In exciting news, I have just completed a book with Rachel Menzies exploring death anxiety. “Free Yourself from Death Anxiety”, which is due to be published by Jessica Kingsley at the end of the year. To celebrate, I wore these Andy Warhol Skull socks today which I think are a modern take on Memento Mori, something we explore in the book.
Memento Mori, which roughly translates as “remember you must die”, are artistic or symbolic reminders of mortality that have been used for centuries though they were most popularised between the European Medieval and Victorian eras.
Typically found in art or jewellery, Memento Mori remind the living that life is short. In the past Memento Mori would have urged the viewer to think about their immortal soul, today I like to think they remind us life should be treasured. Having some Memento Mori is one of the many exercises we recommend in our book to get you out of your head and focus on living life to the full now. It’s great to see the tradition continues today – even if it is in socks.
I also have an artist friend, Steve Caplin, who amongst his many talents creates “curious furniture”. I am honoured to look after one piece “Puccini” in my living room which is an example of Memento Mori. I also love the book of the Diableries by Brian May. This is a series of visionary dioramas depicting life in Hell in the 1860s.
Curieaux is art for the practical. Curieaux is furniture for the fanciful. Curieaux is what ticks your box. Curieaux is what tickles your fancy. Curieaux is the butter in the croissant, the hole in the doughnut, the fly in the moussaka. Curieaux doesn’t always make sense. This is Puccini. Don’t ask me to interpret it.
YouTube | Brian May Official
Brian May Stereoscopy #4 – Diableries