Andrew Wyeth's art is often associated with the concept of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that values the beauty of impermanence, imperfection, and incompleteness. Wyeth's paintings are characterized by their simplicity, muted color palette, and attention to detail, which contribute to their overall sense of tranquility and quiet contemplation. In this essay, I will explore … Continue reading Where Andrew Wyeth shows a Wabi Sabi Aesthetic
Bone Tired – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
I think my favourite aspect of using messy oil pastels is that when you rub them, they develop volume, tonal changes, and textures similar to the painted glass one finds in great cathedrals. I tweeted the lighting. on this one a little and it looked like it's lit from behind. I'm not sure if I … Continue reading Bone Tired – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Seeing Wabi-Sabi in Alberto Giacometti’s Work
In utter fascination , I have spent countless hours contemplating the work of Alberto Giacometti, one of the most influential and enigmatic artists of the 20th century. In my opinion, Giacometti's art is imbued with a sense of wabisabi, a Japanese aesthetic concept that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and the natural world. In … Continue reading Seeing Wabi-Sabi in Alberto Giacometti’s Work
Bird, I Suppose – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
This is kind of how I feel at the end of a good day. of teaching... fulfilled by the joy of working with my students and drained from being so very, very "ON" all day. I look back at my day feeling more full of colour and satisfaction, but having little mental bandwidth left to … Continue reading Bird, I Suppose – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Where we find Wabi-Sabi in Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Art
Jean-Michel Basquiat's art is full of wabisabiness, a concept that derives from Japanese aesthetics that embraces the beauty of imperfection, transience, and the natural cycle of growth, decay, and death. Basquiat's art captures the essence of wabi-sabi through his unique style that blends graffiti, neo-expressionism, and primitivism. His works are a celebration of the imperfect, … Continue reading Where we find Wabi-Sabi in Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Art
Big Dog Mindset – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Here we can imagine a clearly tiny dog, but feel that it might be massive. in my experience, many small dogs often seem to feel like they are giants: they stand tall, proud, fierce, and full of attitude. What makes such fragile creatures seem so big? Perhaps it's attitude, personality, and a choice to believe … Continue reading Big Dog Mindset – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Consider the wabi-sabi-ness of Monet’s Lilac Irises
As I stand before Monet's Lilac Irises, I am struck by the subtle beauty and peacefulness that emanate from this painting. The delicate brushstrokes, the soft lilac hues, and the gentle curves of the irises all combine to create a sense of wabisabiness - an appreciation for the imperfections and transience of life. Wabi-sabi is … Continue reading Consider the wabi-sabi-ness of Monet’s Lilac Irises
Little Dog Mindset – Sheet-Music Scribbles 2023
Notice how he is creeping across the bottom of the page, eyes barely raised to engage you and say how sorry he is for invading your view of the simple and unremarkable background. His shrinking attitude screams volumes of insecurity and feels rather annoying to the viewer. Is this an intended affect? Did he hope … Continue reading Little Dog Mindset – Sheet-Music Scribbles 2023
Why I feel wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Soleil Couchant sur la Seine
As an amature art critic and historian, I have always been drawn to the concept of Wabi-sabi. This Japanese aesthetic is based on the beauty of impermanence and imperfection, and it is an idea that I find particularly relevant when considering the work of Claude Monet. In particular, Monet's painting "Soleil Couchant sur la Seine" … Continue reading Why I feel wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Soleil Couchant sur la Seine
A Reluctant King – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” Any person who has been in a significant leadership position knows the meaning of that statement. A slightly modified version can be found all the way back in William Shakespeare's “Henry IV” and is often used to talk about the burden and difficulties of being a leader. Here … Continue reading A Reluctant King – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
The New Renaissance Mindset 