Wabi Sabi

 

2025 was a full year, alternating between moments of complete exhaustion, joy, confusion, relief, excitement, and frustration.  We knew when we embarked on the move that it would be a giant undertaking, but nothing prepared us for the chaos that kept coming and rolling over us in waves.  The good news is that we made it through and love our new community in Raleigh. We are still acclimating, but things are slowly falling into place. Jim is working from home for one more year, my studio is in place with a whole new aesthetic, new medical care has been initiated at Duke, and we're happy to be close to the Sams.  

My goal for 2026 is to embrace peace and presence and that will require changes of pace and mindset.  I've always been fascinated by the curated wabi sabi concepts that first hit my radar when they were explored in the art world in the early 2000s.  Some of my contemporaries did art studies using this approach and I was intrigued.  I now know that it's more of a worldview and the tenets really fascinate me. It also is me coming full circle since it's a Japanese aesthetic and I am married to one. 

Wabi Sabi's cornerstones are acceptance of imperfection and the embrace of the weathered, cracked and aged patina.   I turn 65 in May so I'm working on accepting my own patina, lines, and limitations.  I've been working on authenticity for the last decade and in general have that down (at least with others). It's another cornerstone that I covet.  Acceptance of oneself allows peace and that's key for me moving forward.  Now finding beauty in my body's imperfections and my own impermanence will definitely be a work in progress.  I have accepted that in my art for decades and it has become part of my aesthetic.  

I am working on slowing my life down this year (note the phrase "working on" and making choices.  I fatigue much easier now and have to say no to things that even a few years ago, I would take on.  I need to accept these changes, knowing that they are permanent.  The first part of these changes happened this month when I delayed my ornament sale.  It was hard to do, but it was the best decision I've made lately.  I don't regret it at all.  

Simplifying my schedule will allow me to focus on what's the best for my health, my soul, and also what brings me the most joy.                                                                                                                 

                     

    

Don't worry, there will be art, (hopefully lots of art), but there will be breaks in my time in the studio. We have two trips planned this year. We'll be going to Alaska in August with the Sams and to Australia to celebrate Jim's retirement with our besties in November.  And yes, there will be painted pumpkins and the ornament sale in July.  Another change is that for the foreseeable future, I am not taking commissions, but there will be new art prints and originals from time to time. I also plan at least one addition to my collaged bird series.  Look for that late winter.   

                                

           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

I wish everyone a peaceful year full of whatever brings you joy.  For me, its the ordinary moments with our family and friends (canines included), my time in the studio, and my time with God. Whatever it is for you---go for it.  Those practicing Wabi Sabi recognize that nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect. Be kind to yourself.  As always, follow me on Instagram and Facebook at Nancy Curry Art for my art and my website is Nancy Curry Art.  My store is not set up after my move, but if you see something you'd like, shoot me an email or message me and we can make a sale that way.  The tax structure is different in NC and I have not figured out how that will work with my store.