Kintsugi (golden joinery), also known as Kintsukuroi (golden repair), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. This philosophy views brokenness as a prerequisite for the art. The breaks, or the imperfections, are the entry point for the object's transformation. Instead of hiding these breaks, the artist highlights them, fusing the object together in a new way. By illuminating the breaks and restoring connectivity to the object, the object transcends itself in a way that would not have been originally possible. This art takes mindfulness, diligence and an eye that both embraces what is there and simultaneously sees beyond it, creating something new from the broken parts.
At Alchemy, we find such healing and freedom in this art form- this cultural rebellion of sorts. It shines a light on the pursuit of perfection and exposes it as a faulty premise. It honors the history of an object, instead of hiding it or casting it aside for a newer one. It uses the wounds, scars and fractures as entry points for transformation. As equally compelling in this art is the artist’s hand in this process. The artist is inspired by the brokenness, not deterred. The artist sees immense value in the salvaging of the object because of its history, not despite it.
We find direct parallels between this powerful process and the human journey. We are all the object and we are all the artist. We each have the unique opportunity to see ourselves and others with new eyes, eyes of empathy, acceptance and creativity. Eyes that see the history, texture and depth within us all. We can choose to view brokenness as opportunities for these “golden scars” to heal, strengthen and restore us. In doing so, we become more resilient. Through holding all that we have been, all that we are now, and all that we will be, we are restored and transformed. Our unique histories bind and heal us individually and collectively, reminding us that we are stronger through connection.
I look inside you and see an opportunity
I do not see a shattering
Just a separation, a break
A chance to awaken something inside
In turn
Find a way
A piece of me worth keeping
And I will be your bird’s eye view
Shining a light and
Seeing your journey through
Together breaking, then mending
Repairing, then transcending
Your scars remind me of a place I’ve been, too
I’ll hold your hand steady
As our bodies become maps
When you’re ready
Come with me, come near
We’ll cast out our shame, our fear
The rebellion begins here