Depending on one’s perception, life moves quickly or slowly, either way it leaves a residue that speaks to a bigger picture, the here and now. We consume time as quickly as we are consumed by history, gorging on immediacy, storing memories for the long trail ahead.
In this era, one hopes for sanctuary, longs for refuge and even escape. It is possible in this time to create an oasis that buffers, as we build the changes that betters our future. To create a refuge is to build metaphorical muscle, mindful stamina, jututsu for the long journey forward.
At this point in time we have been forced to step off the whirligig of life and see what’s around us, both the beauty and the ugly. We have stepped back and viewed ourselves and our lives, how we live, who we are and our impact upon the future. Whether this is sustainable is up to us. We have a choice moving forward, to see the beauty that surrounds and to create change or to continue to spiral in place: the glass being half empty or half full.
Bringing nature in or closer is a increasingly strong movement that not only is bringing us closer to the natural world but to our natural selves and the tie between the two. In an era of lessons, one thing we are learning is our necessary connection to nature as sentient and sensory beings. This in theory is like going home again, back to where we’ve come from: looping back as we move forward.
Our lives are informed by our surroundings: architecture, spaces and the objects within them. These are the clues to who we are as they are the inspirations that move us forward. Architecture speaks to our physical form, our minds and emotions, as does the spaces we live in and the objects we collect. These are all tethered by the act of inspiration, by our need to express who we are and our hopes for the future.
Nature continues to be explored as subject matter within all the creative arenas. It fascinates us as its mysteries frighten us, we know ourselves and nature very little, both are clearly intertwined deepening this unknown and our drive to understand.
How we live today speaks volumes to how the future will look. The more we nurture ourselves and our environments both natural and built, the more fulfilled our lives and those of others to come, will be. This is our instinct of nature and nurture, of not only survival but empathy and the inspiration of beauty.
To burrow deep into one’s living space, finding comfort and ease from the day’s events is to seek nirvana, heaven on Earth and even bliss. It isn’t hard to understand why we seek out respite, life is difficult, we crave nourishment, joy and the inspiration of beauty.
In a time of required quarantine, sit, stay brings in a new meaning, expanding beyond utility into necessity and emotion, to meditate solely or to commune intimately. This is a time of connection, of person, place and thing, a questioning of how we live now and in the future.
It is said that our innate emotions of love and affection is what has allowed our species to thrive and progress forward. Our need to take care of each other continues to be our constant, especially in times of difficulty. This is what defines and unites us in the circle of life and nature, why our homes are so much a part of who we are, our traditions and hopes for the future.
Craftsmanship is a centuries old approach to making and expressing, a time honored and deeply knowledgeable way of making. Historically, the artisan was a backbone to their community, offering goods and services that could not otherwise be found.
In countering the trends of fast and throwaway, we are committed to craftsmanship and design that bends to the positive future and to our use of sustainable woods which are sourced locally through responsible and reputable businesses. These are not idle words, but a philosophy of design born with the conception of SENTIENT.
In an era of continual challenge, to surround oneself with beauty is to fortify one’s body and mind: will and hope. This is the strength of the creative mind, what art, design, architecture and language can bring to our everyday lives.
In the interior design work of Robert Stilin, one finds a natural balance between creative inspiration and comfort. Here art is well placed as intricate element, while not feeling too precious in stature nor loud in voice.
To surround oneself with the hand created is to live within the inspiration that beauty brings and what design can do: the elevations of living, the highs and depths.
In a world of fast and throwaway, we are now in an era that is increasingly conscious of the opposite. To live more on purpose, less reactive and determined to find a better way.
Beauty and creation are instinctual to who we are as intellect, emotion and memory.
In reference to the future and even to AI specifically, it is the hand created that will be our savior. The connection between the maker and community.
The work of interior designer Amy Lau is an inspiration of language.
Wabi-Sabi in general practice, is the appreciation of the perfectly imperfect, both natural and person made.