“It is not impermanence that makes us suffer.
What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, 2015, p. 132
Wabi-sabi reminds us that all things, including us and life itself, are impermanent, incomplete, and imperfect.
I have been exploring impermanence from a Buddhist perspective and with the help of plants through Chlorophyll Printing. This sustainable and natural photography technique creates images on leaves. As the resulting image fades over time, it is a powerful art medium to explore the meaning of impermanence.
This is an ongoing project; what you see here is not the final product but rather an exhibit of my process and findings thus far. Thank you for reading.
I often hold onto moments of peace and joy, cherishing them with all my senses and never wanting to let them go. This may be because I have experienced a lot of suffering and anxiety. Even a tiny joy, like creating art while feeling alone, can help me stop time and feel safe and grounded. However, one thing is sure: life changes constantly and quickly. Sometimes, I feel powerless to stop time, and anxiety consumes me. In those moments, I take a deep breath and ask myself:
How can I practice mindfulness and acceptance of impermanence in my daily life?
How does impermanence challenge our attachment to material possessions and relationships?
Can impermanence be a positive force for change and growth instead of a source of fear or anxiety?
Life is a mix of light and dark, life and death, and I want to learn to accept change as a part of life.
In Koyasan: Amid a wintry, frosty evening, I learned how a supple mind works. I witnessed an extraordinary act by a humble monk; he defied the traditions of an ancient ritual by removing himself from it to help me keep my body from freezing in the snow, showcasing the power of kindness and love.
Acceptance
Letting Him Go
Arise And Decay
Migration
Transcendence
