Dare to be Eternal: Oliver Urman

Classical music plays in the background. The table is elegantly set, with a candelabra at its center, saucisson, and a freshly baked Basque cake, ready to be sliced paper-thin. As is tradition when you visit Olivier’s home, you’re invited to pick your own glass from his impressive collection of thrifted treasures. We talked with him about his approach to creativity and life, how he balances spontaneity and structure in his work, and his exploration of the tension between permanence and impermanence. 

Sarah & Hugo: You’re one of the best hosts we know…

Olivier: I believe that’s how life should be lived! Even in professional relationships, it’s important to make them more enjoyable. I probably got that from my father — whenever the postman or the plumber came by, he would offer them champagne. Of course, it was mostly because he wanted someone to share a glass with. I grew up watching that, and it became a habit of mine too. It’s just so much nicer that way.

How do you organise your days?

I never know what I’m going to do when I wake up. It depends on my mood, my mental state, how I’m feeling physically—whether I’m wide awake or not, or whether I feel like laughing. Then I have a coffee, take stock, review what I worked on the day before, and make quick decisions from there. I don’t have a set morning routine. Some days, I might decide to do nothing at all and just cook or clean instead. For me, everything has to be connected to the pleasure of doing it. Even boring tasks can be enjoyable if the timing feels right.