Kintsugi
(金継ぎ, “golden joinery”),
also known as kintsukuroi
(金繕い, “golden repair”),
is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique.
Ever since finding out about kintsugi, I have found a resonance and a power in it. I value the way that the items are not discarded once they show damage. The way they are repaired and that repair is celebrated is wonderful. I think it was an important milestone for me to learn that healing and repairs could add to beauty rather than needing to be hidden.
I have been broken and damaged in many ways during my life. Some of that damage has healed leaving little trace. But other traumas have left scars and changes behind that I have come to realise will always be there. They can’t be made invisible.
To stop those traumas being a permanent source of ongoing damage, I have had to change. There is nothing that will take me to being a mythical untraumatised me. But, the healing that I have done and the changes I have had to make, have made me into a far more wonderful person than I would have been before.
I know I am resilient, patient, bold, calm, caring and full of empathy in a quite exceptional way. I know that I have the benefit of a much higher immunity to shame and stigma because of my life experiences and that has let me build friendships and relationships that are based on communication and consent rather than fitting with society’s expectations.
I know that in healing and changing (an always ongoing process), I have become someone who now doesn’t hold myself back in many situations and as a result, I am having the best experiences and connections with people.
I live and love with a passionate energy and that means that my life is filled with the richness of people who I can give my care, compassion, energy and delight to.
So, here is me with the scars on my mind and soul made visible and the repairs in gold. I know the truth that repaired me is perfectly imperfect, unapologetically sexy and very wonderful.
It’s the 500th Sinful Sunday this week! What an amazing landmark to reach. So many people have contributed and engaged with the meme. So many people have described Sinful Sunday as being important in their personal experiences of body acceptance and finding beauty. This week is definitely one to make sure that you visit all the contributions to see the gorgeous diversity of ideas and of people. Thank you to my friend Molly for all that she does with running this meme and a gazillion other sex and body positive, community supporting projects and just being her.
very sexy thoughts!
You are perfectly imperfect.
I love everything about this post and image. Such clever creative image and really insightful thoughts.
Missy x
So fucking wholesome, and utterly, transcendently beautiful as well. That’s so you x
I really like this concept too. This is such a wonderful picture Honey
Beautiful concept, amazing Image!
I love the linking of a concept, the individual with such a stunning visual representation. You are stunning x
I always love your wonderful photos and inspiring words … and this is as beautiful, in every way, as always !!!
Xxx – K
This is so bloody creative and I am in awe for the idea of such a clever image. Your words with it are magic, Honey. Always so thoughtful and always so relatable – you are utterly kickass Xx
You are an amazing person and I love our friendship.
“I live and love with a passionate energy and that means that my life is filled with the richness of people who I can give my care, compassion, energy and delight to.”
This is so true, you are passionate and loving person and add richness to the lives of the people who are lucky enough to be part of yours
Molly
Gosh this is really stunning
I love how the repairs make everything more beautiful and unique.
That’s who we are, made up of memories and experiences that have left their mark.
Hairline fractures & big deep crevices.
❤
This is so unique and creative. I love it.
Super creative, a great edit and lighting. A really interesting concept.
This is a beautiful image, and the words are just beautiful too. xx
Repaired with gold…..
Made precious and rare by suffering life’s travails, made more beautiful and valued by forming anew.
Your breasts are an art!
This is so artistic and beautiful. Love it so much!
Oh you made me cry this is so beautiful!
You have blown me away with this, I struggled to hold back the tears. I’ve been trying to find words and I just have nothing…you are beautiful on the inside as well as the out.
I had heard of the concept of Kintsugi, but didn’t know much about it. Tank you for the lesson. I love the way you have translated it across to yourself. Beautiful!