Artsy Day
Mr. Mersydotes and I had a really neat opportunity over the weekend to visit an art exhibit and presentation about the Japanese art of mizuhiki, or traditional knot tying.
The exhibit was decorated with big pink paper balls in order to simulate the cherry blossoms that haven't quite opened yet because of unseasonably cool and rainy weather. It was very cheery!
Beautiful knots, sculptures, and bows are created from rice paper cords which are wrapped with silk or other fibers. I was fascinated by how tiny and intricate the designs were.
Originally, the art began as a way for Japanese noble women to tie up their love letters before they sent them to their darlings.
The artist also discussed the traditional aesthetic principles governing mizuhiki. For example, an odd number of fibers is used for happy occasions (birthdays, engagements, etc.), while even numbers are reserved for more somber events.
Also, light colors are placed on the left to balance out darker or more vibrant colors on the right.
What really struck me was the attention to detail and the skill that it took to create something that is, when you really think about it, not functional at all. And at the end of the presentation, the artist addressed this issue with beautiful words. She said:
"Although I do something that is very small and unimportant, if I do it with a heart filled with gratitude, I believe I can do something great."
Wise words to guide us all!
~Mersydotes
The exhibit was decorated with big pink paper balls in order to simulate the cherry blossoms that haven't quite opened yet because of unseasonably cool and rainy weather. It was very cheery!
Beautiful knots, sculptures, and bows are created from rice paper cords which are wrapped with silk or other fibers. I was fascinated by how tiny and intricate the designs were.
Originally, the art began as a way for Japanese noble women to tie up their love letters before they sent them to their darlings.
The artist also discussed the traditional aesthetic principles governing mizuhiki. For example, an odd number of fibers is used for happy occasions (birthdays, engagements, etc.), while even numbers are reserved for more somber events.
Also, light colors are placed on the left to balance out darker or more vibrant colors on the right.
What really struck me was the attention to detail and the skill that it took to create something that is, when you really think about it, not functional at all. And at the end of the presentation, the artist addressed this issue with beautiful words. She said:
"Although I do something that is very small and unimportant, if I do it with a heart filled with gratitude, I believe I can do something great."
Wise words to guide us all!
~Mersydotes
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