Is there beauty in imperfection?

<div style="text-align: center;">I find beauty in imperfection and impermanence.  It's all over my art.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5DP37yRBn1t8tlADNq41adMwpmxLHWlgRULRxwoYMtrk2vAa-WS4LuVaBaG6Kj2eXwsMXivpJ_b3U0XVYJMnrHltzEQsMUVdc9YO8b8M8TJsibujPQrb_0-OcMz4hdKOvfnscdL398-Y/s1600/gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5DP37yRBn1t8tlADNq41adMwpmxLHWlgRULRxwoYMtrk2vAa-WS4LuVaBaG6Kj2eXwsMXivpJ_b3U0XVYJMnrHltzEQsMUVdc9YO8b8M8TJsibujPQrb_0-OcMz4hdKOvfnscdL398-Y/s640/gate.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The petal that is captured as it starts to decay,  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33n2S22f3U8uMEW0h2wwc_-bGWbB84uFjePo5Upxoui3YOdkCli87f9IBnNLGxc4XjigkT3lN38bxnDazLlij7lnNh_vi-EfeSkLRAraGKqQIO2fcnYfhzcFqJUNpoO6Xo7uBtyFERuim/s1600/IMG_3036_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33n2S22f3U8uMEW0h2wwc_-bGWbB84uFjePo5Upxoui3YOdkCli87f9IBnNLGxc4XjigkT3lN38bxnDazLlij7lnNh_vi-EfeSkLRAraGKqQIO2fcnYfhzcFqJUNpoO6Xo7uBtyFERuim/s400/IMG_3036_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the rusted objects found in debris, the peeling layers of wallpaper in old homes, </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvzxmimNcZj_aM8j09CYi33HtB-1Cdjz9-xr7qojiNzIaqVEmnMut1KCe3dtjb9321Pn4WSVfPGKHEWVQXnKbzUSFqIK6B9ky6SqoWcoE5vSVoo-nGcCz9rTQSB2FPRqaG4N5tDsfHR_i/s1600/DSCN8671_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvzxmimNcZj_aM8j09CYi33HtB-1Cdjz9-xr7qojiNzIaqVEmnMut1KCe3dtjb9321Pn4WSVfPGKHEWVQXnKbzUSFqIK6B9ky6SqoWcoE5vSVoo-nGcCz9rTQSB2FPRqaG4N5tDsfHR_i/s400/DSCN8671_01.JPG" width="395" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  and objects no longer needed for their original function, the list is endless.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWSze4pqjY0Q9qANzoN4izwwQ5lJc2cLdO4e6tuJE0sm0N2Tf_yDDXCycbCX6Z3lmnwawN5ttOOrVc86E-00ixusTU4aKZTQAT_rEEA4pasZtkOagRpTOYtTSJSu5V4SDUdSv7-STe8_G/s1600/47f811e852c7e17075282e0d7922fa24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Accepting  transience and  imperfection (flawed beauty) can also  relate directly to your living space.  The Japanese world view/aesthetic of wabi sabi   acknowledges three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wabi Sabi  reveres authenticity. When you look for authentic furniture and objects for your home you will rarely find them  in big box stores.  Natural materials predominate in wabi sabi homes: paper, aged wood, linens, cottons, etc. Look for anything that celebrates the  marks of time , weather, and  the effects of loving use.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">This graphic is a good summary of the characteristics of wabi sabi. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccvEXDFopxWXeM8F3UQn4P2iEw4ou0Xt9VdGwwQKtOVTHA_nY0ngoInbSOuuD9BIAoi-2Hmxt6-NZGOZ2jpgBwd7MkBtuO-_Xy3rAgxjwo43y8pa4W4gHZVCwJ60khZCJUzA1bbUtFaap/s1600/a249a805c8504a3acc2a6bc3d98ef113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccvEXDFopxWXeM8F3UQn4P2iEw4ou0Xt9VdGwwQKtOVTHA_nY0ngoInbSOuuD9BIAoi-2Hmxt6-NZGOZ2jpgBwd7MkBtuO-_Xy3rAgxjwo43y8pa4W4gHZVCwJ60khZCJUzA1bbUtFaap/s320/a249a805c8504a3acc2a6bc3d98ef113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Characteristics of wabi-sabi include: asymmetry, asperity (roughness, irregularity), simplicity, economy, austerity,  and appreciation of the integrity of natural objects and processes.  Look for: natural flawed beauty, patina, handmade, irregularity, bareness. How refreshing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLyylDSEoo4kQRyxWLVxl8sz1OnZqMEvU3N4XkWQs_XHJI8jKK3_8572RecGcLC2FE7XRUq2511rV_XLeALUCuBynAXvtZhlQmOfkDer2uOug9aGzFUYm-98Rx4RqE4BshxvRw7psEkhO/s1600/06745de6704c0ba9370b8c48d16f460a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLyylDSEoo4kQRyxWLVxl8sz1OnZqMEvU3N4XkWQs_XHJI8jKK3_8572RecGcLC2FE7XRUq2511rV_XLeALUCuBynAXvtZhlQmOfkDer2uOug9aGzFUYm-98Rx4RqE4BshxvRw7psEkhO/s400/06745de6704c0ba9370b8c48d16f460a.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This aged cabinet maintains the marks of its history.  No effort could make it perfect.  The vignette on top is simple, asymmetrical  and references the beauty and temporality found in nature. While there is austerity in the products, there is also tranquility. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWSze4pqjY0Q9qANzoN4izwwQ5lJc2cLdO4e6tuJE0sm0N2Tf_yDDXCycbCX6Z3lmnwawN5ttOOrVc86E-00ixusTU4aKZTQAT_rEEA4pasZtkOagRpTOYtTSJSu5V4SDUdSv7-STe8_G/s1600/47f811e852c7e17075282e0d7922fa24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWSze4pqjY0Q9qANzoN4izwwQ5lJc2cLdO4e6tuJE0sm0N2Tf_yDDXCycbCX6Z3lmnwawN5ttOOrVc86E-00ixusTU4aKZTQAT_rEEA4pasZtkOagRpTOYtTSJSu5V4SDUdSv7-STe8_G/s400/47f811e852c7e17075282e0d7922fa24.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many  examples of wabi sabi contain little or no colour, but I feel  colour is not exclusive of this aesthetic.  Here's a good example that has all the characteristics noted above. The marks of time are evident, even more so on colour. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpkhVHQ9h7ZkVRdrh9n4_tFVPWqknlAjTIMOialnd2YqaR48rb1kDxCLPR79ARK6jro6gAhnzyvDjzSUYMMOhqY_gYMXVcuIHs33WOTYLkWg8ZjuoJYrA26786fAmFoLU1uWv1SA9pycD/s1600/fb99b7442d2f4560d7178beb56f08612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpkhVHQ9h7ZkVRdrh9n4_tFVPWqknlAjTIMOialnd2YqaR48rb1kDxCLPR79ARK6jro6gAhnzyvDjzSUYMMOhqY_gYMXVcuIHs33WOTYLkWg8ZjuoJYrA26786fAmFoLU1uWv1SA9pycD/s400/fb99b7442d2f4560d7178beb56f08612.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The delicacy of pink blossoms against all the weathered wood pits naturalness against roughness. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not every space that has  wabi sabi characteristics looks exactly the same.  All of these spaces have some wabi sabi elements.   </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxsGtb9ar9sTgl5IvVVR-M_HkIYfqDUlnh3kBXvyRjXUDmbjsE2VWJC2TBkzRs3_KIw8vd5UFUpy1hUtFad4TTs8w3oX89UVpmN2SPusK9P6wkbn5BuL0gNVr6vRBDnLUVeUVee8f5l3L/s1600/d944d1ff894c0e52c01b358fe0d48d79.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxsGtb9ar9sTgl5IvVVR-M_HkIYfqDUlnh3kBXvyRjXUDmbjsE2VWJC2TBkzRs3_KIw8vd5UFUpy1hUtFad4TTs8w3oX89UVpmN2SPusK9P6wkbn5BuL0gNVr6vRBDnLUVeUVee8f5l3L/s640/d944d1ff894c0e52c01b358fe0d48d79.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8ZgbZiHjaSfCKNeVGmEgq29hAcsnBfX00fpet_TkDeOIddVCYaNwMxpgec-RlDSyO_91tvqH8ObMZF0PHoN3IwiHmquKoO-voCYfjtPakT8t4IZa7e5yAs9cYCj3ZiwKpMoy3Dd77OKO/s1600/0ab06d8805dc241275032d722deb6392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8ZgbZiHjaSfCKNeVGmEgq29hAcsnBfX00fpet_TkDeOIddVCYaNwMxpgec-RlDSyO_91tvqH8ObMZF0PHoN3IwiHmquKoO-voCYfjtPakT8t4IZa7e5yAs9cYCj3ZiwKpMoy3Dd77OKO/s640/0ab06d8805dc241275032d722deb6392.jpg" width="356" /></a></div> The wood console table is a hint of wabi sabi against the glass.  The space is simple and tranquil. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcisxN5T7f8dRo1_WLDJpkfHb2bnX_1OpVg7OKwaT6857KJsy0bw6AiDO2hx1tcs3PRDkSYMAu4R_zEFA6AhiY6q9gK32K0Y1ysAXqlGnzh3Co4gXKiZ44Cc_DG_51V-v8M3ZOK2fMINe0/s1600/19af2bc72cbb169e79f50b57b3926304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQxe9fMMQ2KuT6zai1z3CZAbtIAV3qhB6dwRFUM-oDPqj6S-t54o-v8Db81qdrJjjpT_bJlUbnZalY7SBFeiq1fwgfocHrYNSvwHYLzyJyfqIxMEHs9mEQdkgcoqMBOfAtBVrjtKikXtj/s1600/2104ef96a50354c6764d5cf5b45ed7f9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQxe9fMMQ2KuT6zai1z3CZAbtIAV3qhB6dwRFUM-oDPqj6S-t54o-v8Db81qdrJjjpT_bJlUbnZalY7SBFeiq1fwgfocHrYNSvwHYLzyJyfqIxMEHs9mEQdkgcoqMBOfAtBVrjtKikXtj/s640/2104ef96a50354c6764d5cf5b45ed7f9.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">  I love the imprefection of this countertop against the modern, pristine cabinets.  Am I the only person who craves warmth in countertops?  Imagine the difference if this island were finished in granite. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TnB1uLG0hcZur4bUvb9vP-8PT92nONVdmmW9geDMV63bUulLq2zso3YgytDcArQhQng9C6mvM2_OjU8-WA2wHQ7m3wzfkTwezvYFryz-TGGSbMzL_ykz_aANcUBNgv_mSZ_kOqaoblC0/s1600/28945cb411a1d406c8cd6dbe89324048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TnB1uLG0hcZur4bUvb9vP-8PT92nONVdmmW9geDMV63bUulLq2zso3YgytDcArQhQng9C6mvM2_OjU8-WA2wHQ7m3wzfkTwezvYFryz-TGGSbMzL_ykz_aANcUBNgv_mSZ_kOqaoblC0/s640/28945cb411a1d406c8cd6dbe89324048.jpg" width="440" /></a></div> Lots of natural materials, simplicity and economy is line and adornment, and a focus on the handmade.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpxBrQlMrmnL70ckEBFUh_pZhP_elYryV3u8bgyyEzJLc7Pls6K8w6Ilff_hm7liZh5TVV74BmM_a-laAKTP7OY5DucYt0FAcox5BpQIAB_dRr_1YqYdcuWnjZI1n1u97kZe8dDpSKK4P/s1600/41263ff7a5747b07ad36200f8cf5a3c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZft7aMsmw9QP1Op1ME6b2hjipa6fC0eBOg0bHsG3Sz24-pxVdynko-v_DPWnxoNHRqsY-KfPkn9j4gsnRosm3hvNvQSuvksXy-DXks3xB_eBxMLMkWuiif_in94cVAueIwX1eGfSlLnZg/s1600/e7496650ae386a0168f927a4af89d688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> If you want a little wabi sabi in your home here are suggestions for a start:  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpxBrQlMrmnL70ckEBFUh_pZhP_elYryV3u8bgyyEzJLc7Pls6K8w6Ilff_hm7liZh5TVV74BmM_a-laAKTP7OY5DucYt0FAcox5BpQIAB_dRr_1YqYdcuWnjZI1n1u97kZe8dDpSKK4P/s1600/41263ff7a5747b07ad36200f8cf5a3c9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpxBrQlMrmnL70ckEBFUh_pZhP_elYryV3u8bgyyEzJLc7Pls6K8w6Ilff_hm7liZh5TVV74BmM_a-laAKTP7OY5DucYt0FAcox5BpQIAB_dRr_1YqYdcuWnjZI1n1u97kZe8dDpSKK4P/s400/41263ff7a5747b07ad36200f8cf5a3c9.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxsGtb9ar9sTgl5IvVVR-M_HkIYfqDUlnh3kBXvyRjXUDmbjsE2VWJC2TBkzRs3_KIw8vd5UFUpy1hUtFad4TTs8w3oX89UVpmN2SPusK9P6wkbn5BuL0gNVr6vRBDnLUVeUVee8f5l3L/s1600/d944d1ff894c0e52c01b358fe0d48d79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you want to find out more about this aesthetic .... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcisxN5T7f8dRo1_WLDJpkfHb2bnX_1OpVg7OKwaT6857KJsy0bw6AiDO2hx1tcs3PRDkSYMAu4R_zEFA6AhiY6q9gK32K0Y1ysAXqlGnzh3Co4gXKiZ44Cc_DG_51V-v8M3ZOK2fMINe0/s1600/19af2bc72cbb169e79f50b57b3926304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcisxN5T7f8dRo1_WLDJpkfHb2bnX_1OpVg7OKwaT6857KJsy0bw6AiDO2hx1tcs3PRDkSYMAu4R_zEFA6AhiY6q9gK32K0Y1ysAXqlGnzh3Co4gXKiZ44Cc_DG_51V-v8M3ZOK2fMINe0/s400/19af2bc72cbb169e79f50b57b3926304.jpg" width="315" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And remember ... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4AtOdsyZ0oD7qgxYQfktuMF4xvg8oIzd2GQEofFbdVYUOVfhwgEIyTs1x_8wfDVBjeAl7F1ZQEXSnqbu_g2C7SzqD3IEGmiYC6EzR1KKRfQlmStdhekeW2h6N7qinZu89BaaI_fY7MVO/s1600/760701307df96b582278339817d73fb6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4AtOdsyZ0oD7qgxYQfktuMF4xvg8oIzd2GQEofFbdVYUOVfhwgEIyTs1x_8wfDVBjeAl7F1ZQEXSnqbu_g2C7SzqD3IEGmiYC6EzR1KKRfQlmStdhekeW2h6N7qinZu89BaaI_fY7MVO/s320/760701307df96b582278339817d73fb6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />And a lesson we can all learn from Wabi Sabi....you can also interpret it in a much looser fashion to accept what you have as beautiful and to live with only what you need.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All links to images and many more examples  on my Pinterest board <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mryall/wabi-sabi/">Wabi Sabi  </a></b></div>

Is there beauty in imperfection?

I find beauty in imperfection and impermanence.  It's all over my art.   The petal that is captured as it starts to decay,  the rusted ...

Read more »