We were lucky to catch up with Lunna Pigatto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lunna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is Vainana, an artistic initiative that uses digital photography to expose food waste and raise awareness about climate issues. The project originated during my Master’s in Design Strategy at Politecnico di Milano, where I became increasingly aware of the interconnectedness of food systems, sustainability, and creativity.

The backstory of Vainana is deeply rooted in my Brazilian heritage and my passion for promoting environmental consciousness. Growing up, I witnessed the stark realities of food insecurity and waste in my community. This experience fueled my desire to find innovative ways to address these issues. Vainana aims to transform perceptions around food waste, turning it into a powerful narrative that encourages sustainable habits.

Through Vainana, I create visually striking art that captures the beauty of discarded food, highlighting its potential and the stories behind it. Each photograph serves as a reminder of the resources that go to waste and the broader implications for our planet. The project challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with food and inspires them to take action in their own lives.

What makes Vainana particularly meaningful to me is the community engagement aspect. I’ve organized exhibitions and workshops that invite participants to explore their creativity while addressing food waste. By fostering discussions around sustainability and encouraging collaboration, I’ve seen firsthand how art can be a catalyst for change. The connections formed through these events have created a supportive network of individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

In San Diego, I have exhibited Vainana’s artwork multiple times, and the positive responses have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been able to share my vision with a broader audience, sparking conversations about sustainability and inspiring people to rethink their consumption habits. This project not only allows me to express my creativity but also aligns with my mission to promote a more sustainable and regenerative world.

Vainana is a testament to the power of art in driving awareness and change. It reflects my belief that creativity can serve as a soft yet impactful way to inspire a new mindset toward our planet. Being able to contribute to this dialogue through Vainana has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.

Lunna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Lunna Pigatto, a strategic designer and multidisciplinary artist dedicated to promoting sustainability and regeneration through creativity. My journey into this field began with a deep-rooted passion for design and a profound connection to nature, influenced by my Brazilian heritage and indigenous Amazonian roots. Growing up surrounded by vibrant cultures and traditions, I developed an early appreciation for the environment and the importance of caring for our planet.

My academic background includes a Master’s in Design Strategy from Politecnico di Milano and a Bachelor’s in Social Communication and Marketing from ESPM Rio. This diverse education equipped me with the skills to approach problems holistically, combining design thinking with strategic communication. My work has always revolved around the belief that creativity can drive meaningful change.

Through my artistic project, Vainana, I utilize digital photography to raise awareness about food waste and climate issues. Vainana transforms discarded food into powerful visual narratives, showcasing its beauty and potential. Each photograph serves as a reminder of the resources we often overlook and the environmental impact of our consumption habits. By using art as a vehicle for storytelling, I aim to inspire others to rethink their relationship with food and embrace sustainable practices.

What sets me apart is my commitment to integrating holistic principles into my work. I developed a methodology called Soul-Centric Design, which blends creativity, sustainability, and community engagement. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and encourages collaboration and empathy in problem-solving. I believe that when we connect to our own souls and the Earth, we can create innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

I am particularly proud of the community engagement fostered through Vainana. I’ve organized exhibitions and workshops that invite individuals to express their creativity while addressing food waste and sustainability. These events have not only raised awareness but also built a network of passionate advocates who are eager to make a difference. It is incredibly rewarding to see how art can bring people together and spark conversations around important issues.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about making a meaningful impact. I strive to create experiences that resonate deeply and encourage sustainable habits. Whether through exhibitions, workshops, or collaborations, my mission is to inspire a shift towards a more sustainable and compassionate world.

I invite you to join me on this journey of creativity and consciousness. Together, we can explore the power of art and design in shaping a better future for our communities and the planet.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a clear mission: to leverage the power of art and design to promote sustainability and foster a deeper connection between individuals and the environment. I believe that creativity has the unique ability to inspire change and challenge perceptions, and I am committed to using my skills to address pressing global issues, particularly those related to food waste, environmental degradation, and community resilience.

At the core of my mission is the idea that we must reconnect with our roots and the natural world. Growing up with indigenous Amazonian heritage, I have a profound respect for nature and its resources. This background inspires me to advocate for sustainable practices that honor the Earth and its ecosystems. I strive to create art that not only raises awareness about environmental challenges but also inspires individuals to take action in their own lives.

Through my artistic project Vainana, I aim to transform the conversation around food waste by highlighting its beauty and potential. By using digital photography to capture discarded food, I challenge societal norms and encourage viewers to reconsider their consumption habits. My goal is to ignite a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards our planet, fostering a collective movement towards sustainability.

Additionally, my methodology of Soul-Centric Design reflects my commitment to holistic approaches that prioritize empathy, collaboration, and community engagement. I believe that when we connect with our inner selves and each other, we can develop innovative solutions to the challenges we face. This mission drives me to create spaces for dialogue and collaboration, empowering individuals and communities to co-create a more sustainable future.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire a cultural shift that embraces creativity as a tool for positive change. I envision a world where art and design are integral to our efforts to protect the environment, promote social equity, and foster meaningful connections among people. Through my work, I hope to encourage others to recognize their own creative potential and use it to make a difference in their communities.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn is the belief that creativity is a solitary pursuit. Growing up, I often viewed the creative process as an individual journey, where inspiration and ideas were cultivated in isolation. This perspective was shaped by traditional educational models and cultural narratives that often celebrate the “lone genius” in art and design.

The backstory to this realization began during my 12 years as a nomad, living in various countries and cultures. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. Moving frequently, I had to learn how to belong to different environments and connect with diverse communities. I discovered that creativity flourishes in collaboration and that different perspectives can spark new ideas and approaches.

My journey into this unlearning process accelerated during my Master’s program at Politecnico di Milano. As I immersed myself in design thinking, I engaged in various collaborative projects that challenged my previous notions of creativity. Working alongside diverse teams opened my eyes to the power of collective creativity. I witnessed firsthand how collaboration not only enriches the creative process but also leads to more innovative and impactful solutions.

In my artistic journey with Vainana, I realized the importance of community engagement in my work. I began organizing workshops and exhibitions that encouraged collaboration among participants, fostering a space where everyone could contribute their unique insights. This shift in perspective was crucial for the success of Vainana, as it not only amplified the message of sustainability but also built a supportive network of individuals passionate about making a difference.

Now, I embrace the idea that creativity flourishes in community. I’ve come to understand that collaboration is a catalyst for innovation and change, and it has reshaped how I approach my work. My years as a nomad taught me the value of adaptability, and I actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with others, recognizing that together, we can harness our collective creativity to address the challenges our world faces.

Ultimately, unlearning the notion of creativity as a solitary pursuit has enriched my artistic practice and strengthened my commitment to community-centered design. It’s a lesson that continually inspires me to build bridges and create connections, both in my work and in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vainana.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vainana_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lunnapigatto

Image Credits

all images belong to me