Ascend
A Study in Hope and Gravity
Caught mid-rise, one arm reaching upward, the figure holds a red heart balloon close. Not releasing it. Keeping it. This is the moment just before arrival: when the reaching is still everything, and the standing firm is what makes the reaching possible.
Some objects fill a room. This one anchors a mind. Small, yet enduring: a thing made with care that carries a weight far beyond its size.
The Architecture of a Dream
The Red Balloon. A heart held aloft, red against whatever light finds it. Not a symbol of letting go. A symbol of what we choose to hold onto: the lightness of ideals, the fragility of what we cherish most. The balloon is not floating away. It is being kept.
The Upward Reach. Vertical lines lift a room. Even the smallest form can do that. The posture here is permanent: not a moment of striving, but a state of being. Rising, and still. Resilient in the only way that lasts.
The Space Between. The few millimeters between hand and heart hold the tension of the whole piece. Stillness in design is not emptiness, but precision. Here, precision means: the holding on, not the release.
The Tactile Presence
The marble base settles weight into a surface. Finished by hand, with meticulous detail. The matte finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so shadows shift slowly through the day: morning cool, afternoon warm, evening deep.
Sanctuaries for contemplation in a world of distraction. A piece this quiet makes very little noise in a space, but the silence it creates has character. Jet Black grounds. Pure White calms. Both occupy a shelf, a desk, a bedside table in the same considered way.
Curating Your Space
Ascend is designed for the surfaces where you think, rest, and return. It does not demand attention. It rewards it. Place it where light finds it, and let the shadows do the rest.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.4″ H × 3.9″ L × 2.8″ W (24 × 10 × 7 cm)
- Material: Marble base, finished by hand
- Finish: Matte
- Colors: Jet Black / Pure White
- Essence: Hope, the upward reach
Size9.4 in H x 3.9 in L x 2.8 in W (24 x 10 x 7 cm)
Colorsjet black, pure white
Finishmatte
Materialsmarble base, finished by hand
Secure US shipping, 7 to 14 business days
Once perfected, the work is encased in specialized shock-absorbent packaging and shipped via our secure international logistics partners to ensure the marble base arrives in pristine condition.
We know that waiting is a luxury in the modern world. But we believe that when you unbox the piece and feel its weight and finish, you will find your patience was rewarded with perfection.
Changed your mind? We accept returns within 14 days of delivery.
Items must be unused and in original condition.
Custom-made or discounted orders are non-refundable.
Need help? Contact us at contact@thesoftminimal.com.
Every sculpture at The Soft Minimal is rooted in the vision of Manuela Guidarini (b. 1986, Italy), an Architect and Artist based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Manuela's work is a profound exploration of the relationship between geometry and mental stillness. Drawing heavily on her design background, her creations are deeply influenced by the interaction of geometrical grids, massing, and the artful balance of light and shadow.
She designs not for mere aesthetic display, but to induce the viewer in a state of calmness and stillness. For Manuela, fine art is the most natural way to communicate emotion and ensure every object we craft serves your emotional well-being and visual order.
What people say
"This company is not a scam, in fact I could not be more pleased with the way they have handled my order and consistently communicated until it arrived and was unpackaged and placed on display. ... I am thrilled with the quality and impact the piece has in place along side many very high end pieces."
Wayne G.
"Well, I was hesitant myself to order. So many Facebook scam companies. But I decided to take the risk... Packaged with care, weighted marble bottom, perfect face and body. I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase."
Cherie Masneri
"This piece hits you right in your core when you take it out of its little box. The piece is you and I. It is our bend and our length, our weight and our resolve."
John J.
"...even more stunning in person than the picture depicts. Light literally dances off of its surface. The smooth curves, and the bend of the body is exquisite."
Woodrow David West
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Love it
There was some confusion on my part about when my item would be delivered. When I emailed, they got back to me same day !! My item arrived and I LOVE IT
KellieOctober 2026
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When you unbox....
When you unbox an art piece from
The Soft Minimal, its kind of like opening that special gift from St. Nick.
I am wowed at the beauty and the sense of peace that each piece brings.Drew HoovlerSeptember 2026
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The art is life and the Soft Minimal makes us all better for it
Let’s start with the easiest-the product. Art and creation are highly personal, as is the receipt and impact by those pieces. I now have 3 from the Soft Minimal and each one strikes deep and strikes with emotion. I do not know how they capture the essence when creating, but it feels like each piece was made for me personally. Arriving at the perfect moment in time. …
John JaroncykSeptember 2026
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Simply the Best!
I have purchased from Thesoftminimal before. The quality, the attention to detail, the love they put into every piece is truly exquisite. Words are not adequate to describe the feelings I experience when I open my carefully wrapped treasure. It is truly magical. The team, the customer service, the gratitude and respect they provide to me for every purchase I have made is like no other. They are artists and they are simply the very best!
Judy LeetzSeptember 2026
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Excellent experiece
I am please to let everyone know that I ordered and received AeroCherubs with a Red Balloon. It arrive with damage to the hand. I emailed The Soft Minimalist support and the service commitment was immediately recognized.
Asha and Manuela told me, I didn’t need to do anything, that a replacement order was being promptly shipped. They told me I didn’t need to send the damaged piece back or do anything on my end. They even offered to send me an additional piece, free of charge.
While it is unrealistic for everything to always go perfectly, when something does go wrong, it is all about the service recovery and Asha and Manuela could not have handled this any better.
I love the piece and as a “self proclaimed” service expert, I can say that customer service and customer satisfaction, I experienced with The Soft Minimal, was impressive.WB GoldbergJuly 2026
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I am always searching for interesting…
I am always searching for interesting art pièces and The Soft Minimal appeared on my Instagram . I was drawn to the simplicity and purity of the artist’s work and I could see the meaning behind her pieces … at least her work spoke to me . … All pièces we’re wonderfully wrapped and protected , communication with customer service was so wonderful, and the artist herself took time to reach out to make sure I was satisfied with her work .
An absolute pleasure to have worked with this company ! Thank you to Manuela the artist and her wonderful staff .leila depaduaJuly 2026
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I purchased the cherub boy with the red…
I purchased the cherub boy with the red balloon, and the girl holding a whole bunch of red balloons… They were carefully curated. They were carefully packed and they make a statement in my house. … I love your art.
linda goscilaJuly 2026
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Purchase Asend for my daughters.
I purchase your Asend piece for my daughters. They arrived yesterday and are thrilled with the simple beauty and love they express. Your wonderful art gave me a fantastic way to express my love for my daughters.
James WardenJune 2026
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Masterpiece
I received the piece, The Echo, a few weeks ago and I almost cried. It is the most unique, exquisitely crafted form of workmanship ever. If my friends ask me about it I tell them that I have renamed it “Burdened Down” because it represents the struggles of life to me. The size and weight of this piece were surprising as well. Kudos Soft Minimal for a one of a kind masterpiece. I’m searching for my next purchase from you.
Ruth D McPhersonJune 2026
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The Aero Cherub is absolutely stunning
The Aero Cherub is absolutely stunning. Purchased as a Mother’s Day gift for my wife. The first arrived damaged, but a replacement was sent right away. They could not have been nicer. They sent Ascend as a gift for the trouble. Everyone that has seen it, loves it.
MJJune 2026
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Exemplary Product and Customer Support
I contacted the Softmnimal in May to find out if order was purchased how long it would take to receive. This order was being placed as a gift to a friend and I wanted it to arrive during a particular time frame. Asha was the individual who contacted me initially and followed through every step of the way to insure delivery during the time frame I expected. … I have never had any support from a business as I did with the Softminimal and Asha. … If ever I need a special item for anyone I will look to the Softminimal to see if they have an appropriate gift. I recommend this business with no hesitation.
Rose RogersJune 2026
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We purchased the boy with the red…
We purchased the boy with the red balloon and instantly fell in love with him. He just makes us smile. Such great craftsmanship that we looked at other pieces to buy. We purchased two other pieces of art and equally love those as well!! All three pieces are displayed proudly in our home and we have gotten compliments already. We will definitely keep an eye on this artist and will most likely purchase something again. The quality of the work and the price are outstanding!
JanetJune 2026
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I absolutely LOVE the Silent Muse
I absolutely LOVE the Silent Muse, the Echo, and the black/white males throwing flowers at one another. The customer service is incredible and Asha in particular, made my purchases so ease to track and answered any questions I had, very quickly. I am definitely a customer for life. These pieces are gorgeous, arrive quickly, and customer service is extremely responsive!! If you are wondering about the quality, don't worry! These are very well made and I have already gotten a ton of compliments on them at my office. Thank you to everyone on The Soft Minimal team, for bringing these beautiful pieces of art into our office and home!
Audrey TrinidadJune 2026
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Size and scale
24 x 10 x 7 cm
9.4" H x 3.9" L x 2.8" W
Small enough to live beside you. Present enough to be noticed. It sits on a desk, a shelf, a bedside table, without asking for more space than it needs.
Materials and care
Ascend has a marble base that gives it real weight, and a matte surface finished by hand. Two variants: Jet Black and Pure White. In certain light, the matte finish shifts, and the figure casts a small shadow that moves with the hour.
To care for it: wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives. When moving it, hold from the base, not the arm that reaches up. Keep it set back from the edge of surfaces.
Shipping and delivery
Each Ascend is inspected and hand-finished before it leaves. Processing and delivery together take 7 to 14 business days. Ships internationally.
Ascend ships in reinforced cartons with high-density protective foam. It is built to arrive the way it left.
Returns and guarantee
If you change your mind, you have 14 days from delivery to return it. Email contact@thesoftminimal.com with a photo and your order number to start the process. The piece must be in its original, unused condition and in its original packaging. Return shipping is at your cost (approximately $20 to $25 for a piece this size).
Refunds are processed within 3 to 5 business days after inspection, back to your original payment method.
If your piece arrives damaged or defective, we replace it or refund it in full, no questions.
Questions
What is it made of? Ascend has a marble base for weight and stability. The surface is finished by hand, with a matte finish throughout.
How big is it? 24 x 10 x 7 cm (9.4" H x 3.9" L x 2.8" W). It fits comfortably on a desk, shelf, or bedside table.
What colors are available? Jet Black and Pure White.
How do I care for it? Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners. Hold it from the base when moving it.
How long does delivery take? Each piece is inspected and hand-finished before shipping. Processing and delivery together take 7 to 14 business days.
What if it arrives damaged? Contact us at contact@thesoftminimal.com with a photo and your order number. Damaged or defective pieces are replaced or refunded in full.
THE ARCHITECT'S INTENT
Manuela Guidarini
Every sculpture at The Soft Minimal is rooted in the vision of Manuela Guidarini (b. 1986, Italy), an Architect and Artist based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Manuela's work is a profound exploration of the relationship between geometry and mental stillness. Drawing heavily on her design background, her creations are deeply influenced by the interaction of geometrical grids, massing, and the artful balance of light and shadow.
She designs not for mere aesthetic display, but to induce the viewer in a state of calmness and stillness. For Manuela, fine art is the most natural way to communicate emotion and ensure every object we craft serves your emotional well-being and visual order.
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