Can we find beauty in imperfection?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
As much as I like to pay attention to detail, I like the little imperfections in the world. I definitelly appreciate physical imperfections in people > it makes us unique and beautiful. Art is fun when it is imperfect... i just think of impressionist paintings and there you go! how beautiful and yet there are no defined lines! I still work on accepting people's imperfections when it comes to communication styles or some ways of thinking that are stimulated by the big egos... but that's the beauty of this imperfect earth... the imperfections of this world make us grow spiritually if nothing else. i even appreciate my own imperfections cuz it makes me strive to be better while accepting that noone (including me) can be perfect
it's not something you necessarily learn, it's more of something that hits you directly in the face. in art-it shows that a PERSON can make something with flaws, but to some might not be flaws at all. and in life- accepting the possibility that something isn't going to perfect, but knowing before so you don't get let down
I see imperfections everywhere- in art, in life ! I also get swept away by the perfect beauty. They go hand in hand. The imperfections come from the part of me that's the critic.He is as imperfect as imperfect can be. This isn't good enough, that's not good enough. O he thrives. I love it though when I am walking home and catch a look up at the sky. A blue I haven't seen before and clouds like ink full of thunder. Scary big clouds swathed over a blue that melts my heart. Those big imperfect clouds couldn't do a better job of magnifying that magnifecint shade of blue I had never seen before. Imperfections are ultimately intensifiers of the beauty.We quite simply fear them because they are chaotic and remind us that we are not in control.Art and life are full of imperfections but it is what we do with them that counts.
I believe that perfection is in the eye of the beholder... truly.
I have a scar on my chin that some find an "imperfection" but my husband finds it sexy. It represents my fiesty, outdoorsy side. Each scar on my body is a memory, a physical reminder of an action or reaction. Some may find scars ugly or something too hide. I find mine beautiful!
The world would be boring without imperfection. Imperfection is what makes life interesting and fun. When you look up at a gorgeous sunset, do you see something that is perfectly mapped out and planned or do you see a mass of creatively placed imperfection that has come together at that exact place and time? How can you explain the beauty of a sunset if you can't explain the beauty of imperfection? There is nothing perfect and symetrical about a sunset, yet we hold is as a high sign of beauty in our society. So, yes, imperfection is what creates and is the basis of all beauty in out lives.
Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. Ones culture* will influence how the word "perfect" is understood and how the meaning of the word is derived. I believe that no two people will ever perceive perfection exactly the same.
[*by culture I mean a persons' experiences, values, beliefs, religion, ethnicity, etc]
I think that in understanding that everyone has their own culture that influences their understanding of and interaction with the world I have become more appreciative of the imperfections and differences that I experience in my life. That's not to say that I'm never angered or confused by the imperfections that I see/experience, but I am learning from everything. I'm changing everyday, and hopefully the changes are positive.
@eccho You illuminate an interesting point. Maybe its not possible for us, as human beings, to fully appreciate perfection in-and-of-itself. Since we are imperfect ourselves. Maybe we naturally appreciate perfection only if its mixed with imperfection - some sort of palatable balance between the two, that reflects our own balance.
On the other hand, maybe some of us become "bored" with perfection because we don't have any REAL problems and its been a cushy life....LOL
@braxtonrob oh well, if you choose to believe that you have every right to, i am still pretty young. i however do not think i have had a "cushy' life.
perfection is boring, and i do believe i explained this, because it leaves with nothing to drive you forward, no further longings or anything to work on. in aesthetics you can find something that you, yourself could define as "perfect" (for it is a very subjective term), and you could find it beautiful, amazingly so, but if i were to encounter something that i would classify as perfect, i do not believe it would inspire me: it would be something to look at, but would there be any depth? i am not so sure. i have never encounter this, which is something i am thankful for.
perfect is boring. just imagine being in a relationship with someone who fulfilled your expectations of perfect. or having everything you need to define your life as perfect, what do you do then? admittedly there are not many things that fulfill each person's "perfect", but that is a good thing.
(ps. sorry for my english, not my first language you see.)
If you look at a map of Denmark or Sweden, you will find flaws. Those are fjords. Now, are fjords an imperfection? If you look at a map, it is a crooked, crenelated line. But if you stand in one and see the blue water, blue skies, snow-covered hills and life all around sun-dappled, cold, cold water, it may be perfection to you. If you are trying to get to the other side to save the life of someone you love, and have no boat, it may be an ugly, vile, evil impediment. And still, you may return many years later, and see its beauty.
I believe that perfect beauty is found in imperfection.
No body is perfect, thus our imperfection is. If we were perfect we wouldn't be human. Our imperfection is truth, therefor that is beautiful.
Imperfection is by far what is more inspiring to me than anything else. I can relate to it. Not in a way to make myself feel awful, but in a way that allows me to grow from whatever situation I endure. It's the one thing we all share.
We are beautiful.
I think that imperfections give things infinitely more personality - like stains on paper, crooked teeth on a pretty girl, an incredibly sketchy rendering of a beautifully lit day. Nevertheless i don't believe that it should be an excuse to call things "art", because in that case it is just pretention. This is why, despite finding the entire process fascinating, i cannot bring myself to call lomography an art form. It's a toy, it's fun, and it's amusing but i don't feel like it's art. I believe i read a definition somewhere that said "art is that which makes us human", and things like lomography, or maybe even those extremely abstract paintings that go nowhere, if those things can be replicated by, say, an elephant with a paintbrush or a dog with a plastic camera, then it is no longer specific to humans. I believe imperfections should be incidental, not ... done on purpose.
Being I can't stay away from a camera, I'm always looking for inspiration. Although it's hard for some, I tend to look for inspriation in imperfection. It's easier to find and simple enough to love. I envy those who can see it. It helps me appreciate the little things in life. I can say, imperfection is a beauty itself.
@braxtonrob Any time. ^-^ I'm always happy to challenge my own ideas and opinions as much, if not more so than others. /tips hat. Any assistance when it comes down to "customer service is most appreciated. ;D
@Tardisntimbits Now, I really like you. I enjoyed the back-and-forth, and I hope I'm in line the next time you get one of those "wonderful" type customers. I love to step in, and put them in their place, for the employee that shouldn't (but would also love to.)
@braxtonrob What can I say, I'm not perfect, and neither is my logic. ;D I stray a little, I'm a transient thinker I suppose. Can't help but get carried away, so rare to have a good challenge. I work retail, most of my days are spent pushing buttons and biting back sarcastic replies. Not that people would hear them, most of the time they're on their mobies dutifully ignoring me. Yay humanity!
I definitely think we can find beauty in imperfection. An example would be the appreciation of hand-made objects. We buy hand-made objects BECAUSE of the imperfections. We buy them because it's those imperfections that are the representation of the familiar idea that we all make mistakes; we're only human and we all make mistakes.
Also, - and I don't know if this is uncommon - I can only find a girl attractive up to a certain point. Beyond that point requires that they have some special feature about them. A classic example of that would be the beauty mark: It defies the idea that we're attracted to perfectly symmetrical objects.
On the other hand, an imperfect trait of something that is detrimental definitely isn't going to improve its beauty, like a nearly "perfect" girl whose only imperfection is her horrible habit of spitting on you every twenty seconds. Obviously, that hypothetical situation is completely ludicrous, but you probably get the point.
@Tardisntimbits You're doing what I like to call 'Thinking Too Much'.
Your answer is overkill; you've answered it exceedingly intelligently and at the same time missed the point of the original question.
Understanding someone's question isn't just about analyzing its parts; its also understanding the MEANING behind it.
You've broken down the question to the point that you're no longer actually answering it.
Some people might call that type of answer 'stupid'.
Not me, of course, but 'some people'.
@braxtonrob Okay..lol. so then, if perfection is as the dictionary says, naturally, then:
Ideal:
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea
Date:
15th century
1: existing as an archetypal idea
2 a: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only ; broadly : lacking practicality
b: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
3 a: of, relating to, or embodying an ideal
b: conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect
4: of or relating to philosophical idealism
In taking the first bit, let's expand that further:
Idea:
Etymology:
Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, from idein to see — more at wit
Date:
14th century
1 a: a transcendent entity that is a real pattern of which existing things are imperfect representations
b: a standard of perfection : ideal
c: a plan for action : design
2archaic : a visible representation of a conception : a replica of a pattern
3 a obsolete : an image recalled by memory
b: an indefinite or unformed conception
c: an entity (as a thought, concept, sensation, or image) actually or potentially present to consciousness
4: a formulated thought or opinion
5: whatever is known or supposed about something
6: the central meaning or chief end of a particular action or situation
7Christian Science : an image in Mind
— idea·less
synonyms: idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan). idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed
So. Reading all this, one might surmise first of all; not only do I own a dictionary and a thesaurus, I also know how to use the ones online. ;P And as well, the general gist of what the definition says, is that perfection is in the mind. Since we haven't reverted to a collective hive-mind type of society yet, I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt that people do not all think/believe/perceive in exactly the same ways. So when examining their example, a sphere, yes, mathematically, that is possible. Fine, that I can accept. But human beings? All things in nature? I'm not even sure it's possible, genetics are finicky bits of impossible that are going to take a LONG time for us to really understand, despite what any blowhard scientist has to say about it. When you look at a person, what is the "definitive ideal" type? There just isn't one. Sure, you can starve a chica so that her appearance is perfect, but then her immune system is shot and she can barely walk a block without feeling faint. So how, in the case of humanity, is perfection possible? And that's not even mentioning mental instabilities etc etc. Being mathematically perfect, as in the sphere, just can't be applied to everything. In the end, I might not be perfect, but there's nothing wrong with it.
i moved to a small developing city of 7 million in china (Tangshan), a speck on the map with barely a mention where there really is no middle class. There is so much beauty in the high contrast between perfection and imperfection a lambourghini at a stop light with a horse drawn fruit carriage, or the sky scraper surrounded by half demolished slums. Imperfection speaks to a part of the mind where we mentally create perfection and that being said it stimulates our imagination as to mentally picture what perfection would be like and in that imperfection is beautiful.
perfection might very well be beautiful, it is also very boring.
part of the human condition is confronting something that is both very, and i do mean very, beautiful and imperfect: the concept of life. Our way of carrying on the flow of time, moving forward and growing is by confronting things that are imperfect, complicated, difficult to understand and therefor beautiful, for they stir us, they allow us to have something to hang on every day.
the pursuit of physical beauty in people is often wrong: they intend to be perfect, and so they separate themselves from the flawed beauty they were born with and no longer look like themselves. i find embracing your flaws, allowing yourself to look interesting instead of perusing the impossible concept of perfect, makes you so attractive.
ps: the "us" is really a rather abstract concept but it is so much easier to believe you are not alone in your one, single and tiny point of view... so i am sticking to the "us"
i think appreciating imperfections is necessary to understanding and truly appreciating beauty. you can never truly appreciate Light until you have come to understand darkness. Imperfections are to be appreciated because it shows the difficulty of true beauty. makes me appreciate true beauty when i actually come across it.
Even ugliness has beauty in it sometimes... The world around us is imperfect, and nothing ever goes perfectly for me, but I've learned (or have been trying) to simply incorporate it with the overall beauty of the world. With perfection, us as humans wouldn't need to put any effort in creating, or perfecting ourselves. It is the constant journey towards perfection that is truly beautiful, not the impossible, final result of perfection.
I can't remember if it's an Amish tradition or what, but I remember hearing once that some group of folks when they make a quilt, they purposefully sew an error in because only God is perfect. (or some such thing, again, my memory fails me)
I always thought this was a bit overkill. While I appreciate the humility, the fact that it's a human being doing the quilting seems enough to me.
If anything, "perfection" is the antithesis of human perfection. As a musician, I often think of drum programming and how if it's "too perfect" (perfectly quantized) it really doesn't sound or feel that good at all. Same with modern records with nary a "mistake" on them. Give me any 60s Motown record or Coltrane any day over a flawless record.
@xailastorms I'll look into getting some more of them, then. wink, wink.
@braxtonrob Since, its been awhile since I answered this question, I'll summarize my opinion again here:
I submit that we do not find imperfection beautiful,.... but that it is the tiny bits of perfection SEEMINGLY hidden within the imperfection (all around us) that convinces (some of) us that beauty can be found in imperfection.
I acknowledge that MANY (and probably the majority) believe the answer to the question is 'Yes'. I still say it is 'No', and accuse the 'Yes's of not examining life closely enough, and subsequently, not recognizing the 'trees for the forest'.
@Tardisntimbits You ask, "who are you or I to judge perfection?"
Well, I can't speak for you, but "I" am the proud owner of a DICTIONARY...lol.
And, the dictionary says:
per⋅fect
–adjective
1. conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type: a perfect sphere; a perfect gentleman.
2. excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement: There is no perfect legal code. The proportions of this temple are almost perfect.
3. exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose: a perfect actor to play Mr. Micawber; a perfect saw for cutting out keyholes.
4. entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings: a perfect apple; the perfect crime.
5. accurate, exact, or correct in every detail: a perfect copy.
6. thorough; complete; utter: perfect strangers.
7. pure or unmixed: perfect yellow.
8. unqualified; absolute: He has perfect control over his followers.
9. expert; accomplished; proficient.
I think if everyone here would first take the time to look up the words (that think they know), they might find themselves instantly educated beyond their current level of intelligence, and would be more apt to CORRECTLY answer the question above!
[As for my style of replying, lol :) I like to be aggressive in order to stir things up. If it offends, then perhaps, in part, that is the point.]
@braxtonrob Okay...who are you or I to judge perfection? Why is it our right, as human beings, supreme masters of the universe *extreme sarcasm* to judge what is perfect and what is not? For that matter, what do you define as perfection? Maybe it's perfect to just BE imperfect, to have the flaws and foibles that make us truly unique. I don't have any hatred towards the ideal of perfection, I just happen to not be egotistic or insecure enough to believe I need to live up to anyone else's standards of what is supposed to be perfect. Are teenaged girls who starve themselves to look like supermodels perfect? Are dads who push their children to "perfection", to the point of breaking their ego perfect? There is no proper definition of what perfect is, how can you aspire to be it in the eyes of all others when it's different for everyone? I respect your right to challenge what I say, because it's an opinion and I don't believe I'm right above all others, but neither do I think I'm a moron for expressing. You seem a bit combative in your postings, and I suppose that's your right. I'm just being contemplative and sussing things out, not trying to assert that I and RIGHT and everyone else fails. From what I can see, this is a place of thoughts, ideas and free speech where as a collective we can enjoy the differing perspectives of our fellow men without prejudice. I hope this is true.
Imperfection is attractive to me, in people, in art, in life in general. Little imperfections in the facial features make people unique, and desirable. The perfect looking person, like the typical model, is boring to look and and boring to study, and therefore is not attractive to me. In terms of art, for example, if you are trying to paint a subject, if you just paint it perfectly the way it looks, you mine as well just take a picture. It's the human imperfection and difference that makes art great.
perfection and imperfection are one and the same with me. it is these so-called "imperfections" that i appreciate the most. especially when it comes to ppl. the quirks! the idiosyncracies! the weirdness that is us yet so many still deny.
what i find strange, while reading others' comments regarding this question, is that we all seem to be on the same page here yet our expectations of each other, and ourselves, would deem otherwise. irony at its best.
Well, it depends. Sometimes imperfections are abominations such as the desire to murder. There's something seriously wrong there! However, the small imperfections can be the defining characteristic that makes something or someone unique and wonderful. We should always strive to be better, though. We must grow and progress and move toward perfection. Otherwise we stagnate and digress.
@Tardisntimbits Did you even read the QUESTION?!? (I've already answered it, so I won't repeat myself here.)
As for many of the rest of you (who deny the existence of perfection)...could it be that you simply hate perfection since you refuse to see it in yourself?
You all are telling the world (here) that you've never witnessed perfection? ....on even the smallest scale, in the briefest of moments? Give me a break!
It's taken a long time. I was driven to be a perfectionist by my father's illness, and it was a mission doomed to failure. Most of life is a comedy of errors when humans are involved, so why fight it? Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, and each one of us views the world in a unique way, based on many factors that make us the unique individuals we are. I draw a lot, though I don't make a living off it, and when you're freehanding it, imperfections end up giving a life to pictures that perfection never could. When it comes to my looks, I spent a long time not thinking highly of myself due to personal issues, so I spent a lot of time trying to look perfectly imperfect to people. (wrap your head around THAT) Now that I've had time to age, and had someone who truly loves me bash my head into the proverbial "hey stop being stubborn wall" a few times, I've really come to realize that my imperfections don't make me ugly, they just make me the person I am. My quirks of personality are just the meat n' potatoes of the stew that is me. And to think that any human being can attain "perfection" is just fallacy. By design, we are imperfect, we're still evolving, changing, growing little bits all the time. We're really lucky to be at a stage in our evolution where we are self-aware and able to appreciate what makes us unique on this little spinning orb of ours.
In the end, I suppose I've learned by making a lot of silly and sad mistakes in my life, and by having good, honest, imperfect people remind me that they wouldn't be around, if I weren't the imperfect little imp they'd grown to love. <3
Personally I think everything imperfect is beautiful.
And nothing is perfect,
so everything must be beautiful.
@lolagirl2009 Well, you look very good to me, so if you are high-maintenance, I'd be ok with it ;)
@braxtonrob yes, but then that becomes an individual opinion of perfection, which of course is imperfect to somebody else. as a whole, however I'm not certain that 'perfect' can exist.
imperfection is the only beauty I have ever known. It is the essence, the character and the guide for all art and all of life. To be imperfect is to be perfectly beautiful.
If I'm constantly trying to make things perfect, I'm unhappy. There's this one girl I know who's perfect in pretty much every way society could imagine it: she's tall, French, pretty, a very good singer, gets perfect grades, mild-mannered, and rich. My mom has no job right now (and my dad makes around 27k after taxes), I can't sing to save my life, my mind's in the gutter most of the time, and if I was constantly trying to be her, I'd be exhausted and I would fail. I have to accept that I'm perfect the way I am.
I have a friend who isn't perfect: where everyone else is jaded and keeps their joy in check, she's enthusiastic about everything and friendly to everyone, even to people who think she's annoying. I could be bothered by her (and I am sometimes, I admit it), but sometimes I just stop and think that's she's great the way she is.
That was... really rambling, sorry about that. (:
@braxtonrob I suppose so, but then again, who isn't? Everyone has their own quirks and specific needs that make them, to some point, unbearable.
We must. The only perfection is in God. So we are surrounded by imperfection so we must find some beauty there or not find it at all. Sometimes the imperfection is what makes the beauty for us.
People - you don't have to be perfect constantly, in order to have been perfect at one point in time.
If my brother bowls a 300, is that not a perfect game? (<-- weak metaphor, because I find bowling to be boringly unwatchable, but you take my point)
I have been perfect in the past, it just doesn't happen very often.
@lolagirl2009 That's a good argument; I disagree, but very good argument. I'm gonna go out on a limb here, and guess that you're kind of high-maintenance.
@Rasputnik If you've never been perfect, how can you compare? How can you know that you prefer imperfection? I live in Texas, and I think I prefer it to Minnesota, BUT I've never been to Minnesota, so its just what I think, not a fact.
I knew a guy who had a gap in his teeth. When he went and got it "fixed", I lost a little bit of respect for him. I might feel differently if I had the gap in my teeth...who knows? but I certainly thought he looked better the other less "perfect" way.
Perfection is never achievable, that is why is it perfection. That is also why beauty MUST be found in imperfection or beauty would not exist. I find beauty in everything around me with the knoledge that God created it for us.
i believe perfection is a goal. if youre not making an effort to get there, what are you really doing?
@braxtonrob I consider myself flawed.There are things I am not perfect at. That's all the proof I need.
Define "perfect."
But knowing that's not gonna happen, I digress. Ahem. Anyway, my art is totally imperfect, and I love it. One of my paintings was painted outdoors, and a bird shit on it. I left it in there. It's my favorite painting so far.
@braxtonrob before yappie gets offended
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DINKY_(acronym)
I have always been a fan of wabisabi...in theory, that is. I had never practiced it. On a recent trip to Okinawa I was able to see it in full bloom. It is a precise and peaceful way to live and quite honestly changed my life (at least for awhile!)
I like unsymmetrical things. I hate perfectly straight lines and rejoice in organic circles drawn free hand.
In art?
I love beautiful accidents, spilled ink, found objects or paintings on dumpsters.
In life...
Watching myself age. I did a little modeling in my teens and I remember they put so much emphasis on youth that it made me apprehensive about aging. Now, I've turned 30 and I've watched my face become full of stories. I love the character the years have added. Happiness and confidence will keep you beautiful forever. (and a splash of style don't hurt neither!)
@Rasputnik That's what you think.
You make an insightful, intelligent statement, but on the other hand, its just a guess, because you are one and not the other, so no means to compare.
@bananamocha Your first sentence - so true! Your second sentence - so not true (imperfection doesn't create perfection, by comparison. You may want to look up perfection in the dictionary).
@eric33190 Good point. However, is it possible that answer only applies when looking at things as a whole. Is it possible to break something down to the point that you can see 'perfection' in it?
@portablesounds Its not possible for something to be "more than perfect". But, I take your point, and what you're saying is spot on!
I've learned to accept imperfections and move past them because while, as a whole, we may be imperfect there are parts of us that are more than perfect. We whould work on imperfections to the best of our ability, but recognise and acknowledge our strengths and perfections. :)
@TheBlackRabbit Wrong; we see the beauty where it is to be found, and we TOLERATE the imperfection that is almost always surrounding it.
To not appreciate beauty in full is to either be blind or ungrateful.
Imperfection is perfection if you offer no resistance, therefore beautiful.
Of course we can find beauty in imperfection. No matter how hard, and how long we try our best to be perfect, not a single human, is. And we constantly see beauty in each other, therefore it is true that we see the beauty in imperfection.
Imperfections in art/music give the art/music its character and defining marks. We live in the age of Pro Tools where we add/edit/touch up vocals and music to give it a clean sound, and that has produced a lot of garbage. Give me Dylan live anyday. With his raspy, angst fueled lyrics, along with his knack to reinvent himself. Beyond this, I believe what we perceive as imperfections are often times God's distinguishing marks on our souls. Albeit a special need, an eccentric outlook or a before your time outlook.
@Russell totally.
i have always been a relentless perfectionist in terms of my academic career, my artistic career, and so on. it was so intense that i couldnt get past it.
But, after a recent surgery that left a belly-button sized scar on my abs, all i could think of was to have it fixed. Now, i look at it and it makes me smile because even though its an imperfection, i can tell people that i was born with two navels and have a bit of a larf over it :) haha
It almost seems like as a society, whether we intend to or not, we try to destroy that which may be beautiful because somethinng inside us says that we have to find the little imperfections because we are not content in resting in the fact that something may merely BE beautiful. Its like gazing at something beautiful is discontenting...there MUST be something wrong with it. Which there likely is but something inside just won't let us rest with that. People always pursue perfection and in turn always pick apart that which IS.
If we look deeper than the surface and superficial to the essence of a person, there is beauty.....it is obviously easy to see imperfections but if , instead, we search for one good/beautiful qualitiy, we'll generally see it.
Once I had a dear friend who was physically lacking in looks but she was so generous, so kind, so loving and giving I only saw beauty. When I told a third person how beautiful I thought my friend was, he replied,"She's so ugly." I was stunned and sad that he couldn't see beyond the veneer of things.
I think beauty can be found in the darkest, most obscure corners of our world. we just have to open our eyes. The fact that nothing is perfect makes everything so perfect.
perfection doesn't exist, which leads to absolutely being the answer here.
Perfection is overdone, I'll take the flab, and the acne, and the bad clothes over some over-produced marketing campaign anytime.
Beauty and imperfection are relative concepts. What may be beautiful for some could be hideous for others; what is perfect for many, may be perfect to none. I just love the perfection of imperfection...:)
@Pwnzerfaust I agree, I wouldn't want perfection.... to me flawless is robotic e.g. not human... maybe i should work on creating a flawed robot.. now that would truly be a work of art... ;)
I'm more happy with myself as an imperfect object than I would be with myself as a flawless thing.
@Pwnzerfaust it's good to know someone out there isn't atracted to just landscape paintings...
As an artist most of my work is far from "perfect" in the classical sense. I've taken a dive into the idea that it's 1. It's funner to get something "wrong" on purpose 2. More expressive to be strange 3. Ok for art to be ugly. Beautiful landscapes and perfect little cherub faced paintings may be pretty and widely accepted... but art is suppost to make you feel... to change you in some way... that's where the power comes from in art, atleast these days. Imperfection and beauty are both frames of mind.
Imperfect art is by far my favourite art. While I toured Italy, most would flock to the classics and masterpieces: Michaelangelo's David and Pietà, Raphael's School of Athens, Perugino's Delivery of the Keys. Depictions of peace, perfection, "beauty" all seemed to draw the largest crowds. Personally, I flocked to the broken, the violent, and the "ugly" artwork. Sculptures missing limbs, heads, with artisans lost to time; paintings depicting pain, emotional instability, and visually unsettling colours and lines.
Even attempting perfection seems foolish to me, as perfection does not exist and cannot be achieved. I prefer the imperfect, malleable, and unfinished. My portfolio is full of pieces that I never finished, never perfected, and I love every single one of them just the way they are.
I am content with imperfection, both in art and in life, and would not have it any other way.
@pcompag Beauty is not impossible to attain, its just inherently fleeting and unsustainable.
Two things:
1. Don't for a second believe that someone out there looks perfect even ½ the time, much less all the time. Do you know how many people work hard to make celebrities look perfect for their photo shoots, tv/movie appearances, and magazine covers? Go to www.imdb.com and you'll see what I mean.
2. Don't dismiss so easily when you have looked perfect (and you know you have had your moments!) None of us look perfect even ½ the time, so take pleasure in thinking about all the moments that you've looked perfectly beautiful, and let your personality rule you on days that you notice you're nowhere near perfect.
Can we find beauty in imperfection?
No!
What you're finding beauty in, is the little piece of perfection surrounded by imperfection.
Imperfection just makes perfection stand out all the more.
Imperfection sucks, and is inherently bad! Don't be a fool.
I agree as well. Whats the point of beauty if its impossible to attain? If perfection was beauty it would turn, i think, ugly. im sick of making the grade
Does anyone this side of eternity even know what perfection looks like? I am not certain that I could point to something material and say, in very sense of the word, "that is perfect." Humans don't know what perfection is, and I don't think many people are actually attracted to true perfection to begin with-- any thoughts or contradictions on that?--We people say we want what is perfect, the general public likes an unblemished veneer, but that general public seems to rejoice over all the tabloids that show the imperfections of the stars and starlets our culture holds up as "perfect." To echo below, "beauty is the imperfection" and the imperfections are what make life interesting.
@Brownerbaby i agree. Beauty doesn't require something to be perfect.
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@NWestfall well said :)