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Most people toss animal bones away without a second thought. But for Aziz Ul Rehman, they are anything but waste. In his small, dimly lit workshop, he runs his fingers over a discarded sheep skull, its curling horns still intact, already envisioning the masterpiece it could become. Where others see scraps, he sees stories waiting to be told.
With delicate carvings, intricate patterns, and detailed craftsmanship, he transforms forgotten remains into art pieces that adorn homes and walls. For Aziz, bones aren’t just remnants of the past — they’re a canvas for something beautiful.
Aziz hails from the Gulab Bagh area of Srinagar city. After ditching his corporate job, the 25-year-old entrepreneur and artist began turning waste into wealth. His most outstanding and unconventional raw material? Animal bones.
He is likely the first artist in Kashmir to specialise in animal bone art, crafting wall décor, table décor, and jewellery from discarded materials. His work incorporates coconut shells, bones, horns, metal scraps, porcupine quills, and feathers. Additionally, he recycles large chunks of wood and fallen or abandoned trees found on streets and roadsides, turning them into unique pieces of wall decoration.
A passion beyond money
From a young age, Aziz was deeply fascinated by animals, plants, and the natural world. While others chased financial security, for him, money was never the priority — expressing himself through art was. In 2021, he took a bold step to reconnect with his inner self and envision a future rooted in creativity. That’s when he founded Stick and Bones, his official brand dedicated to transforming waste into meaningful art.
While juggling a corporate job, he spent five months in the profession before making a life-changing decision in 2024 — he quit. “Something didn’t feel right,” he recalls about his career choice.
“I committed to my passion full-time last year, turning it into a larger project. Now, I don’t just create décor from waste for the love of my craft — I also inspire countless young people who aspire to build careers in arts and crafts,” Aziz said.
The viral turning point
Despite his talent, Aziz’s work initially reached only a limited audience. He started sharing his art on Instagram, but his content was scarce, and his followers remained at 8,000.
The rustic table lamp that became Aziz’s first big hit started with a simple discarded piece of wood he found in his backyard. He chiselled it down, shaped it, and manually carved a plank of wood to serve as the base. Once the structure was ready, he carefully added lights, transforming what was once waste into a unique, functional piece of art.
“It was a surprise for everyone because no one knew that lamps could be made out of waste wood and something as basic as a wicker-wood hat, that too at home,” he recalled. This creation marked his breakthrough moment, proving that discarded materials could hold new life and purpose.
“I posted the making of it on Instagram. The reel went viral globally and brought me 40,000 followers overnight,” he added
This sudden surge in recognition changed everything. His work began inspiring young artists, encouraging them to explore sustainable art.
Defying criticism and carving his own path
As a master’s student of ichthyology, Aziz faced harsh criticism for his passion. Many warned him that he was straying off the right path and insisted that a stable nine-to-five job was the only way to secure his future.
“I still remember my parents doubting me and others laughing at what I did, telling me it was a useless dream. But I picked up the discarded animal bones and wood anyway and kept carving them with dedication, turning waste into intricate art,” he said.
But while the world questioned him, there was one person who never doubted his talent — his brother, Khaleel.
“I always believed in my brother and knew he would take things to a different level. Even though he’s my younger brother, I look up to him because he sees the world differently. He never follows trends or conventions — he simply does what he loves. Every piece of his art tells a story of its own, revealing what’s happening behind the curtain. What he is best known for is his ‘behind-the-scenes’ process, capturing the journey of creation as much as the final masterpiece,” Khaleel said.
Khaleel further added, “I’m proud that my brother earns his bread and butter through his passion. What makes it even more special is that he has kept his prices affordable, ensuring that everyone can access his art. More than just an artist — he is a storyteller, weaving narratives into every piece he creates.”
Recognition and government support
That one viral Instagram reel was just the beginning. Today, Aziz’s work has gained global recognition, inspiring many young people to turn waste into art. His unique approach has even caught the attention of the government, which has praised his innovative take on animal bone art.
Beyond simply working with waste, Aziz fuses his creations with Kashmir’s rich heritage, adding vibrant papier-mâché art to his bone carvings.
Exhibiting at Kashmir Arts Emporium
The former Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, applauded Aziz’s creativity, stating:
“His art is truly amazing and unique in a way that sets it apart. While many have been reinventing art from waste materials, what makes his work different is how he seamlessly fuses heritage into each piece. We had the honour of exhibiting his work at Kashmir Arts Emporium in 2023. I believe that all art forms hold value, but when art is sustainable, it becomes even more significant, carrying both meaning and responsibility.”
A legacy in the making
From discarded bones and fallen trees to intricate wall decor and heritage-infused masterpieces, Aziz-ur-Rehman is not just creating art, he is redefining it. With passion, resilience, and an unshaken belief in his craft, he has transformed waste into wonder.
He started on his own, without tools or a proper workspace. He built a small shed in his backyard and began buying hand tools and power tools with his pocket money. Whatever he earned, he used to buy more tools and manage his expenses.
“I have sold more than 2,000 articles, both small and large,” he says, looking back at his journey. His workshop at his home in Srinagar, is where he puts in all his effort. Every piece he makes is not just art—it’s the result of hard work and dedication. And he’s just getting started!
Edited by Megha Chowdhury and Leila Badyari
