**_Shingskos_** _Shingskos_ takes its name from the Ladakhi word for “wood carvings,” referring to the intricate patterns traditionally etched into local doors, windows, pillars, and household objects. These motifs are more than decoration, they carry stories of protection, craftsmanship, and the deep relationship between Ladakhi culture and its environment. In this work, I reinterpret these familiar carvings using **discarded cardboards, paper mâché, natural pigments, and clay**, transforming fragile, everyday waste materials into a form that evokes the warmth and permanence of wood. By adopting the visual language of traditional carving but rendering it in impermanent, recycled materials, the piece becomes a quiet reflection on **cultural continuity and ecological responsibility**. _Shingskos_ celebrates the ingenuity of Ladakhi artisans while questioning the environmental impact of modern consumption. The use of discarded cardboard an object designed for short-term use symbolizes the increasing disposability of contemporary life. Through patience, handcraft, and natural pigments, the material is reshaped into something that recalls ancestral skill and sustainable practices. The work highlights a central idea: **sustainability is not new to Ladakh; it is ingrained in our cultural memory.** What has shifted is our relationship to materials and time. By embedding traditional patterns into recycled matter, _Shingskos_ proposes a return to mindful making where value is not measured by permanence or perfection, but by intention, resourcefulness, and respect for the land. Ultimately, _Shingskos_ becomes a tactile reminder that cultural heritage and environmental stewardship are interconnected. Just as Ladakhi woodcarvings once protected homes, this work invites viewers to consider how we might protect our landscapes by rethinking what we discard, what we preserve, and what we choose to create.