As an art teacher and artist, I find Pablo Picasso's Guernica to be one of the most compelling and thought-provoking works of art in history. The painting depicts the horrific bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, and it captures the chaos, pain, and destruction of war in a way that … Continue reading Reflecting on the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Guernica
Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of The Bedroom by Van Gogh
The Bedroom is a famous painting created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888. The artwork depicts the interior of Van Gogh's own bedroom, located in the "Yellow House" in Arles, France. The painting is a study of the simple, rustic beauty of everyday life and has an undeniable wabisabiness. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that … Continue reading Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of The Bedroom by Van Gogh
Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Van Gogh's Sunflowers, a series of paintings created by the artist in 1888, is an iconic example of his unique artistic style. These paintings are a celebration of the beauty of nature and the everyday objects that surround us, but they are also an expression of Van Gogh's appreciation for the wabisabiness of life. Wabi-sabi … Continue reading Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night is a masterpiece of Western art and one of the most iconic paintings of all time. Its unique and striking qualities have been analyzed by art historians and critics for years, with many identifying its distinct wabi-sabi aesthetic. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the … Continue reading Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics in Mark Rothko’s Paintings
Mark Rothko's abstract paintings have long been recognized for their simplicity, elegance, and profound emotional impact. However, Rothko's work is not often associated with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. In this essay, I will argue that Rothko's paintings embody the principles of wabi-sabi aesthetics and demonstrate … Continue reading Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics in Mark Rothko’s Paintings
What is the Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic?
Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that values the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. Its roots are in the Buddhist philosophy of impermanence and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Wabi-Sabi has become increasingly popular in contemporary design, art, and architecture, influencing Western aesthetics and design practices. In this essay, I will explore the origins, principles, … Continue reading What is the Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic?
Anger – Music-book Doodles 2022
For the next while, I will be posting the drawings/paintings done in an old music book I found in a thrift store. Why old music books? Well, the paper is thick and often made with cotton fibres; it has some texture slightly smoother than watercolour paper, and it hold pigments very well. This particular music … Continue reading Anger – Music-book Doodles 2022
Why complete a diploma in Mobile Digital Photography
One of the big things these last two years of teaching has taught me is that mobile devices are here to stay and are very much ubiquitous elements in our students' lives; they MUST be part of all curricular design considerations from now on! My students, be they secondary or elementary age almost uniformly come … Continue reading Why complete a diploma in Mobile Digital Photography
Carving out Inspirations – Starting materials
I found an old set of stone and wood carving tools tied to a chunk of soapstone with a dry elastic band... my mind went right to play and experimentation! I wanted to try and see what I could make out of it. As I was thinking, I decided to stay a process journal for … Continue reading Carving out Inspirations – Starting materials
Creative Block – Let Inspiration find you
I'm not complaining, but it's been a struggle to get creative lately; I have lists and post-its full of ideas, but just don't feel like making them happen. Well, that's not entirely true... I lack the motivation to make them happen. Instead, I find myself filling the creative emptiness with TV, retail therapy, reading (sadly, … Continue reading Creative Block – Let Inspiration find you
The New Renaissance Mindset 