A conversation with Mansi Mehta implies that the periphery of good design is emotive extends much beyond standard definition of architecture and design.
“What would architecture be without art and how can art be a physical living presence without architecture? They are like inseparable lovers! This relationship is definitely relevant even today. It definitely hasn’t changed its course – it never can.” The conversation with Designer Mansi Mehta has begun on an interesting note, the platonic and at times a not so platonic relationship between art and architecture.
A multifaceted creator Mansi started her journey with interior design, and moved to furniture and product design. Her quest for good design also inclined her towards and learnt photography, graphics and art. “While pursuing these varied facets of good design,” she adds “I also set up my own studio in Mumbai and Pune and had art shows to display my artworks, furniture design and photographs.”
Mansi’s introduction to the world of architecture and design began at home. “My mom is an artist and my greatest teacher and inspiration,” says Mansi, “she taught me, how through design & correct color schemes, textures and upholstery, a home could be much more than a home – a place to celebrate every day as if it was a festival – warm, loving and vibrant.”
In the company of an artist Mansi was exposed to art and art galleries at a young age. “I would visit various art galleries and village artisans and I learnt very early that beauty and design exist everywhere. Reaching the world of architecture and design was just a natural expression of my very being and I never really had to be led to it, it’s as if I grew up in it and just continued to live it.”
Her inclination for photography and other artforms also has a story of its own. “I backpacked for a month in Japan, Greece and the U.S. (on three different occasions). This made me see design in a whole new light and gave me newer perspectives. I decided to capture all these details with my camera. I realized I could carry back with me every minute detail which could make my collections better and unique. This gradually developed into a liking for photography and I created my own collection with art and design being the focal points. Soon after that I was determined to sketch these forms of art with my own hand and give it my personal touch. It felt like breathing life into the canvas because I had created it with my own hands. This gave me immense joy and satisfaction.”
Mansi has been at the helm of numerous design assignments in her journey so far. One of the interesting furniture collections which Mansi designed along the way is called ‘Origami and Beyond’. In ‘Origami and Beyond’ the principles of Origami or the Japanese art of folding paper was utilized, as the underlying inspiration of the furniture pieces which included coffee tables, consoles, pouffees, chairs, side tables and more. The furniture pieces recreated the art of paper folds using key materials like wood, acrylic and metal.
Her love for graphics is evident in one of her interior design projects based in Mumbai, an office space spread across 20,000 sq. ft. Then there is one of her recent projects, a glass house in Goa, which derives inspiration from the concept of outdoor living and being connected to nature. But the project which elevated her to the “Hall of Fame” were the ones exhibited in Vitra London “I would say my space saving creations which were exhibited in Vitra, London were the most outstanding products, not only because they saved space, but because of the way they were made. They were made out of industrial waste. Another factor which was equally important in propelling me into the ‘Hall of Fame’ was the iGen Award which recognized me as one of the ‘Top 50 Interior Architects in India’.”
Apart from art, architecture and design the study of god for many is an abstract art, then there are artists who believe ‘art and artists’ both are agnostic. Mansi however begs to differ “Art is an expression, and if you don’t believe in that expression, then there can be no art. Believing in yourself, believing in your work and believing in the beauty that surrounds us is what design is all about. So if we use art as a metaphor for a human being too, that person cannot be agnostic.”
Mansi’s pursuit for good design remains ongoing. After launching a kids collection called Çushy Cuddles’ she is investing her time in the research and design of minimalist furniture – ‘Space saving creates space’. That apart there is also a residential project which needs her undivided attention.
