Kintsukuroi, or kintsugi, is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold or other precious metals. Rather than hiding the cracks or imperfections, the repairs are made visible and celebrated, creating a new and unique piece of art that honors the object’s history and imperfections.
Why did I decide to name my channel Kintsugi Subs?
To me, kintsugi represents not only a captivating craft but also symbolizes the profound psychology of one of my most significant influences, Carl Jung. Jung’s theory of the psyche is comprised of various facets: the ego (conscious identity), the shadow (unconscious aspects of the self), anima/animus (opposite gender aspects of the self), and the self (the entirety of the psyche). According to Jung, authentic personal growth and healing involve integrating these components into a cohesive whole, a process he termed ‘individuation.’
Individuation, in Jungian psychology, refers to the journey of becoming a fully realized, integrated individual. It involves exploring and merging all aspects of the self, even those we’ve suppressed. To become a whole person, it’s essential to embrace not only the positive facets but also the shadowy, concealed elements, a process often known as ‘shadow work’ in contemporary terms.
While this may seem intimidating, it’s crucial to understand that ’the shadow,’ or the repressed parts of ourselves, are not necessarily ‘negative.’ The negative shadow comprises traits and behaviors typically seen as morally or socially unacceptable, like anger, envy, greed, or selfishness. These traits often come with feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment, leading us to repress or deny them to maintain our positive self-image.
On the other hand, the positive shadow includes qualities and abilities that we possess but haven’t fully acknowledged or expressed due to societal conditioning or personal inhibitions. These can include creativity, spontaneity, passion, and other traits that might be viewed as unconventional or deviating from the norm.
In the same vein, the process of kintsugi involves taking shattered pottery and mending it with precious metals, ultimately resulting in an object that is more beautiful and valuable than before. This mirrors the journey of individuation, where one takes their fractured or fragmented aspects and integrates them into a coherent whole, culminating in a more complete and valuable individual.