out future will be one where the beauty of nature is not lost to the permanence of plastic.
Pond Lilies bubble wrap jewellery
I made two pieces – a necklace made of bubblewrap and earrings made of lids of tupperware containers, bubble wrap and sequins. The colours were inspired by the bright pink pond lilies, light pink insides and their green leaves. The circular disc shape came from the lily pads. I hand painted the pieces with acrylic colours and added touches of gold pigments before sealing them with Modpodge. I used wire loops, handmade ear hooks and jump rings to complete the two pieces.
While the pieces did not get selected for the show I am happy that I made them. It felt good to try out a technique that I had not used in a really long time. Infact, I was asked if I had an inventory of more such pieces to sell at the show. Sadly, I didn’t and opted out.
But I do believe that Chennai’s water bodies do not have to remain polluted wastelands. With conscious effort, community-driven clean-ups, and sustainable urban planning, these vital spaces can be restored. Just as the lilies once thrived in temple tanks and ponds, there is hope that they can bloom again
What do you think about the concept and the Pond Lilies bubble wrap jewellery?
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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