Stories of Wood – By Riya Pailwan

In the unhurried life of Sangli, a quiet basement hums with the scent of sawdust, bark, paint, and Indian culture. Far from the contemporaries, the gallery and workshop of Natural Woods lives between the traditional and eternal charm of wood, recycled and nurtured by its curator and owner, Sudhir Shetty.
Folklore, prominent figures, historic scenes, nature, chirping birds, animals, and other meaningful stories are carved and painted on recycled wood, bringing natural aesthetics into homes and public spaces.
When asked about the inspiration and vision behind the gallery, the caption of the gallery, Shetty simply said, “It was simple. I wanted to bring the wooden culture back.”

A journey that sowed its seeds decades ago to bring back the charm of wood, slowly evolved into a moment, support artisans, connect people emotionally and culturally through art, and decorate spaces with sustainable pieces.
From Indian Teak Wood to Mango, Rose and more, the gallery with its pool of artists experiments with a palette of wood, including varied materials like raisin, metal, corex and more.

At the heart of the gallery beats a simple philosophy. Art is not just meant to be seen, but also felt. Every piece here invites you to run your fingers along the intricate carvings and feel the textures layered in it.

Today, Natural Woods holds a place in every other house in the region, gracing the houses of celebrities like Nana Patekar and more. In a time when we quickly move on from one desirable thing to another, the soulful art of Natural Woods keeps us connected to nature. It becomes more than just a piece on the wall, but rather a family heirloom that could be passed down for decades.