Maker Monday: The AD Show Edition

From March 22nd to 25th, 2018, the AD show returns to New York City. Located on piers 92 and 94 (55^th street at 12^th avenue), the show promises to display the latest in design from over 400 brands.

This year, more than 70 makers will be included in the MADE section of the show, giving artisans a platform to showcase their work.

In the vein of Shakespeare’s quote from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “Though she be but little, she is fierce,” artisans have taken on the mantle of design for social good. That goal takes many forms: donating proceeds, promoting and preserving traditional crafting techniques, and providing jobs to tradespeople from around the world.

As part of i+s’ Maker Monday series, we asked designers who will be exhibiting at AD’s MADE what designing for social good means to them.

“We work in collaboration with a group of weavers from Identidad Argentina. Serena Martin from Identidad Argentina manages the production and travels anywhere from 200 to 500 miles to meet with the different communities we work with in remote areas of Northern Argentina. Serena and I share the same desire: to preserve the traditional techniques of weaving and dyeing. We both strive to make the ancient art of weaving a real source of income for people who have always had looms in their homes.”

- Alexandra Gibson, founder + designer, Sien+Co

“I believe we can fill our life with objects that reflect our inner wisdom and philosophy—that we can live internal to external with high frequency to uplift each other. Filling our minds and lifestyle with noise only brings us down to an unmotivated channel. I like to think of my creative channel turned to the highest vibration attracting other high vibrations. The art and design that speaks most to me is reflective of nature not just in concept but also in production from thought to execution. I feel good knowing that I am working as locally as I can but also abroad with artisans who need to keep their artistry alive in order to survive. What resonates the most with me is the intention behind a design and the mode of humility.”

- Tara Hogan, founder + designer, Tulsi

“Watching weavers practice their craft and generate a livelihood on their looms is beautiful to me. They are telling the story of heritage … a craft passed down through the generations.”

- Mili Suleman, founder + designer, KUFRI

“We are committed to working with cottage-industry artisans, which suits the rural structure of life. Our rugs are made in villages in the Thar desert of Rajasthan, [India], where a weaver can manage family obligations and other day-to-day events while working from home.
“We never work with factories or agents therefore a higher percentage goes to all the artisans, from dyer, weaver, to washer. By supporting cottage-industry artisans and handmade traditions going back over 600 years with our updated take on traditional dhurries, we hope to support this community and sustain these skills.”

- Arati Rao, Founder + Designer of Tantuvi Studio