A few weeks ago I mentioned my new found discovery of wabi-sabi. Did you miss it? Check out the post here. Catherine Anderson was the first to introduce me to the term and meaning, subsequently telling me about Leonard Koren’s Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers. In a short, yet impactful read, the author guides us through wabi-sabi as it pertains to art, philosophy and life.
It’s certainly true that not everyone will find beauty in wabi-sabi, but for me personally, I can’t imagine it not being a part of my life. Koren’s chapter A Comparison with Modernism helps one understand what it is and what it isn’t. Both modernism and wabi-sabi apply to all man-made objects, spaces and designs. Both have readily identifiable surface characteristics. Modernism being described as seamless, polished and smooth while wabi-sabi is earthy, imperfect and variegated. One difference listed is modernism romanticizes technology while wabi-sabi romanticizes nature. I had to chuckle as I’ve totally given up on electronic calendars and am very happy with my number 2 pencil and paper calendar. (So tired of sync-up issues and now if there are issues…I can only blame myself!)
Anyway, there isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t find myself enamored with wabi-sabi. I can meander in vintage stores, flea markets, consignment shops, historic neighborhoods for hours lost in the beauty of wabi-sabi. To me the beauty is in the cracks, the weathered spots, the rust, the imperfect lines.
So today is the start of wabi-sabi Saturday postings to share with you the best wabi-sabi find of the week. We’ll start with the door of an old truck, found on a late afternoon walk with my dad. Rusted, bruised and weathered…but simply stunning…in my opinion.
Well, I didn’t know the term for it, but as you well know my whole house is full of wabi-sabi and I love it! Luv & Hugs. GH
At least 20 years ago, my mother gave me this quote “Twice touched, rubbed with relevance, tattered or dog-eared with use, corroded with sentiment; caressed by time.” And, now, I get to share it with you…
I love it! Thank you!
This is a new word/concept for me, Robin. You’ve hooked me…. Thank you.
You’re not gonna believe this, Robin, but after I Googled wabi-sabi, I clicked on Google Images and saw the entire top line: all were images from my sister in Michigan, Ruth Mowry!
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sugexp=pfwc&gs_nf=1&tok=_arcUkd0t5BHQpr4qmgRzQ&cp=9&gs_id=9s&xhr=t&q=wabi-sabi&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1680&bih=907&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=1RtAT9C2NcLL0QXWpImPDw
No way! Now do you know what you just did? I’m going to be absorbed in synch-ro-ni-zing and sparks and mirrors all night long!!!
great view., lovely,. 🙂
Ginnie explained more about the Wabi Sabi. This is a wonderful picture. Love the focus. I love things that are ‘old’ , wrinkled, rusty. So much character. That is why I will never use botox….. nothing wrong with growing old with character 🙂
Thank you both Ginnie and Astrid! I cherish your comments especially coming from two very incredible photographers! I so appreciate what you said about putting soul into the work. I’ll treasure that!
This picture touches me for so many reasons. Personally, I think everyone should love Wabi Sabi!! Trying to find the write words to describe how I feel…..everything and everyone has a story, and what a wonderful gift to discover the mystery wonderment in all of it. xoxo
Thank you my dear! Yes, I agree! EVERYONE should love it, but unfortunately many don’t see the light! Ha! Big hugs, xoxo