12th May 2016

Interview: Matter founder Seetal Solanki

– by Milly Burroughs

Zetteler favourite and unwavering creative inspiration Seetal Solanki is preparing to take the stage at Clerkenwell London’s Design Undefined exhibition as part of Clerkenwell Design Week 2016. As she continues to challenge the misconceptions surrounding the uses and life-cycles of materials such as marble, aluminium and bamboo, Seetal will become the newest inhabitant of Clerkenwell London’s Fashion Room and will host a series of workshops and discussions devoted to these mediums.

We took a moment to find out what’s on the Matter founder’s mind ahead of the exhibition.

What does Clerkenwell Design Week represent to you?

It represents many different disciplines and creative industries meeting in an area that has so much history and richness. Whether it's architecture, craft, corporations, design or food, all of these industries exist within the area that is Clerkenwell and we can celebrate how diverse the area truly is.

Marble, aluminium and bamboo are all very different materials, why did you choose to focus on them?

The fact that these three materials are so different is exactly why we have chosen them. All three materials are found and processed in completely different ways and are all sourced from within the Earth. The many applications these materials possess are fascinating and can exist in our everyday lives, but we also get to discover what the future holds for these materials in a more sustainable way.

What material would you most like to see designers exploring as the design industry moves forwards?

I think it would be great if more designers would consider thinking about the circular economy and exploring ways in which we could upscale these methods to make them more accessible to more of the industry.

What role do shops and suppliers, like Clerkenwell London, play in changing the way we perceive and use materials as an industry?

I think the way in which Clerkenwell London incorporates so many different industries all under one roof allows the customer and designer to explore different ways of perceiving the potential opportunities of using different types of materials from different industries. Clerkenwell London houses so many brands and products in a context you would not normally see them, to me that is really exciting.

How do you get inspired? Who and what are your influences?

A lot of what influences and inspires me is how chefs work with their ingredients, where they source them and how they use different methods to create different texture. It's an experience and senses and memories all play a part in that. Noma and Silo Brighton are such great examples of how the food industry can be considerate to the environment and our wellbeing.

What are you most looking forward to seeing at CDW16?

Interface’s Creative Textile Hub sounds great and I really love what Interface stands for as well as what they create. They aim to turn themselves into a zero emissions business by eliminating any negative impact on the environment by 2020. This is very ambitious but so very hopeful and empowering. A flooring manufacturer that repurposes plastic and turns it into a durable surface to work or live in is brilliant.

You can register for Clerkwenwell Design Week here.

Above 1: Aluminium nugget, photo by Yesenia Thibault-Picazo Below 1: Seetal Solanki will explore the power and possibilities of marble with a paper workshop with fellow exhibitor Kia Utzon-Frank on Thursday 26th May, photo by Michael Bodiam 2: Seetal Solanki will be hosting a bamboo workshop on the 25th May to explore the wide array of products it can be used to make, 3: the Aluminium floor at Clerkenwell London in the Fashion Room.