I’ve just finished the book “Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers” and I thought it was a wonderful (and quick!) read. Basically, Wabi-Sabi is, as the cover explains, “the quintessential Japanese aesthetic”. It resonated a lot with my love of old things and their stories.
It is Wabi-Sabi's belief that “things are either devolving toward or evolving from nothingness". And, in that way of seeing objects, we should appreciate their marks, their materials, their repairs, the whole process of their lives.
Below, I’ve highlighted the bits that express a connection between Wabi-Sabi and the importance of antiques, vintage and industrial items. I’ve come to understand that I like furniture and items that show use because I also believe that the irregular, the imperfect and the unpretentious are incredible characteristics.
If you have a passion for old and beautiful things, I would strongly recommend this book. I would say it is a philosophic way to explore design.
Spiritual Values of Wabi-Sabi
_ Greatness exists in the incospicuous and overlook details
_ Truth comes from the observation of nature
_ Beauty can be coaxed out of ugliness
Material Qualities of Wabi-Sabi
_ Suggestion of natural process
_ Irregular
_ Intimate
_ Simple
_ Unpretentions
_ Earthy _ Murky