welcome to

Wabi-Sabi

2

Lesson

I first discovered batiks quite a few years ago when I took a class that demonstrated the batik process using watercolors. I was enamored with the beautiful look and feel of the results, but at the same time, if I’m being truthful, I was a little disappointed that what I had created didn’t look “perfect”.  As I began to work with the process further, I began to embrace that beautiful imperfection. I realized that the work didn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful and an authentic version of myself and what I wanted to express in the world.

According to Wikipedia, Wabi-sabi is described this way, “In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. It is prevalent throughout all forms of Japanese art.” What a perfect and beautiful way to describe the art form of batik painting!

If we slow down and take the time to notice, beauty is all around us. Nature is full of beauty and exemplifies the phrase “perfectly imperfect”. So how appropriate that we use subjects found in nature for our batik class.

With courage and without expectation, we will explore the beauty of a crisp, clear mountain night. Moonlight hanging above the horizon. Then we will move on to the simple beauty of florals. Two separate projects that contrast the themes of light and dark and embrace the theme of imperfection.

"

Shake it up. Nature loves commitment and courage. Once you’ve committed to courage, the world meets you exactly where you are. Even when you cannot yet see it, know that you’re supported by all that rises up rooted. So hurl yourself into the abyss and you’ll discover two things: that you’ve always been ready, and that the landing’s softer than the cold cliff you’d previously inhabited

- Victoria Erickson

"

supply list

What is Awagami Ginwashi paper?

Ginwashi and Kinwashi are made in Japan from Kozo and Manila Hemp fibers. Both decorative papers are lightweight yet durable with textured fiber inclusions on one side and smooth on the reverse side. The Ginwashi paper has more fiber inclusions than the Kinwashi.  Many others will work. Each one will give your painting a different look.

  • Awagami Ginwashi Paper
  • Brushes for wax - Designate brushes that you’ll use only in wax. I use inexpensive paint brushes in a variety of sizes for this process. You’ll find that the paint brush bristles get stiff when the wax cools, but they will soften up again when dipped into hot wax.
  • Brushes for use with acrylic paints and inks – variety of sizes
  • Old electric frying pan with temperature control or a small crockpot (check your local thrift store)
  • Old Iron
  • Paraffin wax (also used for canning; can be found in most any grocery store or on Amazon)
  • Old Newspapers
  • Wax paper or Freezer paper
  • Pencil
  • Scrap of fine grit sandpaper
  • Masking tape (to tape your wax paper/freezer paper down to your surface)
  • Paints and Inks

Paints and Inks

These are the ones I used for each project, but please use whatever you have on hand.

Mountain Project

Floral ProjectProject

reference image

Let's begin the lesson...

Wabi-Sabi - part 1

Wabi-Sabi - part 2

Wabi-Sabi - part 3

I truly hope you enjoyed this lesson!  Let go and create with no expectation of the outcome, embracing Wabi-sabi. Enjoy the journey it takes you on. Please let me know if you have questions and I would love to see what you create!

If you aren't a member of the Facebook Studioworks Community then come on over and come join us. It's the perfect place to share your art and be supported by fellow artists!

it's time to say goodbye...