Question 1: The article suggests that material meaning is fluid and constantly shifting. For example, plastic was once seen as futuristic but is now often viewed as environmentally problematic. Which materials are currently undergoing a shift in cultural perception, and why?

Answer: One material that I feel is undergoing a shift is wood because a lot of people see it as old-fashioned or traditional, but it is one of the most durable materials that has many uses and can be easily altered. Wood is a natural material as well. Also, I think people are trying to use less of it now and is shifting more towards metal to stop killing trees and to save the environment. However, metal is a material that is undergoing a shift as well. With the Industrial Revolution and new technologies, metal is starting to be used a lot more and similar to wood, it’s durable or can easily be changed and is used for many different purposes. There are mining environmental impacts and ethical concerns compared to wood when it comes to metal though. Metal use to be seen as valuable or a sign of wealth and is now seen as a tension between aesthetics and environmental cost. Another material is concrete which was associated with building materials, but now is associated with “ugly” urbanism and climate impact.

Question 2: What is your material philosophy? As a creative practitioner, do you prioritize physical properties (properties such as material performance, density, texture, flexibility, sustainability), conceptual meaning, sensory qualities, emotional response, cultural history, processes of fabrication, or accessibility when selecting materials? 

Answer: I first prioritize my material’s physical properties depending on what I’m using it for. If it’s durable or should it be flexible, do I want it to be textured or smooth, do I want it to last long, or lots of other factors. My next thought would be accessibility and price range. Am I able to get it for cheap and what stores sell it? Then, fabrication and if I’m easily able to experiment with it. Am I easily able to change the shape of it or add/subtract things to/from it? The sensory qualities is also considered, especially texture and appearance if my end result work is being displayed or shown. Lastly, conceptual meaning, emotional response, and cultural history all comes last and is based on again, the use and purpose of the material.