A number of years ago, during a particularly challenging time in my life, I found myself wandering the streets of Madrid. Unsure of my own path, I realized that I was living according to the expectations of others rather than following my instincts about what felt true for me. This dissonance left me feeling lost and disconnected. That same evening, I stumbled into a small, intimate ceramic shop. Entering it felt like stepping into someone's living room. The space was warm and inviting and was filled with beautiful objects that had been carefully curated by the shop’s owner, Sylvie. On its shelves she had gathered handmade works from artists across Spain, creating a space where people could discover treasures ranging from delicate, imperfect teacups to terra cotta cooking pots that must be soaked for twenty-four hours prior to use.
ONE ARTIST
ONE COLLECTION
ONE OF A KIND
As I moved through the shop touching every vessel, I realized that my admiration for these pieces wasn’t just a product of their beauty. Of course they were exquisitely beautiful, but I was even more taken with the way that they made me feel an immediate and intimate connection to the people who created them. I had a sudden moment of clarity that could have easily been missed as I processed my excitement at discovering this shop. I understood that I had taken a step in a purposeful direction that felt right to me even if I didn’t quite know what it meant at the time.
In that modest shop in Spain, I was particularly drawn to one group of works that were unlike anything I had ever seen. Their forms were simultaneously modern while nodding to the designs of older utilitarian vessels. Their textures were varied and rough. At the time, I wouldn’t have guessed that two years later I would be visiting the artist in his village of fifteen inhabitants in the mountains of Northern Spain. Raúl Mouro is the first maker who I collaborated with for The Middle. I am particularly excited about working with him since the discovery of his work is what motivated me to start this project.
The Middle is a space where creativity can foster a middle-ground—a meeting place—for a conversation where we can all connect to one another regardless of our differences. At the center of this conversation are the objects created by talented makers from around the world. Fostering this dialogue between these artists and a larger audience is what The Middle is all about. We will highlight one maker at a time, introducing a unique collection of objects made exclusively for each project. Each collection will be the result of a close collaboration with a maker, focused on producing pieces that are masterfully crafted, environmentally conscious, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Olivia Marciano, Founder
