“To a journey through sculpture whose space - made of emptiness and silence - beyond that of the material that constitutes it, opens and unfolds around it.”
The words describing NOMADE, Jaume Plensa’s sculpture outside the Picasso Museum in Antibes, capture not only the beauty and profundity of the piece, but the silence and emptiness that for many, characterised the last year. This stunning backdrop looking out to sea, with a sense of endless possibility, felt a perfect setting for our CURVE Outdoor Benches – a beautiful, open place to sit down, dream and connect.
With wanderlust yearnings and many projects – both at home and abroad – shattered during the pandemic, it feels good to be starting to reengage with and embrace life again. Over lockdown, I was able to take a welcome break, explore different creative avenues and make some exciting new connections virtually. I learned to adapt, discovered that life and work, fortunately, could continue in some semblance. Moreover, I was thankful to have work commitments over this time which allowed me to travel, even if only in the UK. Unsurprisingly, I was drawn to these forays away from home, which energised me and awakened new ideas.
As we now gradually get back to this ‘new normal’, I’m reminded yet again of how essential the fresh view, which literally comes from new vistas – people and places – and the intangible connections made face-to-face, are for lasting inspiration and innovation. There’s nothing more valuable in life to me than the connection, and vitality, fostered when two kindred spirits meet, share and laugh.
‘Only connect’, says E.M. Forster, in Howard’s End, stressing the importance not only of those who share a deep bond coming together, but those with different viewpoints and backgrounds. Indeed, it’s variety and diversity which we as human beings need for a richer, more passionate and interesting life. It was this need for connection, in fact, that inspired the CURVE benches. Designed first for a wellness centre in London, their natural, curving shape and ability to literally connect together invite both collaboration and reflection.
Where can you go? Who can you meet? What could be the site of your next connection? And what ideas and inspiration could be born from it? Reignite your dreams of travel, of projects, of people, of art and the natural world … keep that spark alive – embrace what this next stage will bring. The unknown is part of the excitement.
CURVE Bench, manufactured in England, is available to order.