Metrolife caught up with this self-taught artist, who said she began block printing as a hobby 25 years ago, “because, I wanted to wear different clothes and not be one among the herd.”
The unusual garments she wore were sought after by friends and gradually designing became a full time occupation.
Exhibiting in Hyderabad, Chennai, Colombo and Chicago, this is her first exhibition in the City. Block printing, has been around for centuries among the tribal, who worked on the fabric using natural dyes.
Renuka, however, uses chiffon, georgette, crepe and tussar silk, and using chemical dyes, assures, the garment can be laundered at home.
Incorporating traditional motifs, blending contemporary touches with embroidery, beadwork and zari, Renuka’s ensembles also have fabric painting.
The display of salwar kameez sets and Kanjeevaram sarees have tangible work with skillful combinations of colours and variations of prints.
Renuka says she is constantly discovering sensitive compositions and designs that are visually alluring, sensuous, delicate and well structured.
With a workshop of dedicated karigars who have been with her for 25 years Renuka draws designs for the sarees and they are woven at Kanchi in shimmering mustard, red, white, black, the colour palette is varied and designs incorporate zari in the pallu and exotic borders.
Renuka asserts that with screen printing the design remains repetitive unlike block printing where you can vary the composition using the same block and creating different arrangements.
She has no threat with competition, she says, for “everyone uses the same fabrics and embellishments it’s the form in which they are presented and  I don’t make two of any kind, and it’s totally exclusive”.
The personalised ensembles embellished tastefully have a comfortable price range. On exhibit till August 25 at RainTree, Opp. ITC Windsor, 10am to 7pm.