Living in and as art:
Our building here in Antwerp is a piece of art in which we live. I’ve always liked that basic metaphor. Seeing life as a grand walk in studio! Plus all nations and generations and creatures like having here. I learn the most when the metaphors are all under one roof. Generations, cultures and types of people, when together find the common song. Our building has that collaborative spirit, there are people with young kids, artists who must work all night, and people who love parrots. It’s beyond animal friendly, animals like to gather here. I alway trust that.
In europe in general the metaphors have to sit at the same table, there is more shared space. I appreciate that. But in our building someone is always cutting fabric in the silence of scissors, walking a dog, feeding a parrot or composing music simultaneously. The writer is scribbling notes, the piano player is practicing, the mother is cooking warm stew…many metaphors under one roof, make me happy considering the simultaneous dramas going on in life!
But i always find myself with creatives, ironic participants, wherever i roam. It’s a niche or magnetic spiritual thing. I always live with Opera in the building, and hear it, even when it’s not playing!
Our landlords are both great artists, so i suppose their building is an extension of their vision and haven. My wife and I think the same way, that our home should become a haven for the parts beyond which we carry, the practical haven itself should also be art!
Hunderwasser got this in his philosophy as well! Anyways, i like being living art. And it makes it easier when your building is an arts gallery! I feel right at home!
Always makes me want to cook as well—last night very garlicky pasta, as I’m fighting off a euro cold! Managed to get the clothes cleaned though! Art brings life even when a bit under the weather! Let’s keep being art friends!