Saturday, September 14, 2013

"In the Distance" a Wabi-Sabi Landscape

In the Distance
acrylic on 8" x 10" canvas

In 2011, I had the good fortune to take a workshop with Serena Barton in Portland which focused on her interpretation of the wabi-sabi concept in encaustic. I blogged about my experience that day in an earlier post. At the time, I was completely enthralled by the wax, and yet as time has passed, I find myself thinking about wabi-sabi again and again. I even have a journal I started after that workshop that I use specifically for contemplating wabi-sabi.

According to Serena, "Wabi-Sabi is an aesthetic, a state of mind, a mix of emotions, and a way of perceiving life. It embraces cycles of change, including life and death. Wabi-Sabi values the seasoned, well-worn, accidental, and imperfect. It includes the sorrow of change and loss, as well as the acceptance of these." Wabi-Sabi colors are muted and textures are rough. If you think of a flower as it is just beginning to turn brown at the edges, you can get a feel for Wabi-Sabi. To me, it includes beauty, longing, mystery, and depth -- all things that appeal to me in art and life, and that I hope to create in my work.

I did this painting after reading Serena's new book, Wabi Sabi Art Workshop. It was actually an unsuccessful painting I'd started earlier, so I decided to paint over, creating more layers and textures in the process.

I'm linking this to Paint Party Friday. Go check it out and see all of the wonderful art that's been created this week. Thanks so much for stopping by! I always appreciate your comments.

9 comments:

  1. Very nice, love this style and you really did it well! HPPF!

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  2. great results, Happy PPF, Annette G

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  3. Wonderful painting, and how wise to redo an "unsuccessful" painting into beauty. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. This is a beautiful painting with such an interesting concept. I will definitely check it out! Thank you for the link:)

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  5. Very nice piece....mellow pretty colors blended!! Interesting concept for sure... thanks for sharing!

    Hugs Giggles

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  6. You were very fortunate to have the opportunity to take a workshop on Wabi Sabi! It is quite wonderful - your colors are perfect!!! And encaustic to boot!!! HPPF

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  7. This piece really drew me in, it's very soothing and mysterious. And I really enjoyed reading your words, fascinating! (and in case you don't make it back to my blog, thanks for the link .)

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