Seetal Solanki, founder of materials research design studio Ma-tt-er and author of ‘Why Materials Matter’, discusses the importance of broadening the definition of ‘materials’, brands using the pandemic to pivot, and challenging perspectives within a capitalist society. They also explore the radical possibilities of materials, digital materiality, cryptocurrency's carbon footprint, the impact of materials in the creative industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding hope in open conversations.
The pandemic has prompted brands to prioritize survival-focused products over consumption, leading to a shift towards more sustainable materials.
Seetal Solanki advocates for a more inclusive and respectful approach to materials, emphasizing their intelligence and potential for alternative futures.
Deep dives
Exploring the Expansive Nature of Materials
Seetal Seleki, founder and director of MATTER, discusses the wide range of materials available and the various scales at which they operate. Examples include using bacteria for textile dyeing, which reduces the environmental impact of the textile industry. Seetal emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and respectful approach to materials, highlighting their intelligence and the potential for alternative futures.
Building Relationships with Materials
Seetal discusses her practice of building relationships with materials and humanizing them. She introduces the concept of a material horoscope, where different star signs are connected to specific materials with corresponding qualities. By seeing oneself through a material lens, it offers a different perspective and appreciation, leading to self-reflection and a reconnection with the planet.
Reframing Language and Education
Seetal reflects on the importance of reframing language and education around materials. She criticizes the current typological framework of categorizing materials and proposes a non-expert approach that focuses on emotional and functional qualities. She advocates for inclusive communication through various forms and symbols, recognizing the value of different languages and indigenous knowledge systems.
MATTER's Mission and the Importance of Alternative Futures
Seetal shares her frustration with the lack of respect for materials and the need for a more responsible approach in the creative industry. She explains how MATTER aims to reorient mindsets and behaviors towards sustainability through their studio practice, agency work, and public-facing initiatives. Seetal emphasizes the importance of alternatives rather than finite solutions and the need for a planet-centric value system in order to bring about positive change.
“A crisis such as the one that we're in right now has given brands a bit of a wakeup call to make products that are about survival and not necessarily consumption in the same way.”
In this episode, David Johnston meets with Seetal Solanki, founder of materials research design studio Ma-tt-er and author of ‘Why Materials Matter’.
Seetal discusses the importance of broadening the definition of ‘materials’, brands using the pandemic to pivot and how you can challenge yourself to change your perspective within a capitalist society.
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