Kala Curry Radio at Hoopables' Studio

Not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear embroidery scissors and lo-fi headphones. That's Anupama with Hoopables.

1. Tell us a little about yourself—who you are, what you do, and how art became a part of your journey.

Hi, I’m Anupama. I’m an artist and I’ve pretty much always been that kid who was pulled out of class to help with a poster or prep for some art competition. I was voted as the cultural secretary of my school at one point. Over the years, I’ve explored different mediums like pencil drawing, watercolors, collage, photography, whatever caught my attention at the time. While I was lucky to grow up in spaces where art was encouraged, I also found myself looking for and building those kinds of spaces wherever I went, because that has always felt like home to me.

2. Art isn’t just something we see—it’s something we live with. How does art seep into your daily life? And what does art mean to you?

Art isn’t just something I make. It’s in how I see things. I notice patterns, colors, tiny connections, even in the most everyday spaces. I could walk into a bookstore or a storefront and get completely lost in the visual details — packaging, typography, arrangements — it all feels like art to me. It makes the world a more layered, playful place to live in. So for me, art isn’t separate from life. It just quietly seeps into everything.

3. Why do you think handcrafted art matters today more than ever?

More than the final product, it’s about the thought behind it. The fact that a human made it, that someone slowed down to create something just for you, makes it incredibly special. There’s also so much room for intention and customisation. You can shape it to reflect the person it’s meant for. That’s not something you can always walk into a store and buy.

4. How many years have you been practicing this craft?

6 years. I learned few stitches as a kid, but I picked it up again in 2018.

5. What makes an artist an artist? (like who can call themselves an artist/what counts as being an artist)

I think it’s that quiet, constant urge to create (the kind you can’t really shake off). It’s not about a title, age or medium. It’s about the willingness to make something, to express, to respond to the world through your hands or your ideas. This is not really something you can be taught.

6. What does being an artist/brand that sells art mean to you? 

Growing up, I was always told who I was supposed to be, and for a long time, I believed it. I moved through life on autopilot, never really asking myself what I wanted — until things eventually fell apart. That breakdown made me pause and look inward. I was forced to make a choice and own up. It was the first decision I ever truly made on my own.

Picking art wasn’t just a career choice — it felt like choosing myself for the first time, holding my own hand when no one else did. 

7. How long does it usually take to create one piece from start to finish?

Even the smallest pieces I make usually take a couple of hours. And if it’s something more detailed, it can take days or even weeks to finish. 

8. What drew you to the medium(s) you work with?

It’s been a journey — from pencil drawing to watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, collage making, and photography. I explored whatever felt right, until life made me pause. 

A life-changing event reminded me how fragile everything is, and that I couldn’t keep waiting for the “right time” to do what I loved. So I started creating again, freely. That’s when embroidery came in. It’s the one medium that’s stayed with me since.

9. How do you see art products being perceived in an Indian market?

I do think art and handmade products are appreciated in the Indian market. The challenge, though, is affordability. Admiration doesn’t always translate to purchase and as artists, we can’t pay our bills with appreciation alone. That said, things are slowly changing. People are starting to value the time and effort that goes into handmade work and that gives me hope.

10. Hoopables spans from keepsakes to wearable art like caps and totes. How do you decide which designs belong on the body versus on the wall?

Honestly, if I could, I wouldn’t really separate what goes on the body and what goes on the wall. But what usually makes the difference is durability. Some pieces are delicate and need to be protected, so they’re better off on a wall. If it’s something that can handle being carried around or worn, then it goes on the body. That’s really the only line I draw.

11. You also offer materials and supplies for beginners. What advice do you give first-time embroiderers who are intimidated by the craft but eager to start?

My advice would be — you don’t need a whole bunch of fancy things to start. Just start with what you already have at home. You can always build on it later.

Also, don’t worry too much about the final outcome. Let things flow, just enjoy the process and see where it takes you.

12. The embroidered nameplates are a very unique idea. How did that come about and what was the inspiration behind it?

 It actually started with my early floral embroidery pieces that had little quotes on them. One day, a client asked if I could do something similar with names—and that sparked the idea. 

13. Is there a song that captures the spirit of your work or something you love listening to while creating?

There’s no fixed song. I usually go with the mood. During an embroidery marathon (what I call stitching project after project non-stop), I prefer podcasts or movies in the background. For slower work, I switch to lo-fi music or instrumentals.

Obsessed already? Same. Shop Hoopables's art and bring a piece of their world home on Kala Curry.