The Imperfect Thread
Nothing is perfect. Nothing is permanent. Nothing is complete.
Kintsukuroi, which means ‘to repair with gold’, is an ancient Japanese concept whereby it is believed that when an object has some form of damage or imperfection, it radiates a sense of history and spiritualty and as a result, it immediately becomes more beautiful than it ever was.
Imperfection is often defined as ‘a fault, blemish or undesirable feature’. My work is focused on discovering the beauty within these ‘undesirable features’ whilst simultaneously healing and highlighting them through embellishment, gilding and the use of industrial materials.
Persian weavers have been a huge source of inspiration for my work as within their intricate and detailed carpets, they make minute and intentional flaws as a humble reminder that only God is able to achieve absolute perfection.
My work is a product of these combined concepts and demonstrates the evolution of imperfection. I have chosen to repair the imperfections within my work in order to not only heal and strengthen them but also to highlight the beauty within these so-called flaws. There is no attempt to disguise or hide them but instead I have attempted to honour the memory and beauty they encompass.
Through this process of repairing and highlighting the imperfections, the bonds are reinforced, which is almost a healing for the piece. Not only do these flaws symbolise and elevate the beauty of the piece, but they are also a proof of its fragility and its resilience.
