Art of Ritual

Rituals often take shape in the quiet and familiar moments we return to each day, the way we wake up, move through our spaces, care for ourselves, and get ready to step out into the world. These small actions begin to carry meaning. The objects we reach for in those moments help form these experiences.

Through thoughtful design and personal processes, these artists and makers create pieces that become part of these routines. Whether through time, touch, scent, or space, their work invites a more considered way of living.

Discover how these artists bring intention to everyday moments. You can find these artists and many more at the One of a Kind Spring Show, April 24 – 26.

At the intersection of design and daily living, mary + hoss, founded by Maryam Rouhi and Hossein (Hoss) Rouhi, creates porcelain objects meant to be used, handled, and returned to. Each piece is crafted by hand, becoming part of the quiet rituals that shape life at home.

Tell us about your creative process.

Maryam & Hossein: We make porcelain objects by hand, carefully designing each piece to function beautifully while also being thoughtfully crafted. Every object is shaped, finished, and decorated individually, so each one carries our fingerprints and our care throughout the process.

What inspires your work?

Maryam & Hossein: Our inspiration comes from natural elements and Persian art and calligraphy. We are drawn to creating pieces that feel balanced, intentional, and connected to both tradition and everyday life.

How do you imagine your work being used day to day?

Maryam & Hossein: We are motivated by the small, joyful moments people experience when using our pieces — like drinking from a cup and smiling at it. Our goal is to create objects that bring happiness into everyday rituals and feel meaningful in daily use.

Michi Bar Soaps, founded by Michelle ​“Michi” Barsanti, transforms everyday care into a sensory experience. The collection is rooted in scent, texture, and atmosphere, inviting a slower, more intentional approach to everyday rituals.

What inspired you to begin creating your products?

Michelle: My journey into artisan soaps began with a simple desire to bring more beauty and tranquility into my everyday life. I started experimenting in my kitchen with recipes and essential oil blends, and what began as a hobby quickly grew into something I wanted to share.

Tell us about your process.

Michelle: Each product is handcrafted in small batches using nourishing oils and butters, clays, botanicals, and high-quality fragrance and essential oils. I focus on creating pieces that are not only beautiful and fragrant, but also kind to your skin and the environment.

How do you hope people interact with your products in their everyday lives?

Michelle: I want my work to delight the senses and bring a bit of joy to everyday routines. Whether it’s the quiet ritual of bathing, lighting a candle, or wearing a scent, these small moments can feel calming, personal, and meaningful.

MADHU, founded by Matt Kuttan, is rooted in the idea that time should be experienced, not rushed. Built slowly and intentionally, each piece reflects a return to presence, craftsmanship, and meaning.

What inspired you to create MADHU?

Matt: After decades of building brands around speed and constant engagement, I found myself craving the opposite: quiet, restraint, and intention. MADHU grew out of that tension. It became less about output and more about meaning, grounded in the idea of slowing down and being present.

Tell us about your creative process.

Matt: The process was slow by design. I sketched by hand, studied vintage watches, and focused on proportion, weight, and how the watch feels on the wrist rather than how it performs on a screen. Every decision was guided by a simple question: does this bring us closer to presence?

What kind of experience do you hope your work creates for people in their daily lives?

Matt: I believe good design can make people feel something real, especially in a world that moves too fast. MADHU is designed to slow people down rather than speed them up, to create a moment of awareness in something as simple as checking the time.

Preethi Pushpam Nallalaguraja, the founder behind Preet’s Design Co., creates handcrafted wood pieces that transform everyday spaces. Each piece is designed to bring depth, movement, and intention into the environments we return to daily.

Tell us about your creative process.

Preethi: I use subtractive carving techniques to create layered surfaces that reveal depth and shadow. The goal is to create a balance where light moves across the piece, so it feels different from every angle and continues to engage the eye.

What inspires your work?

Preethi: My work is inspired by nature, travel, and architectural forms. I blend influences from different design styles to create pieces that feel both structured and expressive, adding warmth and personality to a space.

How do you envision your work living within someone’s space over time?

Preethi: I believe a well-designed space can uplift and bring peace to daily life. When someone brings my work into their home, it’s not just decoration — it becomes part of the mood, the experience, and the way they live in that space.