AVILLA is guided by the quiet beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity—values inspired by wabi sabi. Nowhere have they felt more present than while wandering the cities and countryside of Japan, the birthplace of the philosophy.

In Japan, I discovered a beauty both foreign and familiar—like coming home to a place I’d never been. Aesthetically, creatively, and spiritually, it felt as though I’d known it all along.

Much of my work has long been influenced by wabi sabi: beauty in imperfection, the quiet dignity of things weathered by time. Being there reminded me that wabi sabi lives in the spaces between words—something to feel, rather than explain.

I also encountered Japan’s deep, historic love of seashells—treasured for their beauty, symbolism, and connection to the sea. It struck a personal chord, as seashells have always carried meaning in my life and in my work with AVILLA. To me, they embody memory, impermanence, and the poetry of the natural world.

Throughout my trip, I carried a film camera, capturing moments that felt alive in their imperfection: cherry blossoms past their peak, a quiet garden path, and the beautiful rituals of daily life. I’ve gathered them in a small photo journal, which you can view here.

Hope you enjoy.

xx,

Michelle