The Power Curve
Antoni Gaudi, the artist, architect, and innovator, once said “The straight line belongs to man. The curved one to God.” He famously designed buildings trying to avoid straight lines and hard corners, rather taking clues from nature. Touring the Sagrada Família today I was struck by the towering forest carved of stone and the fierce colors lighting up every curvy surface. Simultaneously breathtaking and curious
I think there are lessons here for us all as we apply this thinking as a fresh insight.
Careers: I know very few accomplished professions whose careers were a straight and linear progression. It’s the plot twists and growth patterns that make us unique and prepare us to contribute greater impact.
Storytelling: As I was reminded this week by writer and film maker Sam Grierson, stories follow a common pattern: set it up, mess it up, and then fix it up. But the thing that makes a story compelling is the unpredictable, the off course, and the surprise.
Community: Gaudi collaborated with other artists (during his life, but also he knowingly left his life’s work for others to complete). He also combined design elements in his work. A fanciful dragon scale roof on Casa Bastillo combined with floral vine motifs. Uses of arches, circles, parabolas, and specific artifacts of nature (leaves, turtles, bones) all used in a cacophony of symbolism. He knew, as we should, that if one of us is good, we are even better together!
And my husband will tell you that the curvy roads are much more exciting to drive in a “fun” car, than the straightaways.
Where else do you see this “power of the curve” show up in your life and work?
Gaudi’s work relied on a deep observation of the natural world and an understanding, through experimentation and model making, of how to replicate the spirit and science in his artworks. He once said “To do things well, you need: first, love; second, technique." So, perhaps we can find comfort in this: as long as our winding paths are driven by love and informed by an appreciation of what we can learn, then the perfect technique, and the success that comes from that mastery, can follow.