From an early age, I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity and elegance of black and white. This appreciation grew deeper when I encountered the symbol of yin and yang. The philosophy behind yin and yang perfectly captures the balance between opposing forces like light and dark, clarity and mystery, positive and negative. It represents how two seemingly opposite elements can coexist in harmony, each completing and influencing the other. This idea resonates with my approach to both life and creativity, where every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every setback can reveal new insights.
Closely tied to this is my belief in karma, the notion that every action has a ripple effect, bringing consequences, whether immediate or delayed. Just as black and white balance each other in design, karma is the balancing force in life, reminding us that the energy we put out into the world often returns to us. This balance between cause and effect reflects how I view my own creative journey. Success is built through continuous effort, and every choice we make impacts our future direction, both in bead-making and beyond.
In terms of design, black and white offer an ideal foundation to experiment with colour combinations. They can highlight, contrast, or balance any tone offering a striking backdrop for more vibrant or subtle colours to stand out. The pairing of these two neutral tones allows for endless possibilities, whether it’s in fashion, beadwork, or art. In bead-making, black and white create timeless, versatile pieces that can easily transition between casual and formal settings, but they also provide a base from which other colours can shine. As I played with this minimalist palette, I began to understand the power of subtle contrasts and the impact that a simple colour choice can have on a final design.
As I move into the next phase of my creative journey, I plan to return to the basics by focusing on the fundamentals of sizing. My intention is to explore how even the addition of a single bead can transform the balance and aesthetic of a piece. This minimalist, thoughtful approach will serve as a guide for developing a sizing manual for future projects. The balance of black and white will continue to influence my work, but I’m also excited to embrace new colours and combinations, always keeping in mind the principles of harmony and balance that guide both my designs and my outlook on life.
CONCLUSION
Black and white have been more than just colours for me, they represent balance, simplicity, and the duality of life. As I continue to refine my bead-making process, I’ll draw on these principles while also exploring new possibilities. Every bead, like every action, contributes to a larger whole, and I’m excited to see where this philosophy will take me creatively and personally.
