Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy and way of living that embraces the idea that all things are impermanent, incomplete, and imperfect. The individual words represent 2 different concepts: Wabi translates to less is more and represents finding beauty in simplicity instead of materialism. Sabi relates to time and the way all things grow, age, and decay. It is a reminder that there is beauty hidden beneath the surface and in what we may initially see as broken. These two words come together to create an approach to life where one accepts what is, stays in the present moment, and appreciates the ever changing stages of life. What are the connections between wabi sabi and creating art? What characteristics speak to you? How can we apply its philosophy to find beauty in our process, in the broken bits, in what we perceive to be mistakes? Here is some inspiration to help you begin. |
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- 5 Teachings from Wabi Sabi
- In what simple things do you find beauty? Capture this moment, color, shape, object, etc. on your page whether it's through a loose sketch, watercolor, mixed media piece, photography, or collage. Make the subject the main focus with a minimal or bare background.
- Less is more. What comes to mind when you think of minimalistic art? Share that on your page. Use only one color, one tool, one piece of paper to create collage pieces from, a limited amount of markings. Consider the negative space on your paper. If you are usually a maximalist, this may be a fun challenge to explore!
- Kintsugi, which translates to gold seam, is the art of repairing pottery with gold. Learn more about the meaning behind this method and watch the process in this video. If kintsugi speaks to you…
- Find an old piece of artwork you created that you dislike or was left unfinished. Try “repairing" it with gold paint or paper--cover up spots you don't like or add to it, transform it into something new.
- Tear pieces of paper and glue them down to create cracks between. Then fill them in with a pop of bright paint, gold paint, gold foil, etc.
- Try this Wabi Sabi inspired watercolor tutorial
- Get a kintsugi repair kit and try it yourself!
- A season of transition Fall is turning into winter and so many changes are happening! Go for a walk outside--what do you see in nature that is now decaying, has stopped growing, has become barren? Which stages of growth do you see? How has the landscape changed? What colors do you see the most?
- Minimalist Art Movement began in New York in the early 1960s and is characterized by hard edges, geometric shapes, repeated shapes, blocks of color, precise lines, and a limited color palette. These pieces reflect order, simplicity and harmony. Read more about this movement and create a sketchbook page inspired by it.
- Imagery Here are some visuals to go along with this prompt:
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One thing art has taught me that is aligned with the wabi sabi philosophy is finding the beauty within every piece. There is always something to be appreciated--a certain shape, the way a color mixed, the layers, the process, the mistakes. Sometimes we may picture something in our minds and the finished piece doesn't turn out how we want it to--don't be too hard on yourself. Find the parts you do like and consider what you could do next time to get a little bit closer to your vision. Have a good weekend, I'm looking forward to seeing the way you interpret this prompt! |
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