PICTURE IT

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Workshop
t of natu re through simple stitches and
Join artis t Ekta Kaul in accessing the calm and quie
mark maki ng base d on observing trees.

and boost well- bein g as is spending time

The soothing actio n of stitch is known to de-stress
med itativ e practices.
in natu re. This workshop combines elements of both
(modified from https:l/www.va m.ac.uk)

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g, yet very creative process called Stitch Meditations.
Before we wrapped up 2018, I came across this relaxin
as doodling with thread. I have cut my batch of 4-by-
It is a bit like doodling in your sketchbook, but think of it more
time to create a tiny collage. Sometimes I spend 15
4-inch squares of cotton muslin and have started to set aside
my mood , but at least I'm practising my skills. It helps
minutes, sometimes an hour or more. It really depends on
a handful of stitches - they are just straight running
me to relax too. You may notice that I don't use more than
time just running.
stitches, sometimes a few back stitches, but most of the

log/stitch-meditation)
(extrac t modifie d from https:// www.agytextileartist.com/b

28 'lthink
 FO~_'-QWME ~

I Imagine breaking a violin string during

a solo performance in an auditorium
packed with well-heeled guests. Can the
performance still be beautiful and enjoyed
s despite the imperfect moment?

■ Wabi-sabi is a complex concept that

describes the beauty of imperfect things.
Yet, this 1elusive term describes not simply
an artistic appreciation of things that are
10 ___ imperfect, but a philosophy of life. The term
'wabi' only appeared in the fifteenth centu-
ry to refer to the general atmosphere and
objects used during a tea ceremony. Wabi
recognises beauty in humble simplicity and
15 welcomes detachment from materialism
and the hustle and bustle of life. This term
is said to date back to the eighth century,
when it was used to refer to 2desolation in
a poetic way. From the twelfth century, the
20 term evolved to refer to the way all things
grow, age and decay and how beauty is
manifested in what is old and worn. Togeth-
... before showing his work to his master,
er, the term, wabi-sabi, supports the idea of
he shook a cherry blossom tree and the
simplicity and appreciation for the 3transient
Sakura flowers fell on the ground.
25 ---~_
tages of life.

The origin of wabi-sabi can be found in the story ■

of Sen no Rikyu, the sixteenth Zen monk who theo-
rised the tea ceremony that is still practised in mod-
ern Japan. According to the legend, the young Rikyu,
who was eager to learn about the ancestral ritual of the---~~
tea ceremony, went on a journey to find a recognised
tea master, named Takeeno Joo. The latter wanted to
test the abilities of his new apprentice and asked him
to take care of the garden. Rikyu cleaned it thoroughly
and raked it till it was perfect. However, before showing 35
his work to his master, he shook a cherry blossom tree
and the Sakura flowers fell on the ground. This touch of
imperfection brought beauty to the scene and that was
how the notion of wabi-sabi was born. Later, Sen no
Rikyu became one of the most influential tea masters
40
who, through the use of imperfect objects, transformed
the tea ceremony that was previously associated with
opulence to one of simplicity and minimalism.

1think 31
Images from everything bagel, Goo<1S1ud10,
Onica Alexandru Sergiu/Shutterslock com
■ We live in a world where many people
45 _strive for perfection in how they live, work and
look. Perfectionists are usually more motivat-
ed and conscientious as they strive to achieve
excellence. Indeed, striving for perfection is
an important process because it can result in
50 innovations, new technology, ideas and inven-
tions that seek to improve the lives of people.
Yet, wabi-sabi teaches that perfection does not
exist and is against the natural cycle of life;
beauty fades and things wither over time. ln-
55 sisting on perfection can also lead to burnout,
depression and anxiety. Contrary to the neg-
GNIT/\,,,.
- ~p
o,}{,.
ative stigma around imperfection, wabi-sabi
does not see imperfection as 3compromise.
While it motions us to accept imperfection
and rawness, we should still strive for ex- 60
cellence and do our best. Principles of wa-
bi-sabi are becoming popular because they
provide wisdom in the chaotic world we live
in today. In dealing with the realities of fail-
ures, grief and worry, wabi-sabi teaches us to 65
accept our situations and practise gratitude.
It believes that freedom and peace can be
found when we discover how the imperfec-
tions in life can enable growth.
ls there a surprising
idea here?
 FOLLOWME ·,,

Instea d of throw ing away broken or

dama ged ceramics, this art gives a
second chanc e to bowls, cups or vases ...

11 also teaches about the beauty of all

10 .... _Wabi-sabi

things, especially those that are old and worn. Kintsugi

is an old Japanese technique for repairing objects. In-
stead of throwing away broken or damaged ceramics,
this art gives a second chance to bowls, cups or vas-
es, by embellishing them with gold lacquer adhesive
4 By embracing wabi-sabi, we learn that fa
75
happiness can be attained by being content
so that the scars are accentuated. This approach cel-
5

with what we have and where we are. Our mod-

ebrates the unique imperfection of each artefact and
ern society is obsessed with finding happiness ___95
demonstrates its resilience and wisdom , just as how
and success, which sometimes leads people
emotional and physical scars will help a person to be
to emptiness and hopelessness if their goals
80 stronger. The focus on reuse and giving old objects a
are not attained. Being grateful for what life has
new lease of life is also related to the concept of avoid-
given us while continuing to work towards what
ance of waste and overconsumption.
we want, is the key to happiness. 1oo

ll According to wabi-sabi, it is important to slow

down and appreciate simplicity. Our pell-mell pace of
modern life sometimes puts us at risk of a total burnout.
85
One can derive happiness and peace from admiring a
All in all, wabi-sabi constantly reminds us I]
that life is fragile and impermanent. It encourag-
es us to do our best instead of trying to pursue

landscape, an object, a painting , or simply reading a
book or conversing with family members and friends.
The feeling of wabi-sabi motions us to slow down our
pace of life and connect to nature. In doing so, we can
90
experience joy and peace in everyday living.
perfection, which is often unattainable. It nudg-
es us to relax, slow down and enjoy the beau- 105
ty in natural and even broken things. Perhaps
then, breaking a violin string even in a high-
stakes performance will not be so devastating.

1think 33