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| Old gas tank, shot up with holes by hunters and left to rust in the hills near my studio |
The wabi-sabi aesthetic accepts the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay and death as all part of the impermanence life. Evidence of this process is can be seen all around us if we just observe. The patina on a very old bronze statue, the weathered gray wood of an old barn, or the rust on the bumper of an antique car. These quirks and anomalies result from age and exposure to the elements in nature. They can also occur when an artisan is making an object and lets the hand leave a mark or imperfection. These “flaws” add to the uniqueness and elegance of an object and contribute to the wabi-sabi notion of beauty.
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| Very old cactus with anthropomorphic features, also with some holes - was this shot up too? Discovered on a hiking trail outside of Sedona, Az |
To train in the art of wabi sabi, one must learn to find the most simple objects interesting, fascinating and beautiful. This is why, in the tea ceremony, much time is spent contemplating the most simple of tea bowls, noticing a drip in the glaze, a thumbprint, or a small spot of color.
Wabi-sabi meditation can change ones perception of the world and provide a new perspective on an old and possibly undervalued object. As many of us grow old, much to our dismay, we may find comfort in the Wabi-sabi concept of beauty which is the kind of beauty that comes only with age and change.
All images © copyright Christine Marie Davis
I love the aesthetics that are found in wabi-sabi. I find the simple act of gazing at textured surfaces, such as the sand in the backyard, or the surface of tree bark, brings forth a multitude of images that seem as permanent as if they had been carved there - or at least for the moments that my eye stays in one place. They change and disappear as my eyes meander - it's a short meditation that comes naturally and is very relaxing. Just to know that the images I'm seeing are fleeting make them all the more beautiful to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your amazing photos and I'll look forward to more of your posts!
I love the concept of wabi-sabi. I didn't know there was a name for it, but I've been doing this all my life. People don't understand what I see in the rusted "junk" or twisted old driftwood, or any number of things that I like. Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteKat
Same here, I always viewed a an old tree with awe and overstood life just by looking at it. When you see something that is aged you are able to appreciate the journey of life much more. Give Thanks for the knowledge.
ReplyDeleteEmpressDenise
I have always found the most simple things the most interesting. Good to know I'm not alone. I see beauty in an old barn falling down alongside the road or a tree sprouting out from where it was broken by the wind or lightning.
ReplyDeleteWonderful insights and thanks to all of you who have shared your thoughts. I'm inspired to post more photos and I have lots. I live in very rural Colorado and there are lots of old things both natural like trees and human discards from old dumps, campsites, cabins. Thanks for visiting. Chris
ReplyDeleteWow! In Texas we just call it rustic ware ;) LOL Thanks for mentioning the idea of using Meditation with the items!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the final push for my Art show and stress is messing with me. The Wabi-sabi is a wonderful idea! I will be going on a treasure hunt for them this weekend :) Please post more pictures when you get a chance :D
Blessings Christine,
ReplyDeleteI received the charm in the mail today. I love it and wanted to say thank you for taking to the time to create it for me. Interesting Card as well :).