Hey Brooks, 

A few weeks ago I took a Kintsugi inspired workshop in Arizona. We were asked to break a hand made piece of pottery and then put it back together with glue and highlight the broken lines with gold paint similiar to what Kintsugi is.

"Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — a metaphor for embracing your flaws and imperfections."

As the story unfolds I'd like to share my experience by showing you the original pot, the broken pot and the finished pot along with the digalogue I had with the instructor.

The beautiful original handmade pot. (Picked because of the colors)

The broken pot, an easy clean break.

Concerned that my pot was not broken in enough places and told the instructor of my realization that it was not complicated enough. She said she would support me if I wanted to tuck the pot back in the textile and take a hammer to it. She then continued to say something to the effect of 'did you ever consider how sometimes in life we make things more complicated than they need to be?'

With that, I was stumped and had deep thoughts about my next step. After much contemplation I decided to leave the pot broken in only two parts and put it back together seamlessly, effortlessl and easy.

From that day forward when I come to making decisions I use this metaphor to help me resolve questions in my daily life.

 What a lesson I learned.

Do you ever struggle with this kind of scenario? Making something harder than it needs to be?

The finished pot with gold paint that highlights the imperfections

The meaningful bowI is placed in my home. When I walk by it I remember that feeling I had of vulnerability, reflection and compassion.

As in my work I am constantly trying to pair down design elements, hand stitched details with ease of fit and movement.

Kintsgui has shown up in our recent collaboration with Madeleine O'Connell Art

Kintsugi interpretation handpainted on a simple tank dress

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