During my studies of architecture I was totally seduced by the relation between architecture and art, about how art can live in a space and how both of them transform each other.
I had the great fortune of studying in an university where his architect, Carlos Raul Villanueva, could make tangible his vision about the integration of architecture and art: Universidad Central de Venezuela. A wonderful mix of European modernism, tropical architecture and art, all put together in a magnificent way.
How not to be influenced by those intoxicating surroundings? I would have needed to be dead.
After working exclusively with architecture I worked few years exclusively with art. During that time I visited approximately 10 houses of artists.
All of them were extraordinary.
In every one the artists had created a world of their own, interiors that showed everything about them: their understanding of what makes a home, presence of art, unique use of color and the importance of accessories. Everything seems to have a meaning, a reason for being there.
The feeling was so strong that one did not have another option than to compare them with a stage, with a museum, with a theater, with a monastery. They were not shy or lack of character, certainly not.
Now, looking back, I understand why it is so important for me the presence, the right presence of art in a home and its dialogue with the interiors.
I recently visited the home of another artist; though this time it was a hologram.
Gauguin’s home.
It was at the Grand Palais in Paris.
After many years of traveling and exploring the world he wanted for himself which he exposed on his paintings, graphic work and objects he designed his own home “Maison du Jouir” or “House of Pleasure”.
A house built following the ideas he had of what a home meant for him, a house that “housed” his possessions and creations, that on every surface, on every object there was a footprint of his sense of aesthetics and vision.
It was the creation of a HOME.
What do we need to learn about this?
Probably the greatest inspiration we can take from it, is the importance of treating our houses, flats, cottages, etc as homes and give them the individuality, touch and expression that can connect them with our inner world.
Making of your home a house of pleasure, peace, love, entertainment, reflection, harmony or indulgence certainly will be your choice.
Having the need to find what you want it to be will demand from you knowing yourself and that should provide you with happiness and peace.
That is why giving to your interiors the individuality that reflects you is not a small achievement.
Give a warm welcome to your “House of pleasure”.
