PRESENT
Spring/Summer 2019
P R E S E N T : - Existing or occurring now. - Fully focused on or involved in what one is doing or experiencing. - A thing given to someone as a gift.
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CONTENTS 4-7
Introduction
8-11
Wood Element
12-15
Fire Element
16 - 19
Earth Element
20 - 23
Metal Element
24 - 27
Water Element
30
Playlist
31
Bibliography
3
When asked what surprised him about humanity the most, the Dalai Lama replied: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.�
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Living in a time when the world around us is spinning faster than ever before, surviving and actually enjoying life can be quite a challenge. The human kind is experiencing everything from unlimited levels of development, intelligence and opportunities to extreme uncertainties, threats and suffering. Self-care has never been so vital and the rare occasions spent outdoors, in a pure connection with nature become priceless. The Wu Xing form of Feng Shui, also known as the Chinese five element system views wood, fire, earth, metal and water as the primary natural elements. The system is both a practical and philosophical approach to evaluating human wellness on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional levels and explains the interrelationship between our energy changes and the transformations in the natural world.
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Continuing researches have evidenced the determining impact the visual environments around us have on our lives and how important it is to transform our surroundings to better serve our needs. The homes and offices we inhibit provide not only a shelter and workspace, but also embody platforms for self-expression. The selection of architectural styles, interior colours, art and furnishings allows us to personalize our space and synchronize it with the energy we are trying to establish. Colour tones and decorative elements can increase our energy levels or have just the opposite effect. Patterns in our furniture and wallpapers can be energising, relaxing or irritating. The images in our art can be inspiring or melancholic, uplifting or upsetting, romantic or conflicting. Even though the surrounding architecture cannot always be our choice, we do have the freedom to select the images and artwork we decorate our walls, desks, bookshelves and tablets with.
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The five elements system aims to synchronise various aspects of interior design depending on their connection with the predominant forces in the nature. Colours, objects and design choices can be balanced with the five elements in different ways: by using the actual element for construction (metal for metal element), using something symbolical for the element (an aquarium for the water element) or using the characteristic for the element shapes and colours (such as a triangle for the fire element).
YIN YANG In Chinese philosophy, yin yang is an expression of the balance created by two opposites. It explains how different and seemingly opposed forces could be complementary, attract and reinforce each other while forming a dynamic system through their interaction. According to Taoism, everything has both yin and yang aspects (for instance, shadow cannot exist without light). Yin is described as negative, cold, soft, wet and passive and is associated with the moon, earth, water, femininity and night-time. Yang, by contrast is characterized as energetic, hard, hot, dry and focused and is related to the sun, fire, masculinity and daytime.
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Wood Element Wood is considered a masculine element and is represented by a rectangular shape and the largest planet, Jupiter as a symbol of wood’s bursting growth in springtime. From a masculine yang aspect, the sign is symbolised by green colour compared to its feminine yin energy, which is represented by blue. Just like the green plants which start their life over in the spring, constantly in motion and competing to reach new heights, wood personalities are driven and adventurous, yet firmly grounded by a sense of self belonging. The deep roots at home create stability and strength which allow them to grow and reach their full potential. Green and blue tones, rectangular ornaments, floral prints, plants and natural-fiber fabrics can all be used to bring wood symbolism into our environment and activate our energy.
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RESTORATION
BALANCE
10
V I TA L I T Y GROWTH
11
12
Fire Element Fire’s most distinct characteristic is its masculine energy; therefore, it is considered very yang. The element is represented by a triangle shape and corresponds to the intense red planet Mars and the summer season expressing warmth, growth and light. The fire element also exists in a yin state symbolized by purple colour and the flame of a lamp. When the element is expressing masculine energy, it is symbolised by red and burning wood.
Fire personalities are known for qualities such as passion, love, spirituality, leadership, intuition, aggression and expressiveness. They attract others and release warmth, while being romantic and idealistic, enthusiastic and emotional. The fire energy can be strengthened through art including people and warm-blooded animals, triangle shapes and warm colours from the red and purple spectrum.
13
IMPULSE
PA S S I O N
14
COURAGE
RAGE
15
16
Earth Element Earth’s element is yin, feminine, like Mother Earth and its “season” is the last eighteen days of each of the four seasons, the time of seasonal transition. The element represents unity, stability and balance, therefore it’s strongly connected to the yin yang symbol and square shape. When earth is in a feminine, yin state, its colour is gold and when it expresses masculine yang energy, it’s associated with yellow. Earth individuals are reliable, stable, practical, kind, honest and empathetic. They establish strong connections with others, deeply value friendship and have a sense of awareness and reflection. This element can be strengthened by decoration in square patterns, artwork picturing landscapes, fields, deserts and objects such as plants, clay, ceramic and adobe.
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S TA B L E
N AT U R A L
18
RELIABLE
19
20
Metal Element Metal is characterized by exceptional strength and endurance. According to feng shui philosophy, people with metal as their predominant compatibility are very determined and powerful, disciplined and strong-willed. This element is symbolised by a firmly grounded, snow-capped mountain reaching towards the heavens; a symbol of inner strength and tranquillity. The season related to the element is autumn, the time of harvest and preparation for winter. Extracted from the feminine earth, this element also has feminine characteristics and the colours expressing best its personality are white, silver and light pastels. The metal energy can be reinforced by smooth, rounded patterns, circular shapes, arches, bridges, stone sculptures, rocks, crystals and jewellery.
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INFINITY
COMPLETENESS
22
RESISTANCE
23
24
Water Element The power of water is expressed in its ability to change shape effortlessly without losing its essential character. This process is most evident in the winter season when the raindrops freeze overnight into icicles, only to melt in the morning and then dissolve into mist under the sunlight. This element is the most feminine of all but in Taoist cosmology, femininity is not perceived as weak. Instead, water is considered a very powerful force which can move around any obstacle on its way and even dissolve the hardest mountains in time. When this element expresses feminine yin energy, it is symbolised by a gray colour and a brook. The masculine yang aspect of water is associated with black and symbolised by a wave. Water personalities are persuasive and determined in their life journey and this energy can be strengthened by curved lines and reflective surfaces such as glass, crystals, mirrors, fountains, pools and aquariums.
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TRUST
F O RWA R D
26
CLARITY
27
Power Power
Enegry Fun Warmth
Passion Agression Intense
Growth Success Hope
Royalty Spirituality Luxury
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Energy
Equality
Movement
Generosity Generosity
Happiness Optimism Youth
Stability
Wholeness
Balance
The principle of balance that maintains the well-being of body and mind allows us to better understand our needs and create a nourishing environment to optimize the vitality and harmony within ourselves. And just like the five-element system proves in what a beautiful way different forces can exist together, we can also learn to transform the energy around us, harmonize it with our inner spirit and truly connect to the present moment.
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P L AY L I S T
SS19 PRESENT
30
SONG
ARTIST
ALBUM
Nuvole Bianche
Ludovico Einaudi
Una Mattina
Experience
Ludovico Einaudi
In A Time Lapse
I Giorni
Ludovico Einaudi
I Giorni
Un nouveau soleil
M83
You And The Night
Intro
The xx
XX
Time
Hans Zimmer
Inception: Music from the Motion Picture
Comptine d’Un Autre Été
Amélie
Yann Tiersen
River Flows in You
Yiruma
River Flows In You
Transformation
The Cinematic Orchestra
The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos
Arrival of the Birds
The Cinematic Orchestra
The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos
Ambre
Nils Frahm
Wintermusik
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FASHION COMMUNICATION & EMERGING MEDIA Iveta Martinkova