“There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.” - Leonard Cohen
I have long been captivated by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, and in particular, the art of Kintsugi. This ancient craft involves repairing broken pottery using a special lacquer and finishing the cracks with gold or other precious metals.
What draws me most to Kintsugi, however, is the philosophy behind it—the idea that brokenness can be healed, and that flaws can become something beautiful. Life is full of challenges, but I’ve found that the events in my life that could be seen as tragic have often strengthened or transformed me in meaningful ways. The parallels between Kintsugi and our individual human experiences are profound.
From the beginning, it has been essential for me to honor the tradition of Kintsugi by using authentic materials and processes. In today’s fast-paced world, this is a slow, deliberate craft, with each step varying depending on the extent of the damage being repaired. A key element is Urushi, a special lacquer that has been used for thousands of years in pottery restoration. I am self-taught and by no means a Kintsugi Master, though I believe the cheaper alternatives online that use epoxy undermine the essence of Kintsugi. I remain committed to preserving the integrity of this beautiful craft, and I hope others who appreciate or wish to engage with Kintsugi will do the same.
“…more than a mere ancient Japanese art form of restoration: it is a tangible philosphy of rebirth.” - Alexandra Kitty
Creating and then intentionally breaking my own and existing pottery allows me to reflect on the impermanence and unpredictability of life. Whether things are going well or not, the reality of any given situation is that it inevitably comes to an end, making way for something new. Sometimes this transformation is welcome—other times, it is not. Yet, life is an ongoing process of change and acceptance.
In my own journey, I’ve faced three pivotal events that shaped the course of my life. While navigating those experiences, I couldn’t see a way forward, nor did I recognize how they would ultimately change me. But over time, I’ve emerged from them a better, kinder, more tolerant, and loving person. Now, I hold onto the hope that no matter what challenges life may bring, I’ll come out the other side transformed—sometimes for the better.