Tuesday, April 21, 2009

wabi-sabi placemats

Wabi-Sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection. In our everyday lives, isn't this really what it's all about? I think so. Keeping your eyes open for hidden surprises, seeing the beauty in a chipped plate, a scratched table, a faded book.
My inspiration for these placemats came from this way of thinking, and from Japanese sumi-e ink paintings. Simple strokes which evoke a feeling. My strokes here are in the form of wispy black merino, laid and felted to resemble branches. I have a few more mental sketches which I'd like to try using this placemat medium. It's like a canvas of sorts, and laying out the wool strands almost echoes painting.



** The lovely Marta of martawrites is having a giveaway this Thursday featuring my ekster apron. Leave a comment for a chance to win!

6 comments:

spread your wings said...

oh i really love these.

Julia said...

these are so beautiful! i love hearing where the inspiration came from too. (headed over to enter the giveaway...)

reya said...

thanks so much lovely ladies.

joAnn said...

so, so pretty.

reya said...

Thanks joAnn :) I've got some new goodies I need to add to the shop very soon. I've been a procrastinator this past week.

Sistermoon said...

Very original!!!