Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations

I first purchased this book years ago when it first came out and returned it because the ink or something in it smelled horrible. Some of the other reviewers have called into question the quality of the book, the quality of the text, and/or the quality of the photos. So, with a bit of trepidation, I ventured once more into the land of Vervoordt's Wabi. I was glued to the book from start to finish. I find the text poetic at times, though a bit choppy. However, the one paragraph per sentence format slows me down as if I am taking a winding path through a dense forest. It can, perhaps, be savored, by someone who is not in a hurry to skim the text. The photos, though dark, have a quality of subtle light which comes through in various shades the way daybreak or sunset filters through the atmosphere of our planet. The matte quality of the paper enhances this. I would not call the book "pretentious" as another reviewer has stated. One might call it "pretending" -- to be in another time, or "to be" in a timeless way. This is a book about the "being" of things and how they affect the "being" of people. The book is an invitation to enter this being-ness. To allow oneself to "pretend" is to remove oneself from the "reality" of one world and step into another. And yes, a little section of your home or garden -- or all of it -- can be this way if you so choose. You don't have to import a barn from another country. You don't even have to go "Wabi". You just have to see with renewed eyes and old soul.

Amazing coffee table book for my rotation that I find myself reaching for often

Great book! Beautiful and inspirational for lovers of design and simple living.

Estupendo

I originally bought the book because I like the work of Axel Vervoordt. However I recently purchased it as a gift for a photographer friend because I love the photography. It disturbed me to see all the bad reviews complaining about the photography and printing. I think it is just beautiful! It is the look of chiaroscuro, usually used in paintings, but here done with photography. (Think Rembrandt and Leonardo di Vinci) Each one is beautifully composed using light and shadow- small abstract gems! I actually am not into the wabi concept- I have too much "stuff" to pull it off. However I do enjoy looking at it- especially in this beautiful light.

It was a hit!

While I love everything Axel Vervoordt does, I returned this book because it was so dark visually. This was the first of his books I've ordered and will buy others (at least the ones that are still in print and not out of my price range!)

Highly recommended for both the images and text. The images are inspiring and the text is a delight to read - unusual these days to find a book in this format to have any text, let alone text worth reading. This is not just another picture book of rooms and no details. The objects and art collected and assembled by Axel Vervoordt are all identified at the back; the author, writer and photographer were in harmony with the concept. And it shows.

Eine poetische Hommage an Schönheit, Stille und Natürlichkeit

10/10

tres beau livre merci

かっこいいのひとことです。 置いてあるだけでも存在感あり。 インテリアの一部となります。

Epic.