The Beauty of Imperfection
Cone9Colab was born from a simple but radical idea — that the most meaningful art happens in the space between perfection and reality. In the crack in the glaze. In the asymmetry of a hand-built form. In the moment a workshop participant makes something they never expected to make.
Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. It asks us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the natural changes of growth and decay that surround us every day. Its characteristics include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, modesty, and an deep appreciation for both natural objects and the forces of nature. Simply put — Wabi-Sabi teaches us that imperfect things are perfect in their own way.ry decision we make is shaped by a clear sense of purpose. Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
What is Wabi-Sabi?
Wabi Sabi Talk
how we work
We don't share a studio or produce work under a single name. What we share is a philosophy, a set of values, and a commitment to creating experiences that illuminate the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic. Each Cone9Colab event is built from scratch — customized for the occasion, the location, and the audience. We work outdoors when weather permits. We invite guest artists when the moment calls for collaborations.
OUR WORKSHOP MENU
Each workshop can be presented as a standalone experience or combined into a full day or multi-day program. All workshops can be held indoors or outdoors weather permitting. We adapt, improvise, and embrace the unexpected. Workshop elements can include any combination of:
Wabi-Sabi Talks
Tea Ceremony
Clay, Sculpture & Raku Firing
Sumi-e Ink Drawing
Assemblage
Walking Meditation
Gallery Exhibitions
Dance & Movement
Why we do this
We believe art is not a spectator sport. The most powerful creative experiences are the ones where people make something with their own hands, surprise themselves, and leave changed in some small way. Cone9Colab exists to create those moments — for communities, organizations, galleries, festivals, and anyone who wants to experience what it feels like to make art together.
Wabi-Sabi Talks
An engaging presentation and conversation exploring the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and how it applies to art, creativity, and everyday life. Perfect as an opener for a larger event or as a standalone artist talk.
Tea Ceremony
A mindful, meditative experience rooted in the Japanese tea tradition. Participants slow down, connect with each other, and experience the beauty of simplicity firsthand. A powerful way to open or close any event.
Clay Play
Hands-on clay work exploring form, texture, and the joy of making something imperfect. No experience necessary. Sessions can include hand building, pinch pots or sculptural assemblage.
Ink Drawing
The ancient Japanese art of ink brush painting. Participants learn basic techniques and create their own works using traditional brushes and ink. Meditative, accessible, and surprisingly expressive even for beginners.
Assemblage
Found object art making — participants collect, arrange, and combine everyday objects into meaningful compositions. A great activity for groups of all ages and backgrounds.
Meditation
A guided outdoor experience that combines mindful walking with observational drawing and photography. Participants learn to see the world through a Wabi-Sabi lens — noticing beauty in overlooked and ordinary things.
CLAY DANCE
Clay Dance is an inclusive experimental performance art that merges stillness and motion, clay, slip, pebbles, and sand paintings. Simon Keller’s performances embody the Wabi-Sabi principle of finding beauty in process and impermanence. Each Clay Dance is unrepeatable — a living expression of the ancient dialogue between artist, material, and moment.
PERFORMANCE
Cone9Colab brings together three artists founding artists— plus guest artists— whose collaborative practice extends beyond the studio into live performance. Drawing on traditions of process-based art, Wabi-Sabi philosophy,the collective offers performance experiences that blur the boundaries between making, showing, and being present. Performances invite audiences into the creative act itself — in the moment, unrepeatable.
Exhibition
Cone9Colab produces fully curated group exhibitions featuring the work of the core collective and invited guest artists. We handle concept, curation, installation, and programming. Available for galleries, community spaces, and festivals.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Art galleries and museums
Community arts organizations
Festivals and outdoor events
Corporate wellness and team building programs
Schools and universities
Private events and celebrations
Houses of worship and retreat centers
Let’s Create Together
