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.
I sat there with Anya and her daughter, Ellie. During our talk, I realized Amuvida is more than a business. It is 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 to create something together—a prospect that brought so much joy to 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.
Clara and Anya explore how handcrafted wax art and abstract art paintings come together to create healing, luminous environments in Laguna Beach.
When I met Anya, there was an immediate connection. It felt like one of those rare intersections where creative paths align naturally. Sitting with her and her daughter, Ellie, I realized that Amuvida is not only a brand of wax art but a philosophy of living through light, presence, and intention. Ellie’s energy was full of life, curiosity, and imagination. She spoke about art with joy, and in that moment, creativity felt generational, alive, and deeply human.
Warmth, translated into sculptural form through wax and illumination.
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: My motivation was personal before it was global. Initially, I stepped away from a high-stress corporate career due to my health. I needed a fulfilling path that could also generate income. Therefore, I shifted from high-tech work to a hands-on, low-tech approach. Styling with these large Amuvidas felt grounding and aligned with my life. That personal clarity eventually expanded into bespoke event styling, elevated house decor, and hospitality spaces where abstract art and light come together.
What does Amuvida mean to you?
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 organic. 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 where people value meaningful abstract art, intentional living, and emotional connection to their environment.
Your candles are flameless and use LED light. Why did you choose this direction instead of a real flame?
Amuvida: The decision was rooted in safety while preserving beauty. Many regions, including areas like Laguna Beach and much of California, face a high fire risk. Accidental fires have caused devastating loss, and many venues now prohibit open flame entirely. By using soft white LED lighting inside authentic wax sculptures, I can preserve the emotional warmth of candlelight while ensuring complete safety. My goal is to offer wax art lighting that is both visually authentic and emotionally grounding, without the risks associated with a flame.
The Interplay of Abstract Art and Light: Berta x Amuvida
How does an Amuvida change the energy of a room compared to traditional lighting?
Amuvida: When a space is illuminated by wax art, the atmosphere shifts. It becomes calmer, more intentional, and more immersive. Bright artificial lighting can feel overstimulating, while this form of light invites stillness and reflection. In weddings, galleries, and hospitality spaces, wax art lighting transforms how people feel within a space. It does not simply decorate a room; 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 painting holds emotion, and the light holds space for that emotion to be seen.
Why do you think this specific combination of art and light is so important right now?
Amuvida: I believe light can be healing when used with intention. In softened, dim environments, the nervous system naturally begins to relax. There is a return to stillness. After a full day of stimulation, stepping into a space shaped by wax art and abstract painting allows the mind to settle. The shadows created by large wax sculptures add depth, while the glow creates emotional grounding. This combination of wax art, abstract art, and healing environments in Laguna Beach creates spaces that are not just visual but restorative.
What drew you to my abstract art?
Amuvida: I was in a deeply personal healing phase when I first encountered your work. I was searching for people and art that celebrate life fully. Your abstract paintings immediately evoked joy. I saw nature, movement, and especially the ocean. As someone deeply connected to the ocean, this resonated with me instantly. Your work felt alive, expansive, and emotionally uplifting.
How do your wax art pieces and abstract paintings work together in a space?
Amuvida: I see them as one unified experience. Your abstract painting expands emotion and opens the heart. My wax candles support that emotional expansion by grounding the space. Together, they create balance. The painting elevates feeling, while the wax art provides a steady visual anchor. This harmony allows viewers to experience emotion without overwhelm. In this way, wax art and abstract painting become a shared healing language.
Wax Art Beyond the Studio: Weddings, Galas, and Laguna Beach Events
Where else do you use your wax art installations?
Amuvida: My candles extend into weddings, art shows, and galas. Additionally, I use them in curated brand environments. These are immersive experiences where atmosphere is essential. Because these pieces are large, clients typically rent them rather than own them. For example, an installation of 100 wax candles requires dedicated storage and maintenance. Therefore, rental is the most practical approach. This allows wax art to remain accessible, experiential, and transformative.
Can you share a recent event experience?
Recently, I had the honor of styling the Oscars Gala event in Los Angeles. The evening brought together the film industry and guests supporting youth initiatives. One highlight was a runway presentation by designer Beata J. Collection. Specifically, I was invited to elevate the runway using my candles.
As the models walked, they were bathed in a steady, glowing atmosphere. The light did not compete with the movement. Instead, it supported it. Consequently, the fashion, motion, and emotion of the moment unfolded in perfect harmony.
Wax Art, Abstract Art, and Healing Light in Laguna Beach
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 are not simply placing objects in a room. We are creating environments where wax art and abstract art become tools for healing, presence, and emotional restoration.
- The Collection: Explore the 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.