A busted vase. An angry mob. It seemed there was destruction all around me; I felt so out of control. The recent havoc on my nation’s capitol stirred me to engage in an ancient art form of repairing what is broken. Yes, I am starting small, but it is a symbolic way of bringing order from chaos. Perhaps you too can benefit from this practice.
It started back in 2020 (that dreadful year) when I broke a favorite vase of mine while washing it. It was a beautiful, tall, Lavorazione Arte Murano iridescent art glass vase with a ruffled rim, made in Italy. It wasn’t super-valuable, as far as I know, and it didn’t hold sentimental value, other than it was a gift to myself I found at a thrift shop. When it tumbled and hit the floor, I reacted emotionally for a hot minute, calling myself stupid… clumsy… a real jerk.
Recognize Your Potential
Once I got the negative self-talk out of my system, I was faced with a choice: Do I throw out the treasured vase in resignation (since it could never be restored to its original condition), or do I pick up the pieces and attempt to repair the damage as best I can?
As I studied the shards in the dust pan, I found them most exquisite, lying there intermingled with dust bunnies, crumbs and stray hair. I couldn’t bear to part with them. And so, I carefully plucked the fragments out of the dirt and debris and stored them in a fancy dish. I walked by that dish of glass chips for months, simply lacking the motivation to complete the project. That is, until January 7, 2021.
On January 6. 2021, I witnessed on live stream the love of slander and calumny. In an idolatrous act of sedition, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol with the intent to forcefully overthrow the government. Like most people watching, I was grabbed by sadness. However, rather than use this space for a rant, I am using it to process these cold, hard facts along with my feelings, and respond to the question: Where do we go from here?
I hold a lot of love for my country, but I admit there are nights when I go to sleep longing to wake up in another territory, with better morning news. This is a terrible way to live, and I know there is a better way.
Reconstruct Your Hardships
Through my studies, I have learned to turn to art to explore my thoughts during times of trial. Art has become a strong lifeline for me; it is a vehicle of compassion. This being the case, I took to artfully restoring my beloved vase – kintsugi style.
Kintsugi, the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery, regrets waste, accepts change, and sees beauty in the flawed. Although authentic kintsugi materials are a special tree sap lacquer and fine gold, silver or platinum, I instead turned to good old trusty super glue and finished off the look with metallic blue glass paint.
What happened to my vase was an accident; what took place in Washington, D.C. was deliberate. Nonetheless, I did for my vase what I purpose to do for my nation.
You see, during this process, I was reminded of the call I am answering – to beautify places that have been destroyed. For this reason, I am currently preparing to help rebuild communities affected by disaster. It is not in my nature to discard what is damaged. Rather, I see possibility and work to renew and revitalize. As a result of kintsugi method, my wise mind told me that I have a lot to contribute here and now.
This vase is no longer merely a pretty thrift store find. It now represents a dark day in my nation’s history, as it captured my reaction to it. It honors my grief and yet encourages me to take the path of beauty. After the events of January 6, the United States of America will never be the same. The kintsugi method enabled me to contemplate our wonderful democracy while permitting an obvious acknowledgement of its undeniable imperfections.
Overcome Challenges Gracefully
Engaging in this art form was emblematic of the state of this union. It emphasized the conspicuous fault lines among the people of this land. Still, to my surprise, I am strangely comforted by the final image. For I believe we have the ability to mend and to accomplish our goals rationally.
During this somber, tenebrous time, gazing at this vase gently rejuvenates my spirit. It has become a personal beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience. It presents a strong message that I need to hear. (I tend to be a pessimist, so it is important for me to be reminded to dwell on the positive.) In an odd way, this objet d’art brings me peace and helps me face the day.
Art making does not always ease your fear, your sadness or your pain, but it never fails to enable you to express it in a healthy manner. It contains your raw emotion and powerfully reduces stress. It can clear your mind and even reveal a solution.
Is there something broken in your life? A relationship? A health condition? A financial situation? Your spirituality? If you are experiencing a break-up, a lay-off or a let-down, let me urge you to make art about it. If you’d like to find an art therapist who is trained to help you to heal, visit the American Art Therapy Association.
For Americans, this year got off to a real bad start. On that account, this is a time to learn. As we navigate through this mess, let us keep in mind that art can be a healing balm. We are fragile human beings, and we need to treat ourselves with tender care.
This article is most inspiring! You have provided an avenue in which to relate our fractured country to a once precious vase that seemed beyond repair. Instead of tuning in and spiraling down into the continuing messages of division, you have taken the time instead to re-build and re-assemble the glass fragments into its original design. Credit is given to you for not simply discarded the pieces after the fall. We cannot escape history, but we can rebuild. The “scars” will serve as a reminder of the damage incurred but prove also that its restoration was not insurmountable. Thank you for sharing how art has been a blessing to you and will through your shared writings also be a blessing to others.
I’m glad you’ve been inspired, Susan. Thank you for writing to tell me so. At this point in our history, life seems like a bewildering mess. We can try retreat from it, or we can stare into the chaos, study the world as it actually is, and explore its glorious possibilities. I recommend the latter.