Morning Session

[Haena Shin]

During my visit to Japan, I noticed the beauty of Japanese architecture of the buildings, temples, shrines, and parks. There was definite beauty in minimalism in which the design and structure of each edge, surface, and texture is intentional and simple. The simplicity of design and the repetition of patterns helped me to focus on each structure both as a whole and in specific parts. Shinto shrines were also very symmetrical had had specific details in each wood carving and curvature.

It amazes me how consistent and sturdy the materials such as wood and stone were made to last and held its uniformity. It was interesting to note how Chinese influence was included in some of the traditional design and paintings such as Nishi Honganji’s “Cloud Pavillion.”

The idea of Zen gardens always interested me about how sitting still is about “self discipline and mental dissociation with everything else.” The raked sand puzzles me but reminds me that stillness is important. I wonder if there is an alternate purpose to these raked designs and how they achieve such neatness when making them.