It was 2003, schools were shut-down over the fear of the spread of a new virus, SARS. We escaped to Phuket for a few weeks with our friends from Hong Kong. My girlfriend phoned Sri in Bangkok, Rolf’s son, and asked if he could courier some pieces to our home in Amanpuri to distract us from the last months spent in fear. Sri came himself, it was a joyous afternoon of tea, pastries and the discovery of the most amazing intricate pieces of jewellery and home décor. I immediately fell in love with all things Lotus Arts de Vivre.
Today we are neighbours at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. At Christmas, when I visit my store I walk next door and admire their beautiful window displays and treat myself!
I have lived in Thailand for almost 60 years. Over 38 years ago, I founded with my wife, Helen, our company Lotus Arts de Vivre. It was built on magnificent pieces of jewellery that took inspiration from Asian mythology and culture, with artisans seamlessly melding precious metals and jewels with organic materials such as ebony, seeds, nuts, seashell and bamboo. These pieces were – and still remain - one of a kind, breathing life into mythical beasts and ancient tales that abound in Asian culture.
The desire to share the exotic stories of Asia and my personal travel experiences is what inspired me to both create and collect unique art pieces with a distinct identity.
I travel around the world searching for inspiration in old world charms and wonderful materials to pursue those visions.
Today, with the support of my two sons, we take pride in leading and inspiring Lotus Arts de Vivre to position itself globally as a cutting-edge design atelier deeply rooted in Thai as well as Asian culture and heritage.