www.sosostore.com
Interview: Joana Jervell
Photos: SO-SO
Maria Santos and João Marques are the double act behind SO-SO, a brand which takes its inspiration from Portuguese expressions and proverbs in order to create unique pieces, handmade and meant to last. Initially intended (for the most part) for children, today the world of SO-SO has expanded to include home accessories, such as lamps, vases and candleholders, which come to — very striking — life in the hands of this pair of architects who are crazy for a touch of craftsmanship, for wood and, from the get-go, for simplicity.
Q: When did you decide to create SO-SO? What was your motivation at the time?
A: SO-SO was created by us, both architects, in 2017. At the time, we were both working in architecture practices. We were really missing “working with our hands”. We both loved Scandinavian and Japanese design and architecture, and the way they incorporate wood into the work. At some point, João bought a small bench saw and together we drew up what would be the first-ever SO-SO piece — a sheep made out of wood, lined in fabric, which would end up transformed into the “black sheep”.
Next to join the family was a chopping board “aqui há gato” (from the proverb I smell a rat) and a range of rhinoceroses that just “had to happen”. As Portuguese, in spite of the strong Nordic influence that our pieces have, it made sense to take inspiration from our own culture. And so, we decided that each piece should be inspired by a “Portuguese expression or proverb”, thereby introducing this part of our language and culture to a foreign public.
Q: In what way are your backgrounds and experience as architects reflected in your creations?
A: We’ve discussed this on many an occasion: I think SO-SO would not exist if it weren’t for the fact we’re both architects (and not just because we met at university). The architecture course is very comprehensive, which equipped us with different tools, such as drawing skills, working by hand and critical thinking. Then, throughout the course and as we went on to work in our profession, we were introduced to different “schools”/architectural movements, namely from Scandinavia and Japan: simple forms, the artistry, and “know-how” of the “artisan”, the use of natural materials — namely wood with its imperfections and unique — “wabi-sabi” — these were, without a doubt, sources of inspiration for what we brought to SO-SO.
Q: How would you define your pieces?
A: I think SO-SO pieces could be called simple, minimal, contemporary (and I want to believe they are timeless), but they always tell a story — and that story is very Portuguese and always involves a Portuguese expression or proverb.
Q: What can you tell us about the materials you use the most?
A: Our material of choice is wood, and we try to use as often as possible wood sourced from Portuguese forests. When we can’t, we always use FSC-certified wood, as we try to make as small an impact on the environment as possible. Our one-off pieces have been made out of wood we collected ourselves, from trees which were cut down for fire or accident prevention, tree-coppicing… in order to give these timbers another lease of life.
There is something very beautiful in this work of going to the forest, salvaging the trees, waiting for them to dry over months or years, and only then discovering what nature has blessed us with. In truth, we’ve also been working with time (and knowing how to wait).
Q: The theme for this issue is “Legacy”. In the case of SO-SO, the legacy of the Portuguese language (its proverbs and more common expressions) is the starting point for your work. What’s it like to create objects that not only combine aesthetics and functionality, but also contribute towards keeping alive an identity?
A: We believe that the global world we live in today, where everything is instantaneous and disposable and made to last just a short time, is beginning to be more aware and sensitive to how, where and for whom things are being made. “Manual” and “local” are becoming ever more important factors as a result. Besides this, we also believe in ethical and sustainable production, and it makes total sense for us to create something inspired by that which makes us unique: our Portuguese identity.
And so we try to create one-of-a-kind pieces, which João makes by hand, using local, sustainable materials, in a small workshop in Cascais, Lisbon, Portugal. Whoever buys a SO-SO piece knows where it was made and by whom, besides the piece itself telling a story — which people often associate with whoever it’s for, whether it’s their sister who loves cats (and receives the “aqui há gato” cutting board) or their parents’ wedding anniversary (and they get a “belo par de jarras” — loosely, a pair of vases for a “great couple”).
As soon as people establish an emotional connection to the piece, that makes it unique and special for whoever is on the receiving end. And suddenly, the Portuguese expression that is at its origin becomes part of the life story of a family somewhere in the world.
Q: The illustration that comes with each piece adds to its one-off charm…
A: Without a doubt. Each SO-SO piece tells a story, being inspired by a Portuguese expression or proverb — and the way we decide to tell this story is via an illustration on the back that explains (in English and Portuguese) the origin and meaning of this expression. It’s a way for us to also share a part of our identity and our culture with them, through our work.
Q: What do you most love about what you do?
A: What most excites us, besides having the chance to make our own designs, is the fact that our pieces are in people’s homes and even become part of their lives. Our houses are full of objects that call to mind people, moments, places… and knowing that SO-SO pieces are also “keepsakes and fabricators” of memories is something we adore.
Q: Anything new you wish to share with us?
A: We really haven’t been focused on this. I think our focus recently has been (and in 2024 will continue to be) on the creation of unique pieces made from sustainably-sourced woods, to have the smallest possible impact on the planet. Ultimately, that is also our legacy.
Q: To sum up, a SO-SO piece will always be synonymous with…
A: Simplicity (and love for what we do).