“Wabi Sabi” What the heck is that you say? 

I am just starting to learn a little about this art form. I guess you can say its an art form, it may be more of a belief.  It’s a  tad confusing, but its a very very old belief that originates from China. Then it became popular in Japan.  What I believe it means is “something beautiful of something not” in other words, “BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER”.  I have always thought this for years anyway, and love making something ugly into something pretty. Below is a photo I took not that long ago.  It’s a dying flower which has outgrown its life here on our planet. It goes back into the ground only to bring new life back into a beautiful flower it once was.  But I think it is beautiful even as it was dying. 

So, this is my view of what Wabi Sabi means.  You can take broken glass, scratched up paper, anything really that is meant for the trash, and bring it back to a beautiful piece of art.  You see this with grunge…all those amazing photos with a grunge layer just add to the beauty of the piece. Wabi Sabi creates interest in any art piece.  Why should it be seen as ugly when it creates such beauty?  I have found this great book I am reading right now to get a better understanding of it. Its called  “Wabi Sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence ” I got the Kindle version instead of the actual book. 

It can be kind of a dry read, but at the same time very interesting.  There are not a lot of pictures and it is all in black and white.  This is not a visual type of book, but more of an educational type.  I am more of a visual learner, so even though there are not a ton of pictures, I am still enjoying the history.  I think by reading this book, my mind is already thinking of other ways I can do some of my art.  I strongly believe in always learning new things…you may not use it, but it can only enhance your life, knowledge and artistic art skills.

There is another great book I found and ordered this other amazing book which I know I am going to love.  It’s about Wabi Sabi too, but more of the art form of Encaustic Painting.  I am taking a class next month at the Vacaville Art Gallery to learn more about Encaustic Wax painting and I can’t wait for that day to get here!  I’ve dabbled a little in sealing my creations in wax, but this is a totally different ball of wax.  I am going to share with you the book and I will do a little blurb on it later after I get to DIG IN! Wabi Sabi Art Workshop has many pictures from what I can tell,  my kind of book!!!

So, here it is…my photo~