In today’s world, nearly everything we own is mass-produced. We rarely know where our products come from, how they are made, or who makes them. The only things we truly understand about them are their price and function. This detachment strips objects of any personal significance, reducing them to mere commodities in an endless cycle of consumption.
This project explores the significance of materials as carriers of history, transformation, and human craftsmanship. In a time when mass production has stripped objects of their origins and meaning, this work seeks to reconnect us with the deeper narratives embedded in the materials around us.Far from being mere objects of utility, materials can serve as windows into history. They connect us not only to the present moment but also to the past, revealing the ways in which generations before us worked with, valued, and understood the world around them. From the weathered wood of an old ship to the handwoven textiles of an ancient culture, these materials tell stories of innovation, survival, and human expression.
Clay is a material that perfectly embodies the ideas at the heart of this project. It is one of the oldest and most fundamental materials used by humanity, carrying with it a deep historical and cultural significance. From ancient pottery and architectural structures to contemporary ceramics, clay has been shaped by countless hands over millennia, preserving the imprints of craftsmanship, tradition, and necessity. By working with clay, this project explores not just its physical properties but also its role as a carrier of cultural memory, craftsmanship, and collective heritage.
Material Ethnographies explores materials as vessels of history, culture, and human touch, moving beyond their role in mass production to uncover their origins, lifecycle, and deeper narratives. Through hands-on making, storytelling, and sensory engagement, the project highlights the imperfections, labor, and traditions embedded in materials—fostering awareness and dialogue rather than prescribing solutions. Taking this approach forward, the research can extend beyond clay to other natural materials—exploring craft and vernacular building practices as a way of carrying forward traditional wisdom in working with local resources. By engaging with artisans, designers, and conservationists, Material Ethnographies envisions a future where material consciousness supports sustainable, place-based ways of making and building.
