Announcement on Porto Design Biennial

When we started the Salt Traces the Caspian Sea was the source of inspiration. It was a love letter, with notes of grief and memory of joy, to the sea we all chose to live away from. But beyond the poetic, it has also always been about digesting the reality of climate change, the impact of all that is happening on the communities living nearby, and all of the pollution taking a toll on the living organisms in the sea. 

The intention was always to build a thread of stories, to create a thinking and sharing collective of people who would contemplate together what is happening with the water body that each of us loves, and talk about our memories connected to it- especially memories related to food. This would create a space for all of us, people connected with water bodies, to dare and think about the future of those seas and lakes and imagine what that future(s) could hold.  To do this we decided to go out in the world and start interacting and conversing with the community beyond our newsletters, which we hope will also build a more communicative thread between us and you. Our first stop is the Porto Design Biennale, and we would very much love to see you there if you are around on 9-12 November. 

The idea is to create collective stories, share some of the objects from/about the sea in return for stories from/about the sea, and collectively cook a dinner that would allow us to talk about our memories and enjoy hopefully a good meal together. 

On November 11 we will create maps of the water bodies to which each of us feels a strong connection. These maps will reflect your navigation of these environments, the activities you engage in, and the experiences, emotions, values, personal preferences, and unique details that have shaped your memories of these water bodies. We will explore the food you have consumed during your visits to these water bodies. Is the food you used to enjoy near the sea still accessible? 

On November 12 we will recreate some of our favorite foods traditionally enjoyed on the shores of water bodies. These food festivities can range from simple snacks like watermelon with cheese and salted corn to vegan caviar. As we prepare these dishes, we also encourage engaging in discussions about the importance of seas and the observed differences over time, with regard to the ingredients and even the water used in cooking. 

We will also be in Exploratório Porto Design Biennale in the remaining times opening up a table with objects, where we will create an opportunity for you to come and share your stories about the seas, lakes, rivers, and oceans and gift you an object of the sea in exchange. 

If you are around and want to register for the workshops- here is the link. Maybe you want to send us your waterbody story via email? Salttraces@gmail.com would be happy to hear from you.