From Concept to Creation: Navigating the artistic process with Wabi-Sabi philosophy

Using unconventional materials to redefine beauty

The process of creation

Creating art is more than just an act of translating ideas into a physical form; it's a journey that involves careful thought, experimentation, and refinement. For anyone interested in the art of creation or curious about the creative process, here are the key steps I follow to bring my artistic vision to life:

1. Define the concept.
   Start by clearly outlining the idea. What is the essence of the piece? What do I want it to communicate?
2. Research the thought.
   Investigate the concept, its implications, and its materials. What do these materials mean in relation to the philosophy of the piece?
3. Sit with it.
   Absorb all the notes, ideas, and thoughts. Take time to reflect on whether something needs to be adjusted or changed.
4. Repeat Step One.
   Go back to the beginning and redefine the concept with the new insights gained.

This iterative process ensures that every aspect of the piece — from its concept to its materials — aligns with the intended message and philosophy.

Using life's unpredictability to create

Life has a funny way of unfolding — you never quite know where it will take you. One idea evolves into another, and inspiration strikes in unexpected ways. It's captivating when you conceive a concept for an art piece and become mesmerized by it, even if it's not fully fleshed out in your mind. Eventually, you reach a point where you're striving to see it realized as a tangible, completed object. This is when it's beneficial to pause and reflect on the concept, intent, and philosophy behind the piece.

Reflecting on past series

This new series is a continuation of a previous body of work. The earlier series explored daily irritation as a metaphor for art-making — much like a clam creates pearls. Just as a grain of sand irritates the clam, prompting it to secrete a substance that forms a pearl, I used irritation as a creative impulse. However, that series was laden with hardship; the process became extremely tedious and challenging. Despite appreciating the paintings I created, the constant irritation was overwhelming. I considered revisiting them but ultimately realized it was time to move on.

The evolution of ideas

After eight years, the new series is beginning to take shape, building upon the foundations of the previous work. It returns to my philosophy of creating dialogues between modernity and ordinary beauty, rather than straightforward juxtapositions. By embracing this philosophy, I'm aligning more closely with my true nature. Inspired by Buddhist teachings on the three marks of existence — emptiness, suffering, and impermanence — Wabi-Sabi invites us to find beauty in simplicity, authenticity, and the imperfect nature of life.

This time, I sought something more natural yet unusual. I am aiming for a kind of unorthodox elegance by using materials not commonly found in traditional artwork. This approach not only challenges conventional aesthetics but also resonates with the principles of Wabi-Sabi.

Finding the right materials

The journey isn't without obstacles. I debated returning to traditional materials like cradled boards but ultimately desired something more organic and fluid. This indecision halted the project temporarily, as I struggled to choose a suitable base material. Thankfully, that issue has been resolved. The piece is experimental, both in concept and material, so I prefer not to disclose specifics until I've fully developed the process.

The material needs to support the concept and align with philosophies of being natural, vegan, and safe for the body. I envision this piece functioning both as a wall hanging and as a piece of jewelry — a conceptually unified work that transcends traditional boundaries.

Embracing Wabi-Sabi

What I'm embracing from Wabi-Sabi is the Buddhist notion that things don't need to be showy or intricate; they can simply be real. This aligns perfectly with the concept of this new series: an elegant simplicity that isn't immediately eye-catching but offers profound authenticity. It's about finding beauty in imperfection and appreciating the essence of things as they are.

Moving forward

The new series is unfolding, and I'm eager to see where this path leads. It's been a journey filled with trial and error, irritation, and deep reflection. Yet, through this process, I'm creating something that is authentically me — aligned with my philosophies and resonant with the beauty of simplicity and imperfection. Life, much like art, is unpredictable and ever-evolving. Embracing this unpredictability allows us to remain open to new possibilities and inspirations.

Conclusion

The artistic process is deeply personal and continually evolving. By placing the creative steps at the forefront, I've aimed to provide a roadmap for those interested in the journey rather than just the destination. Whether you're an artist yourself or simply curious about the process, I hope this insight into my approach offers inspiration and understanding.