The Art of Presence: When Two Visions Collide on the PCH
My journey into the world of Amuvida didn’t start in a sterile showroom; it started over a warm cup of coffee at Jedidiah Coffee on the PCH in Laguna Beach. There is something about that space—the scent of roasted beans and the local craft on display—that mirrors the intentionality Anya pours into her work.
As an abstract artist, my own work is a dialogue with my Hungarian heritage and the therapeutic, restorative power of water—the way it moves, heals, and reflects. Having studied in Florence, Italy, I’ve always carried a deep European sensibility toward “slow craft” and the emotional weight of a medium. I felt an immediate connection when we met; it was one of those rare moments that felt truly meant to be. Sitting there with Anya and her daughter, Ellie, I realized that Amuvida is more than a business; it’s a family legacy of seeing the world through a creative lens. Ellie is absolutely full of life and energy, and her spirit moved me deeply. She was so excited about the idea of visiting my art studio so we could create something together—a prospect that brought so much joy into my day.
Redefining “The Kindness of Strangers”
Watching the two of them talk about color, shape, and light, it became clear that the “amusing life” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a lived experience. It’s the way they choose to show up in Laguna Beach, a town that lives and breathes through its art galleries and its honey-hued sunsets.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but think of the famous line by Blanche DuBois: “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” In the classic play, that line is a tragic admission of vulnerability. But here, on the PCH, Anya and I were reclaiming that sentiment. We weren’t “strangers” depending on others to save us; we were two artists with shared European roots who found an immediate, authentic kinship in our pursuit of light. We talked about how the specific quality of light that hits the Laguna Beach canyon walls is exactly what an Amuvida brings indoors. By capturing that warmth in wax, Anya is giving you a piece of the coast to keep on your table.
The Interview: A Conversation with Anya
Most people dream of leaving the corporate world, but you actually did it. What was the catalyst for that “aha” moment?
Amuvida: It was personal before it was global. After stepping away from a corporate career I could no longer sustain due to my health, I needed something fulfilling that could also create income. The real shift was moving from high-tech, high-stress work to something intentionally low-tech and hands-on. Styling with these large Amuvidas felt grounding—it finally aligned with where I was in my life. That personal clarity eventually expanded into bespoke event styling, elevated house decor, and hospitality spaces where art and light meet.
Your name and the brand name are so closely linked. What is the philosophy behind it?
Amuvida: Amuvida means “amusing life,” and it’s rooted in my last name. It reflects my belief in intentionally seeking joy. My family and I have faced mental and physical hardships, yet we continue to choose hope—to redefine the past and build the present moment. For me, “amusement” isn’t just entertainment; it’s joy and presence. It’s about choosing what brings light into your life. I carry that philosophy into styling with these handcrafted wax art installations, blending abstract art and intentional living.
You’ve chosen wax as your primary medium. Why is that authenticity so important?
Amuvida: Wax feels honest and real, unlike plastic alternatives. Authenticity matters deeply to me—in my work and how I show up in the world. It’s also a form of sustainable luxury; if an Amuvida breaks, it can be remelted and recreated rather than discarded. That ability to transform instead of waste aligns with my values. It’s why I feel so at home in Laguna Beach; it’s a place for people who truly appreciate art and want to decorate their homes with meaningful pieces of art and light.
The Interplay of Art and Light: Berta x Amuvida
How does an Amuvida change the energy of a room compared to traditional lighting?
Amuvida: When a room is lit with this steady candlelight, the energy shifts toward calm. Bright artificial lighting can be harsh and overstimulating, often causing fatigue or headaches. This light signals rest and ease. Whether it’s an Amuvida installation for a romantic wedding or elevated hospitality decor, the glow is immersive and atmospheric. It doesn’t just decorate a space; it completely transforms how a person feels within it.
As an artist, how do you see these pieces interacting with your abstract paintings?
Clara Berta: Light is the silent collaborator in my work. In my abstract paintings, I’m fascinated by how light interacts with texture. Because an Amuvida provides a consistent, sculptural glow without a flickering flame, it bathes the canvas in a steady warmth. It reveals the layers of the paint and catches the subtle ridges of the texture, creating a sense of “stilled time.” My art provides the soul, and the steady glow of the Amuvida provides the pulse.
Why do you think this specific combination of art and light is so important right now?
Amuvida: When a room is lit with this steady candlelight, the energy shifts toward calm. Bright artificial lighting can be harsh and overstimulating, often causing fatigue or headaches. This light signals rest and ease. Whether it’s an Amuvida installation for a romantic wedding or elevated hospitality decor, the glow is immersive and atmospheric. It doesn’t just decorate a space; it completely transforms how a person feels within it.
Call to Action: Step Into the Glow
Our collaboration feels like a natural extension of the Laguna Beach art galleries that surround us—a blend of handcrafted wax art and canvas that redefines holistic home decor. We aren’t just placing objects in a room; we are engaging in bespoke event styling that prioritizes the human experience.
- The Collection: Explore Anya’s latest handcrafted wax sculptures at the Amuvida Gallery.
- The Canvas: Visit my studio in Laguna Beach to experience the “restorative potential of water” in my latest abstract series.
- The Ritual: Meet us where it all began—at Jedidiah Coffee on the PCH. Grab an oat milk latte, breathe in the salt air, and let the Laguna light remind you of what it means to be truly present.