The Case for Owning One Object You Love
We live surrounded by things we barely notice. There is an argument for owning fewer, and for choosing them well.
Things you love ask less of you than things you merely own.
Summary
- Owning one carefully chosen object can bring more satisfaction than many casually acquired ones.
- Handmade pieces with a clear story tend to be treasured and cared for.
- This is a point of view, not a rule, and not everyone will agree.
Key takeaways
- Choose with intention.
- Quality and meaning outlast novelty.
- Own what you will actually use.
Many of us have drawers full of things we do not remember buying. This is not a moral failing. It is the result of living in a world where things are cheap and constantly offered.
There is another way, and we want to argue for it, with the caveat that we also sell objects and have an obvious interest.
The problem with more
When you own many similar things, no single one gets your attention. You use them carelessly. You replace them without thinking. They become background.
The pleasure of a single choice
When you select one object with care, something shifts. You think about it before buying. You wait. When it arrives, you notice it. You handle it. You know where it came from. Over time it takes on meaning from your use.
This is the reasoning behind the slow luxury idea. See The Slow Luxury Manifesto.
What to look for
Choose an object that you enjoy handling. It should feel good in the hand. It should look good in your space. It should have a story you can tell without embarrassment. And it should be made with real skill.
It does not have to be expensive, though quality costs something.
Why handmade helps
A handmade piece carries evidence of a person. The marks, the choices, the variations. That evidence makes it harder to treat the object as disposable.
The risk of rationalizing
We should be careful. It is easy to justify any purchase with a story about mindfulness. Be honest with yourself. If you cannot afford it, or you will not use it, do not buy it just because it is attractive.
See A Note on Patience and Price.
Use it
An object you love should be used. A candleholder that sits unused in a cupboard is a missed opportunity. Light it. Put it on the table. Let it become part of your routines. See Art You Are Allowed to Touch.
Letting go of the rest
You might find that once you own one object you love, you notice the clutter more. You may begin to let go of what you do not need. That is a side effect, not a requirement.
A note of humility
This is a way of thinking about things, and we do not claim it is the only one. Some people take great joy in collections. Others prefer minimalism. Neither is wrong.
Common questions
Is this an argument to buy from you?
It is an argument for intention. If you decide one of our pieces fits, we are glad. If not, the idea still applies.
Should I display it or use it?
We suggest using it. It is made to be handled and lit.
Keep reading
Every piece is one of one.
Browse the specimen archive and acquire the piece that speaks to you. Each is catalogued once and sold once.