The “why” in who, what, where, why.**

Why design? What does design mean to me? Why does it fascinate me?

Design has been a part of my life from a young age, even though Im the only artist in my family. Growing up with parents who were property developers meant constant conversations about houses and design, shaping my perspective from early on. I had the privilege of redesigning my bedroom over 10 times, experimenting with colours and styles, yellow walls, pink beds, black and gold wardrobes, and floral chairs. My involvement wasn’t just limited to my own space; I also helped my mum choose paints and furniture for the whole house, which made design feel personal and hands-on.

Once I got a taste of design, I was hooked. I painted Starry Night by Van Gogh on my ceiling, created custom art for my walls, and even hand-made 5-foot rugs. My desire to create only grew, and I explored many forms of design, including photography, animation, and sculpture. Every project fed my creativity, but theres always something new to try, making the desire to create endless. To me, design is about more than just aesthetics, its the constant drive to explore new possibilities.

I watched “the secret to great design” recently by Tony Fadell.

I felt he explained the need for design perfectly.

Design isn't always about aesthetics, it’s sometimes just as much about making life easier and more functional. A well-designed object isn't just something you admire from a distance; it’s something you interact with daily, often without even thinking about it. When design works well, it seamlessly blends into your life.

For example, in a home, good design might mean a kitchen that feels efficient to work in, where everything is within arms reach, or a layout that makes a small space feel comfortable. Its about creating environments where people can move, work, and relax, without frustration. Even simple details like the placement of light switches, the height of shelves, can make a huge difference.

Design is also about problem-solving, taking into account how people use things and how they feel in those spaces. It’s not always about a bold visual statement; sometimes it’s the quiet, functional details that make life simpler and more enjoyable.

So to further this, I did some Pinterest scrolling, looking for pieces of design that I felt made life smoother. And it unlocked another thought. What about art that makes you think a curtain way. Art that encourages you to feel, that inspired you, that makes you feel powerful. Wouldn’t this be practical, wouldn’t this make life smoother?

Heres a piece of artwork that I love and that has always inspired me.

‘The kiss’ By Klimt.G (1907). Gustav Klimt.

For me, The Kiss is inspiring because it shows love in a way that feels both timeless and new. The golden tones make it feel warm and comforting, and the couples embrace is so intimate, yet its also something bigger, something that feels universal. Its not just about a perfect, idealised love, but about a real, passionate connection between two people, and thats what makes it stand out. It reminds me that love doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel meaningful and deep.