1. What is wabi-sabi and why is it difficult to define?

Wabi-sabi is the beauty that the world sees in imperfection, incomplete and impermanent things. The beauty of things that are modest and humble; and the beauty of things that are unconventional. It’s difficult to explain because most of the Japanese people understand the feeling of wabi-sabi as it’s one of the core concepts of Japanese culture but find it difficult to put into words.

2. How is wabi-sabi different from modernism? How is it the same?
Wabi Sabi is different from modernism as it is an unconventional beauty. It is primarily expressed in private domain whereas modernism is expressed in public domain. Modernism has a more rational worldwide view as to wabi-sabi which has an intuitive worldview. There is progress in modernism and no progress in Wabi Sabi. Wabi Sabi is more about nature and modernism is about adopting to machines. There are similarities as well, both apply to the manner of manmade objects, spaces, and design.

3. What is the metaphysical basis of wabi-sabi? What are its spiritual values?

Metaphysical basis of wabi-sabi is when things are either delving towards or evolving from, nothingness. There are three ways to describe the spiritual values of wabi-sabi- 1. when the truth comes from the observation of nature 2. Greatness exists in the inconspicuous and overlooked details 3. Beauty can be coaxed out of ugliness.

4. What is the wabi-sabi state of mind? What are its moral precepts?

Wabi-sabi is often communicated through poetry. Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic appreciation of the evanescence of life. Wabi Sabi suggests the subtest realms and all the mechanics and dynamics of existence, way being what our ordinary sense can perceive. Its moral precepts communicate how we need to get rid of all that is unnecessary and knowing how to appreciate whatever is encountered.

5. What are the material qualities of wabi-sabi?

The following are the materials qualities by which the objects in the universe are understood:

a.The suggestion of natural process
b.Irregular
c.Intimate
d.Unpretentious
e.Earthy
f.Murky
g.Simple

6. How can I apply the concepts of wabi-sabi to my own life/work/creative process/way of thinking?

Since, Wabi-sabi is the beauty that the world sees in imperfection, incomplete and impermanent things. This concept has made me the sees the beauty in imperfection and how I always wanted to make things perfect in my life and in my artwork, i understand that sometimes we need to stop trying to make our life’s perfect and look at the beautiful space of life we are in. The concept has taught me to appreciate each step of the process rather than just struggling to reach the final artwork. It has also taught me that there is beauty in everything even if the artwork is incomplete, we just need to change our perception and see the beauty in it.

7. Please take one photograph (using your mobile phone is fine) related to your own life/work/creative process that embodies wabi-sabi. Please post your photo to this same learning portfolio entry, and briefly explain its wabi-sabi values, precepts, and qualities.

This ring belongs to my grandmother. She gave it to me when i was really young. This ring was given to her by her grandmother and it has been in my family for a long time. Though it’s not new or fancy but this ring has more value in my life than anything else. Due to the emotional values attached to this. I see more beauty in this ring than anything else. It might be imperfect and old but the essence of the story behind this ring makes me see it in a different light. As the concept of wabi-sabi talks about how there is beauty in age and natural flaws, this is a great example of wabi-sabi in my life.