Borrowed Scenery
what Japanese architecture, wool paintings, & event design have in common
Framing the View
Last week, we talked about how the circular cutouts in my wool painting frames are like viewfinders. That idea reminded me of the beautiful Japanese sensibility seen in their architecture. Instead of big stretching windows placed to suit the building, they often strategically place openings to frame a specific view of the surroundings.
This idea, called shakkei, or borrowed scenery, is the art of composing a view with intention. The result feels less like a window and more like a living framed painting.
Shakkei (借景), meaning "borrowed scenery," describes the intentional framing of a distant landscape within a garden or architectural opening, creating a sense of expansiveness—even in a confined space.
The window becomes a frame. The view becomes a living picture. And the architect invites the viewer to pause and see differently. You are given a composition and the gift of imagining what lies beyond.
Living Sculptures as Borrowed Scenery
This concept reminds me of the Living Sculptures I’ve been making, and the new class I’m teaching next month. Instead of framing nature, I borrow pieces of it: stones, botanicals, bones, shells. Then I compose them into still lifes that invite you to see familiar materials in a new way.
In my upcoming Living Sculpture workshop, we’ll learn to discover, gather, compose, and edit—to “borrow scenery” and gently understand more about nature and ourselves.
Shakkei in Event Design
Shakkei blurs the lines between inside and outside - between the built environment and the natural world. As an event designer, this blurring is something I’m very familiar with. Creating the illusion that nature has taken over an interior space is one of my favorite installation tricks.
Or by pulling soft interior furnishings outside into a raw landscape you give guests an effortless feeling of freedom by breaking the rules in the most comforting way.
Workshops begin on May 3rd!
Want to make a Living Sculpture or wool-painted landscape of your own? I’d love to see your smiling face. I know finances are stressful right now, so I have scholarships available for anyone who needs one. Creativity is Wellness 💛
Workshops in May!
🌸 Wool Painted Landscapes May 3rd @ Ten Mile Farm
Make a handmade gift for Mother’s Day - or treat yourself to this cozy, creative class. Great for new & returning students. Go home with a ready-to-hang piece of fiber art.
🌸 NEW! The Living Sculpture May 10th @ Ten Mile Farm
This brand-new workshop takes place the day before Mother’s Day - perfect to gift or receive. We’ll wander the fields, gather botanicals, and build stunning still lifes.
🌸 Chimes & Mobiles May 16th @ ArtPlay
Design your own mobile or hanging chime using found objects & natural materials. Explore balance, storytelling, and the art of arranging beauty.
⭐️ 🐑 ⭐️ JUST ADDED! Wool Painted Landscapes May 16 @ ArtPlay
A second opportunity to join this popular workshop—this time in Asheville!
🐚 June Workshops in California are popping up at MYSTIC, Fiber Circle Studio, & WERKSTATT check out my website for the full list of workshops
to claim your spot for any of my 2025 North Carolina workshops
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👉 Interested in hosting a workshop at your home or business? Reach out!
Protect the Delicate | Discover the unseen | Value the overlooked