Portrait by Colette Tabet
Hey, I am Tina, a Lebanese-Canadian designer living on the south shores of the African continent. I collect seashells, and the idea of an off-grid tent house fascinates me. What makes me really curious are traditional food stories told by people I meet on my journey.
My story originated in Lebanon where I studied and worked as a product and industrial designer for seven years. During that time, I learned about the design paradigms fueled by the commercially oriented culture of our society. The focus was on addressing problems within the mass market design field with functionality and aesthetics at the core of the design development.
My unsatiated creative approach and eagerness to explore different aspects of design triggered my journey across Europe and Africa. Through this voyage, I delved into the food field, a long-time intriguing material to me. I have been exposed to communities dealing with sensitive social issues, which altered my perception of design. It’s not only about commerce, but it’s also about ethics, environment, and social issues. I approach this by asking important questions, researching, thinking creatively, and collaborating to find helpful solutions.
My recent obsession is the cacao fruit, and thinking about how design can be a medium in which to address societal and ethical concerns within the chocolate production chain. How could design reshape the structure between farmers and producers to return chocolate to its real value?
Please don’t be a stranger, I am looking forward to reading your thoughts via email.
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