Art is more than just an act of creation—it’s an extension of the artist’s soul, an exploration of identity, and a reflection of life’s journey. For Jane Douglas, a dedicated artist seeking depth and meaning in her work, Donna Watson’s course, The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage, proved to be a turning point. Through this experience, Jane discovered a new way of creating—one that embraced imperfection, authenticity, and the rich layers of personal expression.
Before enrolling in The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage, Jane struggled with a disconnect in her artistic practice. While her pieces were visually appealing, for Jane they felt hollow, lacking personal significance and emotional resonance. "One of the key challenges I faced in my artistic pursuits was the lack of meaning or depth in my work. While I could create pieces that were aesthetically pleasing and visually attractive, they felt empty to me," she explains.
Everything changed during Donna’s course, where Jane was introduced to the philosophy of wabi-sabi. "Donna’s course revealed a profound truth to me: art is an expression of who you are, what you care about, and your journey through life," she says. This realization was transformative. Suddenly, her creative process was no longer about producing beauty for beauty’s sake; it became a medium for exploring and sharing the depths of her being.
"My art is now rich, meaningful, and joyful—a true expression of my journey through life."
Jane’s attraction to the course was immediate. The themes of collage and wabi-sabi had long been of interest to her, but she had never encountered a program that focused not just on technique but on philosophy and introspection. "What first attracted me to the course was the title: The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage. Both collage and the philosophy of wabi-sabi had been circulating in my life as topics of deep interest," she shares. Enrolling in the course felt like stepping into a space that resonated with her personal interests and artistic aspirations.
Though she was unfamiliar with Donna Watson’s work at first, a little research revealed a deep connection between Donna’s artistic philosophy and Jane’s own evolving mindset.
"I hadn’t known Donna Watson or her work before enrolling, but I trusted the program because Fibre Arts Take Two always uses highly respected artists. As I researched Donna’s work, it became clear that her approach and perspective were perfectly aligned with mine."
Additionally, the course’s online community added another depth to her experience. "The course’s Facebook group added another layer of richness to the experience. It was filled with people who shared a fascination with Japan, its culture, wabi-sabi, and collage. This shared enthusiasm created a delightful sense of community and support throughout the journey."
One of the most empowering aspects of the course was the prompts it gave Jane to fully integrate herself into her art. She learned that art is not just about aesthetics but communicating deeply significant messages. "One of the most empowering aspects of the course was the permission it gave me to fully bring myself into my art. I learned to use art as a medium for conveying messages that are deeply important to me—messages about the human experience," she explains. Through this realization, her creative practice transformed from a mere pastime into an essential form of personal exploration and self-expression.
Donna’s teachings emphasized that art is hard work—but it is also incredibly rewarding. For Jane, this perspective was liberating. "Donna often says that art is hard work, and she’s absolutely right. But it’s also joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling work. There’s no resistance in me to engage in this process now." Instead, art became an intentional act of mindful self-inquiry, a way to explore the intricacies of human experience with honesty and depth.
"It’s no longer about simply creating something pretty; it’s about creating something true."
Looking back, Jane sees The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage as a pivotal moment in her artistic journey. The course not only deepened her practice but also reshaped her understanding of what it means to be an artist. Through Donna’s guidance, she has embraced imperfection, authenticity, and vulnerability in her work, leading to an artistic voice that is uniquely her own.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to her creative process, Jane’s art is now a genuine expression of her life’s journey—rich with meaning, intention, and joy. "This course has profoundly changed my artistic practice, and for that, I am deeply grateful," she reflects. For Jane, this transformation has been nothing short of profound, and she remains deeply appreciative of the experience that allowed her to find her true artistic self.
Whether you’re a seasoned collage artist or looking to find a new medium, The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage is designed to stimulate your creativity and help you break new ground. "No matter where you are in your artistic journey, you're going to learn something new in this workshop," assures Donna.
Aligned with the wabi-sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in the impermanent and imperfect, this course encourages you to embrace each artistic challenge. Donna champions the unexpected lessons found in imperfection. These experiences aren't just about correcting errors; they're about the rich, educational journey each mistake creates.
The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage is ideal for creatives eager to learn about wabi-sabi philosophy and how they can introduce elements and methods into their art practice. All while finding your own voice and identity through your content and artwork.