The vague and almost wholly personal appreciation of what is, or indeed what isn’t, wabi-sabi, was perfectly (or should that be imperfectly?) played out in my previous post on the topic, with its definition much more down to the individual rather than any particular directive.
On the whole, however, the images I offered were considered a little too much on the stark side to attain true wabi-sabi status, so, with this in mind, here’s another attempt at this wonderfully hard to nail down notion.
Which inevitably begs the question, is it wabi-sabi, or once again am I way off?
Martin says
Hmmmmmm, I’m no expert (but as it’s subjective who is?) but I’d say you are pretty darn close. But I would like to have seen some moss. Then I would have been 100% behind you.
Lee says
Yeah, I must admit I’d have been a lot happier if there had been some moss. Preferably quite a lot of it too.
Vincent says
As far as i know, this is wabi-sabi.
Lee says
Thanks, it’s good to know somebody else agrees!
Lizzy says
Even after reading the linked article, I can’t say for sure. I do know I like it, though. Would you be terribly offended if I used this as my desktop image?
Lee says
No, not at all, be my guest.
AS says
When I first saw the image I thought it was the water half pipe where noodles slide down and people pick it up to eat lol. The ripples coming from the center makes it a very tranquil looking picture.
The Envoy says
This seems closer than the previous post, as this is actually a snapshot of something in motion – water in motion, on wood that will eventually decay.
Lee says
Thanks. Yeah, whilst I’m not sure about the necessity of motion, I do think I’m a lot nearer this time.
Tornadoes28 says
Oh, I have to say you got it this time. To me that epitomizes the idea of imperfect beauty. I love it. Rather than a perfectly smooth wood spout, the spout is perfectly, naturally rough and uneven.
ait_meijin says
Lee, the ripples are almost perfectly imperfect. I wish you never reach the perfection. I like it just as it is. 😉
claytonian says
Neither. (It’s a wiener)
Ronald says
I always follow your blog..
your picture is always great
i’m a newbie in photography can you share some tips for taking great photos?
Alex F. Kraus says
I think you nailed it this time. They key difference (in my opinion) between this and your last set of wabi-sabi shots is that this shows an object still in use, rather than abandoned and dilapidated. It’s an object that continues to be used with care, despite its unavoidable slide into decay. Also, the water ripples give it a perfect sense of mono no aware.
Shala Blackburn says
In my (limited, changeable) understanding of wabi sabi — instead of being able to nail down the definition, perhaps it is more of an experiential journey. A practice, like yoga, meditation, etc, that unfolds & teaches all along the way ……………. ????