As an art historian, I have always been fascinated by the concept of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. While this aesthetic is often associated with traditional Japanese art, it can also be found in the work of Western artists who were influenced by Japanese culture, such as … Continue reading Contemplating the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Blue Period Paintings
Yellow Cat – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
We have a Persian cat named Cinnamon; she's light toffee coloured and very, very fluffy. She's actually quite tiny, but looks much larger... in a nutshell, she's mostly hair. That's what I hopped to capture here: a massive lightness! I feel the canary yellow delivered the lightness and putting it against the blue background, without … Continue reading Yellow Cat – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Reflecting on the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Guernica
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
Strolling – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
There is only one cat in my neighbourhood that is allowed out on the loose and he is mostly hyper alert when I see him. The other day, it was early. in the morning and everything was quiet and calm; I saw him strolling across the parking. lot without a care in the world, enjoying … Continue reading Strolling – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
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
Ghost Cat – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Sometimes being silly for the sake of joy is all it's about. I imagine this little guy floating about saying "Me-ooooooo" to anything and anyone he encounters and I get a big smile on my face. Aesthetically, my goal was to play with the complimentary colour pairs, but with a slight twist; instead of orange, … Continue reading Ghost Cat – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
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
Cat in Passing – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Inspired by the weird, squarish cows I've been drawing, I wondered what other animals I could square-up. hen I did the initial outlines in graphite, I didn't think my face was big enough to allow an adequate expression, but it turned out differently; the face looks somewhat disappointed. As if it is asking: "Really? Is … Continue reading Cat in Passing – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
YIKES! – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Every now and then we are reminded of our privilege when we visit a local pet store and see all the beautiful parrots in their cages. I see expressions of fear and sadness on their faces, and while I would love to have one of these gorgeous and intelligent creatures; seeing their faces reinforces my … Continue reading YIKES! – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
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
The New Renaissance Mindset 