“Wabi-sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect."

– Richard Powell

It is coincidental but fitting to share this as the calendar turns to a new year. Time marches on. The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi suggests that elegance is found in the scars of use and decay of time. The phrase combines two words in Japanese, neither directly translating in English. 'Wabi' connotes a rustic sense of remote isolation and simplicity. While 'Sabi' suggests beauty that comes with use and age. Wabi-sabi is not limited to objects. It extends to decor, architecture, and lifestyle.

A podcast by one of my favorite authors and philosophers regarding all things creative is referenced in the footnotes. In his 'Beautiful Anarchy' podcast entitled 'Perfection,' David Duchemin touches upon the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi.

Our photography can be hindered by pursuing pristine scenery and perfect subjects. We can become frozen in the state of waiting for a moment that never arrives. Instead, conceding to the imperfection while still finding beauty can open your eyes in new ways.

The featured photo at the top of this post, Light on the Past, suggests hope as the soft light still touches and beautifies the untended landscape surrounding an abandoned structure. The branches of the surrounding trees point to a window with light emanating from a roofless interior.

On the same grounds as this structure lies another building that embodies the spirit of wabi-sabi. We see the fallen wood of the ceiling through the window. The shadows rake across the peeling exterior as they have for many years. Yet within the cracked and peeling frame of the same window, there is life as a weed still grows in the window frame. Decay and transformation embody the premise of the wabi-sabi philosophy.

A seemingly banal subject such as doors or windows, when touched by time, take on special meaning. One can't help but think of all of the people who passed through them, peered out of them, and gave them purpose.

And yet, in this locked and weathered entrance to an abandoned property, there is still a flower and greenery juxtaposed against the faded and warped wood of the door, no longer open to welcome guests.

Taking an image of the same subject in different seasons reinforces that nothing remains the same while highlighting the conditions that create change. Eventually, the limb will fall.

Typically I shy away from taking photos of other people's art. Essentially, this is a photo of someone's skill in sculpture/ceramics. The property has additional pieces of sculpture that are impressive. The opportunity for a minimalist photo was appealing. For me, ultimately, it becomes a photo about the passing of time as the weathered and blackened bowl attest to.

Wabi-Sabi Abstracts

One of the benefits of diving into a concept is that it leads you to interpret it your way. Simply as an idea for further exploration. With the concept of wabi-sabi in mind, I couldn't help but notice these graffiti abstracts.

I suppose the English translation of wabi-sabi is "warts and all." Not nearly as philosophical or elegant, but still on point. There is comfort in this. We all have flawed moments and unkempt vines within our own lives. Scars and debris. Yet, we try to find grace within it.

Random Thoughts and Photos

In the absence of perfect, take the photo. You can decide later if it was worth taking. If you don't take the image, the decision has already been made. Think of photography in the field as 'hunting and gathering.' The end result does not need to be decided at that moment; photographers had to be aware of the cost of each exposure in the days of film. That is no longer the case.

Perfection is an illusion. By whose standard do we judge perfect? It doesn't exist. Nothing will freeze you like waiting for perfection. Over several years Leonard Cohen wrote around 80 draft verses for "Hallelujah." He couldn't let go of it. When he finally did, it became one of the most covered songs in history.

Juxtaposition is a dynamic subject. Some of the most successful television shows have been about good people who do bad things. Think Walter White and Tony Soprano. The conflict stops us for a moment. It makes us take a more extended look.

Further Reading and Reference

• wabi-sabi Philosophy

• David Duchemin - A Beautiful Anarchy