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Wabi-Sabi and the Art of Letting Go
A journey of loss and healing inspired an imperfect artwork featured in a group show at imperfecta gallery in Oregon City.
In a world that often strives for perfection, I find beauty in the natural flaws and irregularities that emerge through the creative process. This philosophy, rooted in the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, embraces the imperfect, transient, and humble aspects of life-qualities that I strive to reflect in each of my ceramic pieces. Recently, this theme took on special meaning when one of my works, the Kintsugi Goddess, was featured in a group show at imperfecta, a unique art gallery in Oregon City.
Honoring loss, embracing imperfection
The Kintsugi Goddess emerged over a year of experimenting and the process was as challenging as it was rewarding. This piece tells a story of accepting flaws and imperfections, and embracing loss and healing what’s broken. She tells a story of feminine strength and acceptance.
The small sculpture was first thrown on the wheel in 2022, sculpted and fired to 1000°C. In the Naked Raku firing process, the goddess was pulled from the kiln glowing hot and then placed with combustible material. The sculpture ignites and the smoke blackens the white stoneware…
