Description:

‘a crack in the wall’ is a companion publication consisting of two books that stemmed from my personal perfectionism. Wabi-sabi is a philosophy that is derived from Japanese culture and centred on the beauty of appreciating things through three core principles: imperfection, incompleteness and impermanence. As a perfectionist the ideals of wabi-sabi have always been such an interesting concept, being able to embrace the imperfections and look at them as a piece of beauty. This developed into looking at wabi-sabi and the teachings as a celebration, along with showcasing a personal understanding and interpretation.

‘a crack in the wall’ is an editorial typographic publication that is compiled of research and knowledge that explores wabi-sabi. Core characteristics being irregular, intimate, unpretentious, earthy, asymmetrical and simple are visually represented and influenced the design style throughout the publications, construction and packaging. ‘a crack in the wall’ is read from back to front, inspired by the way the Japanese read books, along with influencing the layout and overall design features. Certain titles are vertically structured linking to how Japanese characters are displayed in books.

To illustrate my own interpretation of wabi-sabi, the companion publication titled ‘a collection of imperfections’ showcases my photographic journey of finding beauty in my local area of Kelburn throughout lockdown. The core principles of impermanence, incompleteness and imperfection were represented in my home and daily surroundings, allowing viewers to gain an understanding of the beauty they can find if only they look beyond. My knowledge of wabi-sabi gave me the clear vision to view what was once ordinary, into something quite beautiful: the lock on my front door, the chair in my back garden and the impermanent remains on the drainpipe.

Haiku poetry describing the photograph in terms of wabi-sabi is showcased throughout, linking once again to Japanese culture. The haiku poems were personally composed and handwritten. Having the haiku poetry in my own handwriting links back to the handmade and authentic nature of wabi-sabi.

Three of the main wabi-sabi characteristics that I have showcased throughout are irregular, intimate and unpretentious. Each page is different from the last so the reader doesn’t know what to expect. Typographically the content fits with the concept of wabi-sabi in terms of there being justified text, rotated text and different paragraph alignments. The paper selection has a natural, organic feel. Each book is Japanese stab noble bound, personally punched and hand-stitched. A physical publication allows for the books to age and weather over time bringing the appreciation of materials that can evolve and adapt.

I hope that from this project the audience gets to gain a better or even a new understanding of a philosophy that has been kept hidden for so long. Wabi-sabi has helped my perfectionism and has allowed me to appreciate the imperfect, incomplete and impermanent.