Embracing Imperfection
In a world that often seeks perfection in every aspect, there's a profound beauty and strength to be found in embracing our flaws and imperfections. This is the essence of Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of golden repair, which teaches us that there's beauty in brokenness and strength in vulnerability. Our studio is thrilled to announce an upcoming workshop that dives deep into this mesmerising art form, led by the talented Kirstin Farr.
Kintsugi, meaning "to join with gold," is a traditional Japanese technique that repairs broken pottery with gold lacquer, transforming it into a piece even more beautiful than before. It's an art form that not only mends the physical breaks but also symbolises a deeper healing, celebrating the scars as part of the object's unique story.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll embark on a journey of transformation, learning how to piece together ceramic fragments with gold. Whether you're repairing your own cherished ceramics or pieces we've prepared, you'll discover the power of Kintsugi to mend and beautify. Each participant will leave with a deeper understanding of this art form, along with their own Kintsugi repair kit to continue their practice at home.
A Word from Kirstin Farr
Q: What is Kintsugi to you?
“During my time as a potter, I have recklessly explored various forms of firing leading to lots of breakages. My tableware, particularly large platters, are also often the victims of me pushing the boundaries. The traditional Japanese ethos of things having more meaning and value is deep within me when I touch these pieces. The contrast between the dark burnt colours and the glistening gold will never cease to take my breath away.
Kintsugi is a way to make these pieces more valuable and beautiful as well as to avoid the burgeoning levels of landfill.”
Q: How did you learn this technique?
“Funnily enough, I could see the beauty in my piles of broken pieces; I refused to bin them. I kept them without a plan for quite some time until I stumbled upon Kintsugi. I bought a traditional kit from Japan and dived in; making a mess of quite a few pieces; however with every bad repair I eventually managed to bring a pile of shards together.
I have now been asked by lots of people to repair their heirlooms, girlfriends bracelets, and lots of odds and sods.”
Q: What is your favourite part of about this artform?
“Usually I am a bull at a gate. With Kintsugi, true to the Japanese culture, everything has to slow down. I needed to slow my work practice, leave it, and come back when it was ready. I can’t say I LOVE this, but it has taught me the value of slowing down.
Hours fly by as I put the jigsaws together, mix the materials, and wait… The joy comes when you can see all the pieces fitting in well, the gold powder that was sprinkled on at the right time, and of course, the beauty of repairing something usually destined for waste.”
Our Kintsugi workshop with Kirsten Farr offers more than just an introduction to a traditional art form. It's an invitation to explore the beauty in brokenness, to learn resilience in the face of adversity, and to embrace the imperfections that make us uniquely beautiful. Whether you're looking to repair a cherished piece of pottery or seeking a new perspective on life, this workshop promises an enriching experience that transcends the boundaries of art.
Join us on this transformative journey, and let's celebrate the beauty of being perfectly imperfect together. To book your spot or learn more about the workshop, click here. Let's embrace our flaws and turn them into works of art.
