I think these principles have always lived in your art, maybe even before your started studying them, but to embody them in your life is something more profound. Over the years of reading your posts and articles over the internet, I have noticed a shift- less reactivity, more considered responsiveness. I’ve seen you expand into a largeness that enables embracing contradictions and uncomfortable grey areas. I’ve been walking beside you silently finding my way through this increasingly difficult world. It is in no way easy, but there has never been a more important time. Beautiful article ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh my gosh. Thank you. I feel these shifts, too, although I still have moments of reactivity...it's hard not too when confronted with the insanity that is our current government. But I find my center again far quicker. Thank you thank you. And you know... when I discovered shibui, through the book The Unknown Craftsmen, it truly changed the way I saw my art and my life. It felt like home. 💖
This was so interesting and not something I’d come across before. Your art is impressive, I found your pondscape particularly breathtaking with a tangible silence.
I love that pondscape. It was in a series I did with india ink, vintage hand-ground sumi, and pencil. It is almost completely based on the element of change, how things react. Thank you, Sian xoxo
Your discussion of Shizen as "naturalness is organic, unforced beauty" offers such an insightful perspective, especially in a world that often prizes curated perfection. The idea of living just as you are, without idealization or glorification, feels incredibly liberating. It's a call to return to our own rhythms, away from the manufactured urgency and external pressures that dictate so much of modern life. I think of how much energy we expend trying to fit into molds or live up to expectations, rather than simply moving at the pace our own bodies and spirits ask for.
Shizen reminds me that authenticity isn't something to be carefully constructed; it simply is. It’s about trusting our inner voice, wearing what truly feels right, and allowing our lives to unfold organically, like a river shaping its path by feel rather than force. In turbulent times, this return to center, this ease in our bones and truth in our steps, feels like the most profound form of resistance. It's a gentle rebellion against the pressure to perform and a powerful affirmation of who we truly are.
I love your understanding and insight, Alex. We have so many similar sensibilities about things. The three words--it simply is--are incredibly profound for me. I think you are so right about practicing shizen being a form of resistance and gentle rebellion. Gentleness is also a strong form of rebellion these days. Non-reactivity.
I am in the final draft stage of my essay for this week, and in it there is a quote from a favourite author that brings so much of this straight home again. It feels empowering to my spirit just thinking through these concepts...and right now we all need to be more empowered when those in power are doing all they can to subdue us.
So very beautiful, Kateri - your words and the art!! It fills me with the longing to live and create the Shibui Way. I really treasure your message here that is so needed at this time in our lives and in the whole world. I truly see the beauty of the Shibui Way in your art! Thank you!
Gorgeous, Kateri. Thank you for such exquisitely curated visuals to illustrate each principle and help us to take it from the art realms into life (the "art of life" perhaps?!). I feel many heartbeats slower and many decibels quieter. ❤️
I think these principles have always lived in your art, maybe even before your started studying them, but to embody them in your life is something more profound. Over the years of reading your posts and articles over the internet, I have noticed a shift- less reactivity, more considered responsiveness. I’ve seen you expand into a largeness that enables embracing contradictions and uncomfortable grey areas. I’ve been walking beside you silently finding my way through this increasingly difficult world. It is in no way easy, but there has never been a more important time. Beautiful article ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh my gosh. Thank you. I feel these shifts, too, although I still have moments of reactivity...it's hard not too when confronted with the insanity that is our current government. But I find my center again far quicker. Thank you thank you. And you know... when I discovered shibui, through the book The Unknown Craftsmen, it truly changed the way I saw my art and my life. It felt like home. 💖
So so beautiful. My written or spoken words cannot express what I take from what you shared with us.
I'm so glad!
Loved and learned from all of what is in here, but want to say that your drawings and paintings are utterly beautiful. Thank you.
Abby, thank you so much. That means a lot to me. Thank you ☺️
This was so interesting and not something I’d come across before. Your art is impressive, I found your pondscape particularly breathtaking with a tangible silence.
I love that pondscape. It was in a series I did with india ink, vintage hand-ground sumi, and pencil. It is almost completely based on the element of change, how things react. Thank you, Sian xoxo
Your discussion of Shizen as "naturalness is organic, unforced beauty" offers such an insightful perspective, especially in a world that often prizes curated perfection. The idea of living just as you are, without idealization or glorification, feels incredibly liberating. It's a call to return to our own rhythms, away from the manufactured urgency and external pressures that dictate so much of modern life. I think of how much energy we expend trying to fit into molds or live up to expectations, rather than simply moving at the pace our own bodies and spirits ask for.
Shizen reminds me that authenticity isn't something to be carefully constructed; it simply is. It’s about trusting our inner voice, wearing what truly feels right, and allowing our lives to unfold organically, like a river shaping its path by feel rather than force. In turbulent times, this return to center, this ease in our bones and truth in our steps, feels like the most profound form of resistance. It's a gentle rebellion against the pressure to perform and a powerful affirmation of who we truly are.
I love your understanding and insight, Alex. We have so many similar sensibilities about things. The three words--it simply is--are incredibly profound for me. I think you are so right about practicing shizen being a form of resistance and gentle rebellion. Gentleness is also a strong form of rebellion these days. Non-reactivity.
I am in the final draft stage of my essay for this week, and in it there is a quote from a favourite author that brings so much of this straight home again. It feels empowering to my spirit just thinking through these concepts...and right now we all need to be more empowered when those in power are doing all they can to subdue us.
So very beautiful, Kateri - your words and the art!! It fills me with the longing to live and create the Shibui Way. I really treasure your message here that is so needed at this time in our lives and in the whole world. I truly see the beauty of the Shibui Way in your art! Thank you!
I think you are already there, Kathryn ❤️ thank you so much for being here.
Oh I am, curious 🕊️
:) I'm so glad!
Thank you for teaching.
Thank you for being here! ❤️
Especially now.......
Indeed. Thank you Nancy ✨
I’m so glad you wrote this beauty about shibui. I will return to the teaching again and again.🫶🏼
It's been so important to me, a lantern 🏮 ❤️
Gorgeous, Kateri. Thank you for such exquisitely curated visuals to illustrate each principle and help us to take it from the art realms into life (the "art of life" perhaps?!). I feel many heartbeats slower and many decibels quieter. ❤️
Decibels quieter sounds like a good thing right now. I’m so happy that this resonated with you ❤️
Imperfectly real,
subtle, simple, humble, hushed.
Nuanced art, living.
Love. Thank you, Marisol. ❤️