Raven with Leaf Print

Wabi-sabi is a Zen concept that refers to the ability to see the beauty in imperfections, embrace vulnerabilities and accept transcendence. In Wabi-Sabi philosophy, nothing is perfect, permanent or complete. There is beauty in decay. Asymmetry, simplicity, economy, intimacy and an appreciation for Nature are some of the characteristics of Wabi-sabi. These ideas and concepts are derived from Buddhist teachings of the three marks of existence: impermanence, suffering and emptiness. I adopted these ideas into my art practice as a kind of meditative exercise. My practice as a printmaker and artist requires precision and finesse. This series embraces incompleteness and rebels against perfection. By employing simplistic methods of printmaking, often without a press, I embraced the concept of Wabi-sabi. My materials were home-made gelatin plates, pronto plates, plants, eco friendly inks, paper stencils and stamps. I also employed the cyanotype process, one of the oldest photographic printing processes, using only the sun. These simple processes are unpredictable at times and somewhat difficult to control. These imperfections allowed me to be free to make mistakes and to be fully in the moment. I once again felt the joy of making art, not bogged down by any idea of perfection. I felt connected to Nature, especially my own. The uncertainty and unpredictability of my process could be exciting, frustrating, beautiful or ugly, mirroring the transitory quality of life.