Embracing Simplicity: The Art of Shibui in Base Building
A Simple, shibui base for my Luna Hund.
Hey everyone,
I recently had a conversation with a new friend of mine, “Sam”, about a base I created, and it sparked some thoughts that I wanted to share with you all. This base is something I’m particularly proud of because it’s "perfectly simple," yet it adds so much to the overall piece. It’s a fantastic return on effort, and I believe it’s going to inspire a lot of you in your own work.
One of the keys to this base is how straightforward the materials are. I kept things simple, focusing on how they finish at this scale to achieve the desired look. This base could easily represent concrete, pavement, asphalt, or, as in this case, a regolith-based spray coat on the moon's surface. The beauty lies in the versatility and the clean, minimalist design that serves as a perfect backdrop for adding debris, structures, or any other details you might want to include.
A question came up about how to create cracks that look like cracked cement. While there are many ways to achieve this, my approach often involves working with what’s already there. For this particular piece, I deliberately cut the cork sheet to highlight its natural imperfections, leaving the cracks and voids as they were when applying the Tamiya Basic Putty. This method allowed the real cracks and holes to add authenticity to the final look. Of course, you can always carve additional cracks, but I find that sometimes less is more—using what’s naturally present often leads to a more convincing result.
This approach is a key part of my overall design methodology: using what’s already there, simplifying complexity, and preserving the inherent beauty and interest of the materials. Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." This quote resonates deeply with me, especially in a world that often complicates things unnecessarily. True understanding and wisdom often come from embracing simplicity.
This concept also ties into the Japanese aesthetic of "shibui" (渋い), which emphasizes understated beauty and subtle detail. Shibui is about finding refinement in simplicity, where the essence of an object or design is revealed through its natural imperfections and the careful balance of its elements. By focusing on simplicity and working with what’s naturally available, we not only create more authentic and visually pleasing pieces but also align ourselves with a timeless and universal principle of design.
In your own work, I encourage you to embrace these ideas. Look for the beauty in simplicity, work with the materials you have, and strive to enhance their natural qualities. This approach may take some practice, but with time and effort, it will not only improve your technical skills but also deepen your appreciation for the art of modeling.
Happy building!
