In conversation with: Anton+Aiguabella
Paul Anton and Bea Aiguabella, the artistic duo known as Anton+Aiguabella, share not only their studio but also their everyday life as a family. In our conversation, the creative couple reflect on their inspirations, rituals and the objects that give shape to their life.
Where do you find inspiration for your artworks?
Historically, our inspiration flowed from nature — its landscapes, its very essence — and from human bonds: the art of patience, the feeling of being loved, the humility of smallness. We also draw deeply from architecture, both in composition and storytelling, a reflection of our roots as architects. Yet lately, what moves us most are the actions of our children — not only when they grasp the brush, but when they invent playful worlds beyond our imagination. Their ingenious, humorous creations are marvels of creativity. As Picasso said, we are all born artists; the challenge is to remain so as we grow and never lose the wonder of childhood.
What about the STOFF Nagel design captivates you – and how do you make the pieces a part of your home?
We really like the candle holders from STOFF Nagel, especially those with a brushed chrome finish, a material we see a lot in current architecture and interior design. We designed our dining table using this material finish. What we like most, besides having beautiful minimal design lines and very elegant finishes, is the base that creates a sense of play. Play in the sense of being adaptive structures for any space. Play when making constructions for different occasions, sometimes more extravagant, sometimes more modest. We also like how, after a gathering with friends, the structure remains frozen in time without being put away and somehow serves to recall that good time with friends, as if it were a fleeting reminiscence mechanism.
Is there something you always keep in your home for special moments, and why does it matter to you?
This question took time to answer. At first, we thought — Celebrations are full of details, but the one we treasure most is our black clay tableware, handmade, held for special days.
