When attempting to define a concept as amorphous as wabi-sabi, the Japanese art of finding beauty in things that are imperfect, impermanent and rustic, it’s helpful to clarify what it is not—which is why my book includes a list of what wabi-sabi is and isn’t. Today I found some “is” photos to illustrate. Pictures can be so much more powerful than words.
Wild flowers (not roses)
Wabi-sabi is in wildflowers, non-arranged, not in perfect bouquets from foreign lands.
Photo by Joe Coca
Weathered wood (not plastic laminate)
Natural materials such as wood weather beautifully. Plastic, not so much.
Photo by Joe Coca
Native landscaping (not Kentucky bluegrass)
This wabi-sabi garden works with nature. Photo by Michael Shopenn
Adobe (not steel)
Architect David Barrett shared this photo of a woman in front of a cracked adobe wall.
Photo by David Barrett
Natural light (not fluorescents)
Sunlight through an ample kitchen window is the ultimate wabi-sabi luxury.
Photo by Paul Bardagjy