Functional art, for me, is the possibility of combining high performance with aesthetic. To merge the qualities of a purely functional object with those of aesthetics, elegance and grace. I have always loved shiny objects. I still remember, at the age of 8-9, I had a fascination (an obsession even, as it often happens to me) for a small crystal hedgehog. Its unique feature: it shone with multicolored reflections. It took me months before I could collect the 56 francs (my age is betrayed) that allowed me to acquire it.
The love of the aesthetic. In the body, in the movements, in the objects, in the way to express oneself. Some would say that it is superficial. Others, who notice a certain artistic dimension of Life, cannot do without it. For me, aesthetics is soothing, comforting, and it may sound strange to say, but it makes me feel good.
I've never considered myself an artist, though. My view of what an artist is was very narrow, until recently. In my head, an artist was either a painter or a sculptor (I know, it's a bit naive and simplistic). So, being neither, I clearly didn't belong in that category. I wasn't thinking of all the other creators and transformers of matter.
I discovered that art is not only about creating a "beautiful object" (beauty being subjective). It is also and especially,
the possibility for the artist to use a medium of his choice (material) to express himself fully, without necessarily using words to do so.
the possibility to transmit a message
to fall back in love with the process versus the final result, the path versus the destination
to create awareness about the overproduction and overconsumption (and therefore the loss of quality) that is happening in almost every industry.
the return to local, human-scale manufacturing.
There is no more gratifying moment than a customer looking at my collection of available knives, and finally choosing to purchase the one that suits his attraction, his impulse. It's magical to see people choose from their intuition rather than their mind.
My wish, as the owner and founder of Kaizen Knives, is to create a Wow! effect for my customers, both in the aesthetics and in the performance of my knives. I want to see people proud to own such an item.
I also want to bring, through each use, a moment of presence. And somewhere along the line, given the nature of the object, if the user lacks presence, they risk being called to order by the edge of the blade. I have always believed that a certain amount of danger keeps one alert, and therefore in the moment. We live in a society where our attention is coveted in every way possible (especially for marketing purposes) and especially through social networks. I like to imagine that every meal preparation is a precious opportunity to cultivate a moment of presence, holding in your hand an object worthy of all your attention and love. I truly believe that multiplying sacred moments like this hold a key to appreciation, evolution, and even compassion.
I have never had the ambition to want to (or even be able to) change the world on a grand scale. I feel powerless in the face of this idea, which seems bigger than me. However, the idea of being the catalyst of a transformation, of a moment of inspiration, or simply of making a difference at a "T" moment in someone's life, it touches me, and it's one of the things that drives me.
So Kaizen Knives may not save the world, but you are sure to leave with a Wow! knife, both in its artistic and functional aspects.