We are all struggling worldwide with uncertainty, change and what that may mean for us all. During lockdown we are also having to find new ways to entertain ourselves and many of us are reverting to simple pleasures and are slowing down our pace automatically. It's a good time to review the way we have been living our lives and being permanently attached to social media and the blue light emanating from our screens which is unhealthy over too much time. 

We constantly seek perfection in the western world whereas in Japan and other Asian countries life has historically been at a much slower and more measured pace. Many of us are still learning that perfection doesn't equal happiness, indeed striving for constant perfection can cause extreme and unnecessary stress. 

Seek simplicity, and take comfort and joy in simple and modest beauty as well as luxurious items. Simple things can often bring us the most pleasure - practising mindfulness around nature and food are classic examples of this. 

There are many lessons to be learnt from the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. It can be applied to every aspect of our lives - focus on the here and now, and be content with not having a perfect life, rather than constantly wanting to better it. We are all imperfect in so many ways, and that is what makes us perfect. Be authentic, be yourself and true happiness will follow.

During the pandemic, discussions were held with the founders of the Fracture Art_Show, artists Sandy Lloyd and Martin Farrow and plans are in place to explore this theme further at a future date, with Katrina using Kintsugi - the Japanese art of gold repairing fractured and broken objects. Some pieces were made during the pandemic and further details on these unique pieces will follow shortly.