Sylvia Williams
December 2024 - Wabi-Sabi
About the Image(s)
This month's theme is wabi-sabi - from Wikipedia:In traditional
Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (????) is a world view centered on the
acceptance of transience and imperfection.[2] The aesthetic is
sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect,
impermanent, and incomplete" in nature.[3] It is prevalent in many
forms of Japanese art.[4][5].
I had a rose that is well past its prime, framed in a vintage mirror,
well, what used to be a mirror and is now just a frame. Looking at it
now I question my placement of the fallen petal, and if I even need
it.
Nikon Z7ii
70 mm
1/125, f/ 3.5
ISO 320
5 comments posted
A very interesting project. I can't say that I fully understand the concept of "Wabi-Sabi", but I do appreciate what I see in your photo. An interesting antique wood frame with great color and detail, a blossom perfectly positioned in the frame placed atop a detailed ornament. The colors complement each other nicely and details in all four objects are captured with very good detail. I find myself gravitating more to the wood frame because I am intrigued with what its history might be. I like the rose petal because it helps me identify that the blossom is a rose and also adds interest to the photo. All composed against a black background which keeps me focused on the composition. Very nicely done. Posted: 12/09/2024 14:40:07
Sylvia, interesting title to this photo. We all know that roses are beautiful flowers, but with the theme of wabi-sabi as you describe it, it is recognized that the beauty does not last, it is impermanent. I think you have captured that. Placing the flower in the center an interesting frame with the black background frames and highlights the flower nicely. Posted: 12/13/2024 21:58:48
Sylvia, Thank you for introducing the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy. A web site article by Omar Itani says wabi-sabi motions us to constantly reach for the beauty in imperfection and accept the more natural cycle of life.
Your image is perfectly composed to address viewing beauty in imperfection. The fading flower looking into the mirror and dropping a leaf...aging. The detail of the dried petals have beauty. Great thoughtful composition! Posted: 12/13/2024 23:48:19
Your image is perfectly composed to address viewing beauty in imperfection. The fading flower looking into the mirror and dropping a leaf...aging. The detail of the dried petals have beauty. Great thoughtful composition! Posted: 12/13/2024 23:48:19
Sylvia, Thank you for taking up this approach to photography and trying to translate the theme photographically. I also read something about it, but I found it difficult to really understand.
I see in your image the representation of the beauty of the ephemeral. You made a good choice with the rose. But the chosen frame also radiates beauty and transience at the same time. The warm, muted colors go well together and create inner peace instead of melancholy in the viewer.
Posted: 12/16/2024 18:50:15
I see in your image the representation of the beauty of the ephemeral. You made a good choice with the rose. But the chosen frame also radiates beauty and transience at the same time. The warm, muted colors go well together and create inner peace instead of melancholy in the viewer.
Posted: 12/16/2024 18:50:15
I really like the fallen petal -- to me it's crucial to the photo and adds a 3rd dimension -- the subject is spilling out toward the viewer. Really -- I think the petal makes the photo! Posted: 12/16/2024 19:30:42