A man who works with his hands is a laborer;
a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman;
but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
-Louis Nizer
The Art of Imperfection
Each unique hand-crafted item produced by DotenDesign is created to unleash the intrinsic beauty of the wood manifesting the artistic vision of Michael Doten. Japanese potters call it Wabi Sabi. The Navajo referred to it as “ch’ilo’niti” which translates roughly to “spirit line.” Weavers located in certain regions of India and Pakistan incorporate intentional imperfections into the traditional patterns to protect the wearer from ill will. Whatever you call it and wherever you are from, the result is that imperfections will be present in the final product and enhance its natural beauty.
“As long as there are men who have not forgotten how to work with their hands, there will remain for the heritage of the craftsman a bright light of hope that began at the dawn of civilization.” –Sam Maloof
