A journey of loss and healing inspired an imperfect artwork featured in a group show at imperfecta gallery in Oregon City.
In a world that often strives for perfection, I find beauty in the natural flaws and irregularities that emerge through the creative process. This philosophy, rooted in the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, embraces the imperfect, transient, and humble aspects of life—qualities that I strive to reflect in each of my ceramic pieces. Recently, this theme took on special meaning when one of my works, the Kintsugi Goddess, was featured in a group show at imperfecta, a unique art gallery in Oregon City.
Honoring loss, embracing imperfection
The Kintsugi Goddess emerged over a year of experimenting and the process was as challenging as it was rewarding. This piece tells a story of accepting flaws and imperfections, and embracing loss and healing what’s broken. She tells a story of feminine strength and acceptance.
The small sculpture was first thrown on the wheel in 2022, sculpted and fired to 1000°C. In the Naked Raku firing process, the goddess was pulled from the kiln glowing hot and then placed with combustible material. The sculpture ignites and the smoke blackens the white stoneware clay and creates the black and white crackled effect.
This piece broke during the Raku firing, but instead of seeing it as a failure, I chose to honor her resilience by saving the fragments for repair. I began by gluing her back together and playing with ideas, such as covering the hole with mosaic.
Earlier that same year, I experienced the profound loss of my unborn child halfway through pregnancy, and this piece, with a gaping hole in the womb, deeply resonated with me. It became both a reflection and a tribute—to her, to myself, and to the process of healing. In the end, I decided not to conceal the hole, as this loss was a part of her story, just as it was part of mine.
The finished piece is a visual metaphor for healing and transformation, reminding us that our scars can be some of our most beautiful features. Imperfections, in this sense, mark our experiences, resilience, and growth. The Kintsugi Goddess reflects my belief that art—and life—is about embracing what is, rather than striving for an idealized version of perfection.
imperfecta: a space where every story matters
This year I discovered the imperfecta gallery on Instagram. It’s a unique art space carrying a philosophy that aligns deeply with wabi-sabi. Founded by Daria Loi, a woman who grew up surrounded by the eclectic, vibrant environment of her aunt’s shop in Sardinia, imperfecta honors the beauty of diversity, imperfection, and personal stories. The gallery is a living homage to the founder’s heritage and her childhood memories of magical, curated spaces filled with art, textiles, and heirlooms.
Each item in the gallery is thoughtfully selected to reflect an appreciation for materials, textures, and stories, celebrating the power of imperfection and the rawness of real life. Imperfecta elevates the work of women and minority artists who embrace these ideals, creating a space where modern artworks—like my Kintsugi Goddess—stand alongside vintage books, artisanal jewelry, and timeless heirlooms. This diverse curation creates a welcoming, inspiring space that embodies wabi-sabi, embracing the contrasts between new and old, polished and raw.
Celebrating imperfection
In sharing my work through imperfecta, I’ve found a space where each artist’s journey is celebrated, imperfections and all. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that values the individuality and resilience behind each piece, and the gallery’s commitment to honoring these aspects encourages me to explore even deeper into the art of imperfection.
The philosophy of wabi-sabi guides me to embrace every step of the journey, from the first hand-sculpted form to the unpredictable beauty that emerges from the kiln. Through each piece, I hope to connect with others who see the world not for what it could be in a perfect state, but for the beauty that lies in the here and now. And through spaces like imperfecta, I believe there’s a growing appreciation for art that tells stories, embraces flaws, and connects us in our shared experience of growth, healing, and resilience.
If you’re in Oregon City, I invite you to visit imperfecta to experience this unique collection and see the Kintsugi Goddess in person, alongside other works that celebrate the profound beauty of imperfection. If you’re far away, you can see all of the artworks included in the Imperfectly Perfect Group Show, visit this link and reach out if interested imperfecta@studioloi.xyz.
