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
Is there wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Blue Water Lillies?
When we think of the French Impressionist Claude Monet, we often think of his vibrant and colorful landscapes that capture the fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. However, in his later years, Monet became increasingly interested in the subtle and muted beauty of the natural world. One of his most iconic series from this period … Continue reading Is there wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Blue Water Lillies?
Presence – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Dominating the landscape with its presence, the bird is all there is to consider in its world. The orange body stands strong against its complimentary coloured background. The eye stares straight ahead and the beak points slightly upland forward... all the confidence in the world resides in this face. Who is it trying to impress? … Continue reading Presence – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Arguing the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Pink Period Paintings
Picasso's Pink Period, which lasted from 1904 to 1906, is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the artist's career. During this time, Picasso's style underwent a dramatic shift, moving away from the dark, brooding paintings of his Blue Period and towards a brighter, more optimistic palette. The Pink Period is characterized by a distinctive … Continue reading Arguing the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Pink Period Paintings
You Become What You Eat: Cat-Dog – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
I drew the outline for this one along with a bunch of others and when I came back to it to add colour, I forgot if it was a cat or a dog. It sort of looks like a fat cat or fat dog, but what did it eat? That's when the title came to … Continue reading You Become What You Eat: Cat-Dog – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
The New Renaissance Mindset 