Mended: Wabi-Sabi + Pottery Art Experience

“Mended ceramics foremost convey a sense of the passage of time. The vicissitudes of existence over time, to which all humans are susceptible, could not be clearer than in the breaks, the knocks, and the shattering to which ceramic ware too is subject. This poignancy or aesthetic of existence has been known in Japan as mono no aware, a compassionate sensitivity . . . It may be perceived in the slow inexorable work of time (sabi) or in a moment of sharp demarcation between pristine or whole and shattered . . . A mirage of ‘before’ suffuses the beauty of mended objects.”
-Barlett, Flickwerk: The Aesthetics of Mended Japanese Ceramics

Artist + Photographer unknown

I first encountered the Japanese philosophy + aesthetic Wabi-Sabi a little over a year ago, + the Japanese art kintsugi  a couple of years before that. Both captured my imagination from the first encounter, compelling me to study the philosophies + explore ways of incorporating them into my art practice. 

Wabi-Sabi honors the imperfect, the humble, the hand-made + the impermanent.  It seeks to embrace the beauty found in the changing of seasons, things, nature + our own lives. Kintsugi  is the Japanese art first practiced in the 15th Century of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The work is stunning.


At the end of May, I hosted my second Wabi Sabi + Pottery Art Experience for 12 courageous participants/artists that incorporated kintsugi.  The table was full + creativity was in full bloom all over my studio. Each person engaged in abstract intuitive + creative introspective practices designed to encourage them to honor the gift of their intuition through listening deeply, experimenting with various textures + techniques, risk taking, creative play + integrating their "mistakes" in the creation of their art piece.  

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It was sacred. It was beautiful. 

The workshop exceded all of my expectations. Though I didn't make a piece during the workshop, I received my own takeaways from the process while guiding each person. I still find myself leaning into some of the wisdom the process revealed regarding the importance of patience in the mending what has been broken + trusting the creative process.  I kept hearing, "Don't be afraid to risk + let go."

A few of the participants graciously shared their takeaways from our time at the table with me + agreed to have excerpts from their reflections anynomously shared with you. You'll find the excerpts, rich with honesty + vulnerability with photographs from our time, below.

​Take a read. I think you'll find a takeaway or two and you 'll find that life is worth leaning into as well.

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"During the art workshop, I became present to the beauty of brokenness. I began to wonder what else in my life needs to be pulled apart, unraveled and cracked open?  

In western culture, there is a stigma associated with brokenness. We are very results driven and like to hide our flaws...

... I saw new things and new ideas through the cracks. As I slowly held the pieces back together with my "magical and golden glue",  the creative process became freeing, meditative and calming. No loger relying on myself to create art, I was able to utilize ancient Japanese wisdom, the energy brought forth by the artists around me, and the inspiration that comes from unexpected "mistakes."
​-Workshop Participant

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"I am on a deep healing journey, and to consider the contrasts of my surface life and the interior life of who I really am, has been unearthing to say the least.  After reflecting on our writing prompts (during the workshop), this is what I wrote:

What do you see
when you look at me?
A mom, a wife,
a perfect life?

But deep inside
are broken pieces,
shattered, scattered,
hidden reasons.

Pressure without,
pressure within,
can't keep it together,
drowning again.

Adrift in a sea,
of endless waves,
raging water,
no one saves.

Gasping, grasping,
just survive,
rescued now,
one day at a time.

Still I'm shattered,
but learning how,
in Restoration,
resting now.

Boundless love,
as deep can be,
without limits, 
speak to me.

Broken, healing,
broken still,
keep me safe
in perfect Will.

Hurts unseen,
stuffed away,
yet You see all
and love me still."
​-Workshop Participant

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​"I’ve been reluctant to call myself an artist, even though I create art, have a room full of art supplies, and have taken many classes from professionals including ones towards my college degree. I think it’s because something has been missing. I put so much pressure on myself to live up to that “artist” name. I’ve never truly connected to my own artwork. However, Lanecia opened the door to this connection. This was my second class in her studio, and the walls that have separated myself from my art broke down even more....
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...While working, everyone in the room disappeared. It was me and my artwork, my story. I wasn’t concerned with what others were creating and if mine was “art” enough. At the end when I was finally able to look up, it was amazing to see everyone else’s work.  Another person at the table commented on how that was such a metaphor for life. We are busy trying to hold our pieces together and forget to or don’t have time to look up. ​"
-Workshop Participant

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​"Something I took away from the Wabi-Sabi art class on Saturday was that trusting the process is real. Initially after learning there would be no specific guidance, but that I'd be able to create what I wanted, I panicked because I didn't think I'd create anything recognizably beautiful.

Once I relaxed and accepted that I am an artist, I just let my thoughts and hands flow freely. I did the first thing that came to my mind without questioning them and didn't think too hard about the things I was doing. Through this process I realized I can trust myself and that if I need help I can ask. I recognized that asking for help doesn't make me weak, it makes me stronger because I'm utilizing all of my resources."
-Workshop Participant

"Oh The Beauty of Brokenness + Imperfection! ... We are masterpieces inthe making and we have layers of truth and hidden secrets.... We are rainbow palettes, full of life and power. We are beauty and we are a mess."
-Workshop Participant

"The wabi-sabi process was my first encounter with God through art. In many ways, it mirrored my faith journey and recent position of humility. Like the blank canvas, I've created a life I consider to be beautiful, only for God to shatter that stoic image and piece together something much more vibrant.

​I learned that letting go is easier than keeping a tight grip. I learned that this posture allows me to give and receive. Ultimately, I learned that surrender is freeing."
-Workshop Participant