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?
Baby Buddha in the Wabi Sabi Garden
Last summer I completed the infrastructure for a zen garden for my wife. This little Buddha found itself well placed under my dwarf Japanese maple tree. It got quickly enveloped by some ground hostas, so I moved it this year to sit on a rock near the water fountain I rigged from a reclaimed cement … Continue reading Baby Buddha in the Wabi Sabi Garden
My Autobiographical Pattern – Moving into an Installation
What follows is the first draft of a proposal that is to be submitted for a final Fibres art project this year... It will surely change, but I wanted to share my thought process on this installation... My Love of Making is a Fluxus Affair Guiding Quotes: “If I create from the heart, nearly everything … Continue reading My Autobiographical Pattern – Moving into an Installation
Montreal Walls Project – Nine – Consider Textures as Landscapes
In almost every shot I take, I look at it in black and white. This helps me see the textures of the subject, where light hits the surface, where imperfections are, and often gives me a glimpse at something more beautiful than colour can illustrate. Such is the case here, where the sunlight illuminates the … Continue reading Montreal Walls Project – Nine – Consider Textures as Landscapes
Montreal Walls Project – Eight – Imperfect Beauty
I know I'm biased by my obsession with the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, but this is ridiculously beautiful to me! If I could reproduce this on my ceramic, I'd be in heaven! The stains from paint, mortar, stucco, and pollution remind me of the surprising beauty found on wood fired raku ceramics. ORGANIC! Imperfect and beautiful! Call … Continue reading Montreal Walls Project – Eight – Imperfect Beauty
Montreal Walls Project – Seven – Giving In To Wabi-Sabi-ness
I had to walk by this spot on the wall several times to get a sense of what I was seeing. This recently closed hot-dog joint was closed and the wall next to it's take out window is being repaired. First by removing the hideous aluminum covering... this is what's underneath: decades of patchwork repairs … Continue reading Montreal Walls Project – Seven – Giving In To Wabi-Sabi-ness
Montreal Walls Project – Six – Not All Bricks Are Red
Somewhere around the 1970s, the building were getting surfaced with yellow bricks; not bright yellow, of course, which would have been spectacular to see, but these warm, beige bricks with a hint of yellow in them. While the grime of urban pollution could be easier to wash away from these bricks, it seems the graffiti … Continue reading Montreal Walls Project – Six – Not All Bricks Are Red
Montreal Walls Project – Four – Uncovering Natural Variations (Thank you, Dad!)
While the most common bricks in Montreal are of a warm red, there are also a great many made of a terra cotta mixture. When they are dry, they show only subtle variations in colour, but after the rain has touched them they explode with variations. This wall reminded me of a cherished story my … Continue reading Montreal Walls Project – Four – Uncovering Natural Variations (Thank you, Dad!)
The New Renaissance Mindset 