Fulfilling your fancy with fountains

"From a marvelous faucet of gold pours a wave

whose clarity is more pure than a soul;

The turquoise and silver form ribbons in the basin

coming from this faucet of gold.” - Azraqi, 11^th Century Poet

We live in a fast-paced modern world, filled with fast food, rush hour traffic, 24/7 news sources and caffeinated everything. 

For many of us trying to make our way in this world, the need for a break from it all becomes increasingly clear with every missed appointment or news brief of another catastrophe in our global community.

However, not everyone can take the time off for lengthy vacations that can sometimes be as stressful as the life you’re attempting to vacate. For those folks, finding the place and time for a much-needed respite close to home becomes a vital necessity: a search for tranquility in a place they call their own.

Research has proven time and time again that most people live in a constant state of “cognitive overload” – a state that causes a variety of symptoms from sleeplessness to hypertension to headaches, with a list of ailments that grows longer every day. That same research has shown that even a brief, uninterrupted time alone in a tranquil state can relieve stress, increase the flow of helpful chemicals and enzymes that promote relaxation, and stimulate your imagination and creativity.

Renowned environmental psychologists Stephen and Rachael Kaplan suggest that recovery from cognitive overload could be achieved by engaging with natural and restorative environments that take us away from daily distractions. As little as 15 minutes in this state of “soft fascination” can bring us back out of our overloaded minds and restore our focus and clarity.

In short, a 15-minute (non-caffeinated) tea break in front of your own personal fountain can give you the peace of mind to continue on at your usual breakneck pace for the rest of the day.

Since before recorded history, mankind has sought the clarity that gently flowing water seems to embody. The sight of softly dripping or running water holds our attention and puts our minds at ease, making us as reflective as the water’s surface would imply. And the sounds of water cascading over a ridge and spilling into a basin, creating endless variations on white noise, can instantly transport us to that place where relaxation awaits. 

Fountains are mankind’s attempt at capturing that natural, tranquil state, by also adding an artistic layer that enriches the sight and sound of flowing, cascading waters. Since 2,000 BC, fountains have provided man with both physical and emotional restitution, whether used for drinking and bathing or for enhancing our personal space.

Creating a natural space where one can disappear from the highs and lows of worldly fortune can also add to the sense of self that many seek in their daily lives. That idea of a personal touch, that brings an almost never-ending sense of self-satisfaction every time we seek to return to that space, further serves to enhance the experience and adds another layer to an already deeply personalized place.

Aesthetically, fountains can be either a focal point all their own, or an accent for your existing landscape. They can be simple or ornate, and come in a variety of sizes and materials – everything from volcanic rock to cast iron to recycled aluminum. They also provide a sense of depth and space while adding both flavor and texture, especially in hardscaped environments comprised of rough edges and sharp corners. And, although each fountain is man made it is designed as an embodiment of nature, with each piece comprising of hundreds of man hours from start to finish. And finally, each fountain is a work of individual art, handcrafted by artisans at the top of their craft and imbued with each artist’s craft and spirit.

When it comes to choosing your fountain, purpose plays as much a factor as taste does. Is it going to be the centerpiece of your landscape, or is it going to be a subtle addition to your already well-manicured space? Are you installing it for purely aesthetic purposes or is it going to be part of your daily relaxation routine? In the latter case, do you want a noisy, musical fountain or one that calmly burbles out of the top to run gently down the sides with nary a sound?

Regardless of your choice, or of their place in your vision, fountains add a sense of timelessness and permanence to any setting, and can be adapted to any style and space. If cared for properly, your fountain will be a working piece of art that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Stop by Home & Garden Culture in Kennett Square today and check out our assortment of fine fountains from our selection of vendors!