Helvetia House, Designed by Austin Maynard Architects, was a deeply considered, site-specific commission developed directly with the homeowner, following the completion of the house.
We worked closely to develop a large-scale sculptural work that would sit within the architecture—softening it, responding to it, and becoming part of how the space is experienced.
Below is a reflection from the client, shared after the piece was installed. It speaks to the process and what the work now brings into their home.
"After our large scale renovation we began a search to find a centrepiece artwork for our newly created contemporary space. The new space is not your typical traditional design. The entry is located centrally where circulation is organised to enter different zone of the house. The wall space is the visual junction of the entry that is part of the small casual sitting room.
As a designer, I needed a statement piece that tells a story and not just another framed picture on the wall. A piece that will soften the rectilinear space and unifies with the sitting room interior. It had to be tactile, organic in form and speaks the same architectural language as the house.
After searching the globe for several years, I found Kasia on social media. Her hand knotted art work was unique and appeared to have a life of their own implying a past, a present and a future. The piece called, “The Scar Within” not only resonated with us but also ticked all the design boxes. While we wanted the original piece for our collection, it was too small for the space so we asked Kasia if she would consider being commissioned for a piece with upscaled size.
From start-to-finish, Kasia was dedicated, collaborative, and authentic with her talent. We sent photos of the space and gave a guide for dimensions but emphasised that it should not dictate her creative flow. From first contact to delivery was seven weeks and we were updated on the progress along the way. We were delighted with the short timeframe and we could only imagine the creative real-estate it would have occupied in her mind during that period as we can see intent in every wave of knots.
The artwork was hand delivered by the artist herself and the unveiling was a moment of excitement. It is indeed an exquisite piece to complete a very demanding space for art. Kasia’s creativity, passion, craftsmanship and resolution is reflected in the quality of her work. Although the piece was based on, ”The Scar Within” piece, our commissioned-piece has distinctly evolved. Through the waves formed by the knots we see the receding and swelling of an emotional roller coaster more centred around the dark scar that is now proportionately finer, but nevertheless incisive. The shadows casted by the afternoon sun creates movement and another dimension with different appearances through the day and through the seasons. In the evening, the piece re-emerges from the warming calming light of the wall sconce producing a stronger contrast of the knots creating powerful waves. The artwork brings us joy, prompts us to pause and reminder that life is full of twists and turns but can also be so beautiful".
This project is a reminder of why I do what I do.
To create work that doesn’t just sit within a space, but becomes part of how it’s experienced—shifting with the light, holding presence, and quietly evolving over time.
Commissions like this are never just about the final piece, but about the trust, the process, and the shared vision that shapes it.
If you’ve been thinking about a piece for your own space, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning.
