Why Chaos Matters

The Struggle for Perfection

In a world obsessed with perfection, we often find ourselves caught in an endless loop of revision and hesitation. Whether it’s finishing a project, decorating a space, or even making decisions in daily life, there’s this unspoken pressure to “get it just right.” But what if this pursuit of perfection is holding us back?

Perfection, by its nature, is rigid. It leaves little room for spontaneity or exploration, and, more often than not, it’s a moving target. The truth is, there’s a certain beauty in things being just as they are—flawed, unexpected, and authentic.

Chaos as a Catalyst

Chaos has always played a pivotal role in creation, from the natural world to artistic expression. Think about the way a forest grows, not in neat rows, but through a series of unpredictable interactions. Or the way waves crash onto the shore, each one distinct from the last. Chaos adds depth and richness to life.

In my own work, chaos is not just a part of the process—it’s the heart of it. The scorched slides from which my prints are made carry the residue of a moment that can never be replicated, an echo of ignition that feels alive. This embrace of unpredictability has taught me that what we often perceive as “mistakes” are, in fact, the most human and interesting parts of the final result.

Flaws That Tell Stories

The philosophy of wabi-sabi, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, celebrates imperfection. It teaches us to see cracks and irregularities as marks of time and history, not as flaws. This idea resonates with me not only in my art but also in life.

A hand-thrown ceramic bowl with an uneven rim has more soul than a machine-made one, just as a piece of furniture with a slight scratch tells a story of use and time. These imperfections remind us of the human touch, something increasingly absent in a world of mass production and disposable goods.

Living with Chaos

Applying this thinking to our own lives can be liberating. Accepting chaos doesn’t mean giving up control—it means making space for the unexpected and welcoming what it brings. It’s about starting that project without overthinking every detail, or embracing the quirks in our surroundings instead of masking them.

By stepping back and letting chaos play its part, we allow for a kind of harmony that’s alive, dynamic, and deeply personal. In both art and life, this approach creates not just results but meaning.