Ikebana and us

January freestyle workshop at Amethyst

2012-01-19T10:07:00.001+05:30

There was lean attendance for this month's workshop. It was held at the Amethyst. It was a freestyle workshop. Many of the arrangements were done in the Amethyst's glass vases and basket containers, and the members left the arrangements behind for display at the flower shop. The use of oasis in flat containers was a challenge to theflower artists, as we usually use kenzans, and a lot of its surfacehad to be covered with materials. That was a learning experience too.

Sitalaksmi brought anew white jar shaped ceramic vase with an interesting design on itssurface. As usual, it was wonderful to see the members' enthusiam and interest to be working with flowers.

- Malathi

Experimenting with light and background - November workshop

2012-01-05T15:01:00.001+05:30

November 2011 Sogetsu Study Group workshop

Sorry for the late report - it is a couple of months overdue, but the holiday festivities delayed the putting together of the report!

As we look at Ikebana increasingly as an art form, we decided that it was time to understand and study other related concepts to enhance our compostions. So, the workshop was dedicated to very simple aspects pf photographing Ikebana, and the elements to be taken care of.

All of usare at the moment comfortable with point-and-shoot automatics, and/or our phone cameras. So, this was not about shutterspeed and aperture so much as about light, background and composition.

Here are some of the experiments of the study group members.

Chitra used the plain white wall as background and experimented with square vs round placemats and the effect it has on the composition. The photograph was taken with a flash, and this has thrown dark corners at the extremities of the picture.

Prerana worked with different backgrounds, highlighting how the same composition can look so different when plced in front of different colours. These were taken with her phone camera.

Ambika made a short presentation with examples of poor composition, insufficient lighting, clumsy background, cluttered tabletops, etc, to illustrate the effect they have on the overall composition.

The series below show the effect of extra light coming from different angles, and the effect they have on compostion, as well as the use of flash on the colours of the flowers. However, when cloth is used as a background, thecreases do show badly, when we try to use a single backdrop both under the vase and behind.

With the help of a amatuer photographer, a "studio" was set up and the background in the series above is photo paper, where the "wrinkles" problem is removed. The middle picture used a flash, which reflected off the vase, which was averted in the third picture by putting the flash "off".

The series below uses rexine as a backdrop - once again the crease problem.

All photos have been taken in the auto mode. Various presets were experimented with as also, flash on/off.

The Sogetsu Group goes to Coorg

2011-12-18T17:58:00.000+05:30

(A report by Malathi sensei. Pictures from Chitra and Venkatesh. )

The Sogetsu Study Group decided to visit Coorg as their annual travel to some nature-spot. 8 members were able to take this trip,while theother members were commited to their family engagements. With Manasi's suggestion and Ambika's help via internet and email, " Kabbe Holidays" was chosen.
Our trip beginsOn 24th we left on the Chennai-Mysore Shatabdi, alighted at Mysore and a taxi and Sitalaksmi's car were waiting for us, as well as Venkatesh whojoined us from Tuticoron. After a small coffee break we set off by road. The highway was good till we took the turn towards Virajpet. We sighed at the thick forest on either side of the road, the mile long bamboo groves, and the signposts that read 'elephants crossway' further 'wild animals area'. Unfortunately we did not sight any wild animals on our drive.

The main bungalow at Kabbe, with one room for guests.

The cheerful mood in both vehicles slowly changed as the road was too bad for words, In Sitalaksmi's car, while she felt increasingly car sick with the pot-holed and winding road, the other passengers in her vehicle thought it best to chatter and joke, much to her astonishment! In our Innova we clung forsome balance and suddenly at Gonikopal town Venkatesh spotted a girl in coorgi saree and wistfully imagined, "if only she could have been a member ofour study group", not knowing what a torrent of words he will be getting from Prerana!

The Deluxe cottages

After Virajpet the road improved remarkably and our host Mr. Dilip Chengappa co-ordinated with the driver as to how to proceed and he was waiting to lead us forward to his home. As we turned it was a very welcoming sight, we entered the living room and some hot tea and coffee was ready along with biscuitsand spinach murruku. The Kabbe homestay looked homely and inviting! We were taken to our rooms. Padma, I and Dally's suitcase was in the main bungalow, while the others shared 2 rooms in the adjoining annexe.

The Deluxe rooms

Surrounded by coffee!

The lovely anthuriums bordering the verandah

At nightfall we got to talking,I narrated about a National Geographic channel programme where I saw a documentary on the Sunderbans with very interesting anecdotes of encounters between Man and man-eating tigers, where both claim it is their territory, and how they develop skills to face each other and finally how the men request the officials not to harm the tigers and ' afterall for generations we have lived together, it is our territory'. After which we discussedabout 'co-existing'.

Trekking to KabbeThe Kabbe homestay in the morning looked beautiful, blanketed in mist, and we enjoyed the clear morning air with hot cups of coffee on the verandah overlooking the bed of anthuriums, growing so abundantly. The robusta coffee plantations surround the bungalow, and we caught a glimpse of the day to day activities of the plantation as well. There are leeches around too, and we needed to ensure we were not taking them into the rooms, and besides Prerana we all escaped without a bite! Dilip was kind enough to show us the tradition kodava dress too.
Next day was the trek to a hillock from where we could see the Kabbe hill and the Western Ghat ranges and we were so close to the Kerala border. Padma and Dally did not take the climb. At the topmost point the wind threatened to blow us away and we took our balance by a wide stance. Prerana had a nasty fall, which was a downer, as she was in great pain that evening. For me climbing down was very slow, but it was interesting and delightful withTrishla's and Venkatesh's company. All the meals were thoroughly enjoyed by one and all,cooked well by the chef. That evening was Prerana's Haiku reading and discussion, which could not happen, so Chitra preponed her talk on ' Tamil Culture',where she beautifully traced the culture from the Sangam Period taking on poetry, folklore. She touched on dance and had invited Venkatesh to elucidate on the mudras, which prompted me to correlate it to the technique of ikebana and to bring out the symbolism of it. Chitra then spelt out the emminent Tamil personalities in all walks of life, and the entertainment part of it was a very good quiz on Tamilnadu.

Kabbe Hill!

Chelavara falls

Talakaveri temple complex

Chelavara falls, Talakaveri and Collaborative Ikebana!Our trek on the 2nd day was to the Chelavaram Falls. Dilip had hired a vehicle and along with Sita's we left after a breakfast of' akkiroti' coorg style,with gingelly seed chutney, to be eaten with a dash of ghee and honey. The combination seemed strange, but it was very delicious! We stopped on the way to relax by the water and many photos were clicked, and we were surrounded by mountains all around, the valley and the meadows seemed so peaceful. The vehicles took us half the distance and we climbed a narrow path in single file to reach the Falls which was a very delicate one and we could reach midstream to a rock where we perched ourselves. Missed not only the absentees, but Prerana who was resting after the fall. Surprisingly, Venkatesh had quietly brought a bag of clothes to change after his swim and bath at the Falls and Dilip encouraged to this action, as the rest of us felt the water might be ' cooold 'as were all in woollens. The water was not deep, he swam and took a shower with the Falls, he was simply delighted and said it was cool and not cold, we gave him 10 minutes with this delight. In the afternoon Sita's car left for Talaikaveri, where the members saw the origin of the river Kaveri in the Western ghats. Kaveri flows through Karnataka and Tamilnadu before joining the Bay of Bengal.We visited Dilip's parents who live in another bungalow on the coffee plantation, and it was wonderful to see the senior citizens too!In the evening Padma got a brilliant idea when Chitra placed a coffee branch in a container taken from Dilip,that 'lets all put in a flower or leaf and make an arrangement.' Chitra had found a hollow brick which she used as a container. Everyone dashed off to get the next suitable stalk into the vase. It was a mental 'Homa' for the participants,the spontainiety will be remembered.

Collaborative Ikebana in a hollow brick!

Morning vistas!

Another picture of the arrangement

Time to leaveWe left for Mysore after breakfast the next morning to take the Shatabdi back to Chennai. Members are still carrying fresh memories of this enjoyable trip to Coorg. I may have left out many important points, please point them out in your comments. It was a very enjoyable time for all of us indeed

The Emperor's birthday

2011-12-17T21:49:00.001+05:30

At the Taj. Ballroom. By Malathi sensei

Taken with a mobile phone, so please forgive the quality.

A photo a day!

2011-10-31T10:21:00.000+05:30

A photo a day

We have a Facebook album where we will post a photo a day. Keep a watch!

October workshop

2011-10-11T17:18:00.000+05:30

Working with linear mass.

Malathi sensei demonstrates with kora grass sticks and roses

Prerana uses subabul pods and anthuriums

Pushkala masses umbrella plant, and complements with colourful ixora

Chitra complements the wall of bleached material with ixora and leaf

Trishala highlights the design in her vase with tall carnations and slender bamboo

Venkatesh draws focus to the Cale he found at the florist!

Seethalakshmi highlights the space, as she masses up the red stalks

Molly contrasts the blue of her vase with the pink of the flowers balanced by the massed lines

The Bangalore visit of the Study Group members

2011-09-20T12:13:00.000+05:30

The flower shop!

Dear members, Meenakshi Sarin, Prerana Mehta, Shobhaa Ramji and I visited the Bangalore Sogetsu Chapter on the 15th of September and a
programme of interaction was organised.

Upon our arrival in Bangalore, All 4 of us
picked our flowers from a wholesale outlet on our way to Lal Bagh where we were to meet the Bangalore Chapter members. I cannot convey to all of you the awe and joy at seeing the abundance of colourful flowers! Not only were the buckets full of colourful flowers, there were
bunches on the floor waiting to be placed and another van of flowers was waiting outside to unload. You can imagine what a variety we had to choose from as they were half the price we pay for them herein Chennai!

We did 4 free style arrangements.

Meenu, using the coconuts with umbrella plants jerberas

Prerana wished her arrangement to be minimalistic and used dry bamboo
and jerberas,

Shobhaa used strong stems of heliconia with streletzia


I used my garden bamboo with chryanthemums.

Therewas a quiz on Sogetsu and Chennai fared very well. The Bangalore Chapter hasinvited us to participate in their formal function to be held on 17thDecember. This interaction was a different style from the New Delhione and I am glad the few members have had to see both of them. Dotalk to them to get more interesting detail.

The Bangalore members used as festive theme in their arrangements.

From the Bangalore chapter, the Director Mrs. Nirmala
Narayanmurthy did a festive theme 'Gokulastami' bringing out the
butter bowl,'srungara rasa' as musical notes and Krishna was in a
cradle.

Founder Director Mrs. Saraswati used a morimono theme for
'Ganasa'

Past-Director Mrs.
Bhargavi did 'Gowri-Ganesa' in a vase made of bangles using red and
yellow roses as a symbol of auspiciousness

She also did an 'ukibana' as 'girls
playing hop-skotch

There were three Variation 5 arrangements as that style came in handy to display festive season. On the whole there were 20 arrangements displayed. We really enjoyed these exhibits in the Jubilee Hall of Lalbagh.

Malathi.

September workshop - working with unusual containers

2011-09-13T16:37:00.000+05:30

Our September workshop was on Sep 12th at the ABK-AOTS Dosokai hall, on Nelson Manickam Road, and the them was unusual containers.

It was very nice to see three new faces, students brought by Meenu, and we do hope to see them more often.

Malathi sensei started off proceedings by quickly showing us the use of the old, discarded woven cane pieces from her home chairs, and converting them into a lovely vase!

The cane used as vases

Molly used a gift bag

The completed arrangement by sensei Malathi

Members had brought various materials and containers to work with.

Chitra brought her child's toy train, and see below for the full arrangement

Shobhaa brought an old pickle jar, and also used a plaiting technique for the green material, details of which can be seen below.

Nirmala worked with a copper kitchen vessel

Pushkala placed a whitecoral/shell on top of an ollock measure and created a striking linear arrangment that can be seen below.

Sitalakshmi used a ceramic tea-pot

Meenu used dried coconuts as her containers

By Jennifer, one of the guests

By Jayanthi, another of the guests

By Divya, also a guest

Ambika used a pair of cardboard packing boxes, after painting them.

Workshop - August 2011 - Appreciating the hanging style

2011-08-18T14:23:00.005+05:30

Sensei Malathi demonstrated the hanging style, an addition to the Sogetsu textbooks, and a lesson that some of the older students are not familiar with.

We met at Vaishali's nice cheerful new flat in the IIT campus, and the airy atmosphere and granite counter seemed to help us all creatively!

And of course, we had the most delicious lunch courtesy Vaishali, after that!

Colourful start to the year - July workshop

2011-07-13T19:02:00.008+05:30

After our summer break, the Chennai Sogetsu Study Group met again on July 11th, at Amethyst, adjacent to the flower shop. It was very convenient to have the flower shop handy, and the ambience was also enjoyable.

We missed Shobhaa and Venkatesh, this month, and hopefully they will be back next time. The theme for this workshop was colour and the members brought it out in different ways.

By Prerana

Prerana contrasted the white of her combination vases, with the colour of the agapanthus and chrysanthemums.

By Padma sensei
For Padma sensei, the red of the vase was highlighted, in a Christmassy colour combination!

By Trishala
Trishala emphasisized the green of her vase, with more use of green material.

By Chitra
The glamourous red of the anthuriums were highlighted by Chitra.

By Seethalakshmi
For Seetha, it was blue and yellow, both the shape of the container and the colours working to produce a pleasing effect.

By Nirmala
The orange of the palm berries matched the orange of the dramatic strelitzias in Nirmala's arrangement, and the long lines provided a dramatic setting.

By Kalpana
The gladioli reflected the clour of the vase, while the chrysanthemums provided a sharp contrast in Kalpana's arrangement.
By Meenu sensei
Meenu used one of the vases of the Amethyst shop, and created this graceful arrangement with pineapples and lilies, which she left behind for the shop to display!

By our guest from the Japanese consulate, Ms Kayoko
We were delighted to have Ms Kayoko come and participate in our workshop, and she used the colourful heliconias to good effect.

By Molly sensei
Molly's green and orange creation was dramatic and well balanced.
By Pushkala
The blue of the container was highlighed by the water and space in Pushkala's linear arrangement.

By Ambika
Ambika attempted to highlight the brown of the vase with the orchids and rust chrysanthemums, and the white streaks on the vase with the large oriental lily.

By Vaishali sensei

Vaishali worked her magic with the lovely lily lines and umbrella plant, highlighting the white of her vase with the trellis-work of lines.

By Dally
Dally's arrangement was a study in pink!

By Ashoka
Ashoka highlighted the colour and shape of his vase

July Workshop details

2011-07-01T18:00:00.002+05:30

Theme: 'Colour' . You may express 'colour' either in the container or with materials
Date: July 11th Monday
Venue: At the verandah adjacent to Amythest Flower shop, Whites Road Chennai
Time: 11am.

Please do bring along friends/students whom may be interested. Amethyst vases will be available as well.

Looking forward to getting together again after our summer break!

Pushpa Veni - the programme of the Bangalore chapter of Sogetsu Ikebana

2011-07-01T17:25:00.005+05:30

I had the opportunity to attend the June programme of the Bangalore Sogetsu chapter, during my recent stay in the city.

Menaka Venugopal was the artsite at work, who gave an interesting and colourful demonstration of what she called "pushpa veni".

She invited ladies to enjoy colours while dressing and innovated on the traditional form of flower threading and garland-making.

Some common flowers she displayed were nandivittal, jasmine and also Dutch Roses and orchids.

In the picture, you can see Dutch Roses, the petals are removed, the white ends take the outer position, so they get a little white showing on the petals. By using a little imagination you could bring out the needed colours to match your attire.
Here, she has taken the Jasmine buds inwards, and displayed the stalks as well. It did get a new look as a result!
These floral venis could be used for the traditional ornamentation of the plaited hair-do or gathered up into a bun. the pieces were about 9 inches long.In a ziplock bag it could stay fresh for 9 days when stored in the refrigerator
Orchid heads used
The red of the thread adds a contrast.

She invited ladies to sing a song which featured 'pushpa' and several ladies joined one after another in singing Kannada songs featuring 'pushpa' and on that musical note the programme ended.

This year, it will be 25 years since the inception of the Bangalore Sogetsu Chapter. They are organising a big event in the month of December. I have suggested an interaction between Chennai and Bangalore in the month of September in a programme of 'workshop', as later months Navarathri and Deepavalli follow, then perhaps our annual exhibition after which we prepare for the visit to Tokyo.

Malathi

April meeting details

2011-05-02T09:45:00.004+05:30

The newly recognised Study Group met in Meenu's house for its first "official" meeting. There were thirteen members present.

Sensei Malathi Pandurang is now The Chennai Study

Group Chairperson. Meenakshi Sarin is the Programme Coordinator and Trishala Vaishnav is the Treasurer.

The next meeting will be in July. The date will be announced.

Remembering Japan - saying it with flowers

2011-03-16T16:54:00.004+05:30

12th March 2007

Sogetsu 80th Anniversary exhibition at Tokyo. Happy memories.

Demonstration at the Japan Festival

2011-03-11T20:46:00.005+05:30

As Japan is hit by the earthquake and tsunami, our thoughts go out to the people of that country.

So many fond memories I have of my two visits there....

Here are the arrangements of Malathi sensei at the Japan Festival, done on March 9th 2011, at the ABK AOTS Centre. As I was helping her, the pictures were taken in the end after the demonstration.

The Cycle of Nature series

A tribute to the ceramists who inspire creations in Ikebana

The Indian touch

The Hindu : NATIONAL / TAMIL NADU : Fest radiates Japanese flavour

2011-03-10T21:35:00.000+05:30

The Hindu : NATIONAL / TAMIL NADU : Fest radiates Japanese flavour

Fest radiates Japanese flavour
March 10th, 2011
Staff Reporter
Demonstrations of Ikebana art, judo and shodo gave visitors a peek into the rich arts of the country

From pieces of colourful paper folded into figures of animals and flowers to the leaves arranged meaningfully, every object exhibited at the ABK AOTS DOSOKAI, Tamil Nadu Centre on Nelson Manickam Road radiates a Japanese flavour.

The two-day ‘Japan Cultural Festival', with an exhibition and demonstrations of various art forms of the country was organised along with Consulate-General of Japan, Chennai. It was inaugurated by Deputy Consul General of Japan Takayuki Kitagawa on Wednesday.

Visitors had a virtual tour of Japan with miniature models of heritage sites. The brief notes on the stunning replicas give interesting details such as ‘Himejijo', a popular structure in Japan that is also called white heron castle because of its white exterior and semblance to a flying bird.

The bonsai trees and the seasons in Japan depicted through the traditional structures were a favourite among children. “I enjoyed seeing the Ikebana flower arrangement and small trees,” said S. Aparna, a class four student.

Various demonstrations lined up during the day from Ikebana art, judo and shodo – a style of Japanese calligraphy, also gave visitors a peek into the rich arts of the country.

Many visitors watched intently as Malathi Pandurang of Sogetsu School of Ikebana deftly cut flowers and arranged them in containers of various shapes. Ms. Pandurang said “It's an art and not just decoration. I have depicted birth, growth and decay of the plants through the arrangements. Every arrangement has a meaning.”

A collection of bonsai trees, which are over 25 years old, formed a major part of the exhibition. Susheela Vergis, vice president of Bodhi Bonsai Association, said it is best suited for growing in apartments. Even shrubs could be pruned to make it look as bonsai trees. They can be grown even in terracotta container and all is needed is an aesthetic mind. The demonstrations scheduled for Thursday include origami and kobudo, a martial art.

Dina Malar exhibition Photos

2010-12-31T17:22:00.011+05:30

Go to the Flickr page for all the photos.

Starting off!
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

Though there was some chaos and confusion before the start, the Ikebana arrangements came out fabulously in the end. The exuberance of our Sogetsu ladies were seen clearly in their creations. Sadly, I was unable to see the first lot of arrangements "live", as I was laid up in bed, but the photos that wer taken by Chitra's daughter was some consolation!

Trishala's All Leaf
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

The exhibition was part of a consumer fair sponsored by Dinamalar, and was held at the YMCA grounds Royapettah. A temporary structure was set up, complete with airconditioning. The air conditioner wires though, added some extra "lines" to various creations, as you will see!

Vaishali's dramatic composition
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

Freestyle by Seethalakshmi
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

Then there was "the missing camera" episode, where Malathi sensei was convinced she had brought her new camera to the exhibition and had "lost" it. All the ladies were given a lecture as to how this is why she tells her husband that she doesn't want these gadgets, etc etc, and everyone was suitably upset that this camera was lost. Anyway, the incident had a happy ending, in that the camera was located at home!!

Basket composition by Shobhaa
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

This is just a sample of some of the wonderful creations. Please do take a look at all the arrangements on the FlickR page.

No-pinholder composition by Meenu
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

A Kalchatti composition - Dally
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

Chitra's composition
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

Unusual use of the leaf - Prerana's composition
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

The exhibition was well attended and there was a lot of visitor curiosity about the exhibits, though much of the quations were to do with whether the flowers were real or artificial. There were also enquiries as to whether the arrangements could be bought!

Our thanks to ABK-AOTS Dosokai and their team for coordinating and working out all the nitty gritty for the exhibition.

No vase composition by Pushkala
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

Sogetsu exhibits at the Dina Malar Fair

2010-12-24T10:26:00.003+05:30

Smart Shopper 2010, the Dina Malar exhibition on at YMCA Royapettah, has a pavillion with more than 40 Sogetsu Ikebana exhibits! Do go and take a look!

The exhibition is on from 24th until 27th December, 10am to 8 pm. December 25th evening, the arrangements are likely to be changed and replaced by other pieces, so it is worthwhile going twice!

In honour of the Emperor's birthday!

2010-12-19T13:06:00.000+05:30

December workshop - Glass containers

2010-12-19T12:43:00.005+05:30

The December workshop was also accompanied by rain! But luckily for us, the morning turned out bright and clear, and the Cheenai roads drained and we were able to make it!

The theme was glass containers. Meenu, had just arrived that morning from her overseas trip, but gamely agreed to do a mini demo for us.

As Malathi sensei pointed out, glass containers pose some interesting challenges for the Ikebana artist. In a tall vase, the stalks within the vase are also clearly visible, and therefore need to be part of the composition. Also, when a pinholder is used, it is vital to see that it is hidden from the viewer.

We all tried various methods, some of us used leaves within the vase, others incorporated low material to hide the pinholder, etc. i tried to make my lines within the vase also form part of the composition, but somehow it didnt work very well.

Valeria sensei in Auroville had demonstrated to us a novel way to use a cross bar on the rim of the vase, in order for the stalks inside to remain close to the rim, and present a clear vase of water. I dont remember now, which is a shame...I should have made notes.

Meenu's demonstration

Workshop efforts

Sogetsu November workshop - Colour!

2010-11-16T19:18:00.004+05:30

Our November workshop was accompanied by a depression in the bay, torrential rain, and many ladies unable to make it as a result.

But those of us who did make it had a wonderful session! Vaishali's colourful demonstration had a special young guest as Padma Aunty brought her granddaughter along!

Vaishali's demonstration

Some of the pictures have got a bit washed out, unfortunately, like Vaishali's first arrangement with lovely bright orange jerberas. Along with the graceful lines of the maiden-hair fern, it was a bold and colourful start.

Then she showed us this lovely metal vase, and the photo shows the beautiful designs inside.

She chose to use this lovely leaf - is it a type of Acalipha?

And this was the result!

Her last arrangement was once again an interesting mango-shaped vase with a mother-of-pearl finish. Bleached material from Japan and one anthurium, and this was the spectacular result.

The workshop

Pushkala chose vegetables

Trishala used dramatic leaves

Dally's elegant trio next

A table arrangement, blending with the brown of the table.

The beautiful long lines and the brown of the cigar lilies so complementing the vase.

And a stone "kalchatti" vase

Our guest Naina worked with her grandmother Padma aunty to create these two little wonders, one with the ixoras as thecolour focus, and the othr with the dramatic blue vase highlighted.

New student Kalpana did her combination vase lesson highlighting and complementing the colour of her vases.

Meenu had a green and silver colour focus.

Mine was a low arrangement with the large blue circular vase as the colour focus.

Trishala experimented with this tall vase, with that anthurium stealing the show! Or was it the banana flower?

October workshop - Emphasizing line

2010-10-25T09:58:00.012+05:30

The October workshop for the Sogetsu group was held at ABK-AOTS Dosokai, and the focus was on line this time. We missed Vaishali , Seethalakshmi, Trishala and Pushkala who could not make it due to other commitments.

We started off with a demonstration by Molly, who was calm, confident and quick as she put together these three lovely arrangements emphasizing line.

Molly - Golden Cane Palm lines, with ixora flowers
Molly - Palm lines and caladium leaves

If I remember right, in this arrangement below, Molly used Petria vine for the lovely lines and flowers and berries as jushis.

There are two views of the same arrangement.

We then all took part, with natural line dominating the workshop. In retrospect, it appears that none of us tried abstract lines!

September workshop at ABK

2010-09-21T19:24:00.009+05:30

As our Chennai Sogetsu Group grows larger, we find that accommodating all of us into a residence, along with our vases and material, is becoming a real squeeze. The Group decided to use the hall at the ABK-AOTS Dosokai centre on Nelson Manickam road. ABK-AOTS has been a wonderful patron for our group, and once again extended a helping hand by giving us one of their business meeting rooms for a nominal fee.

As we arrived, we found that tables had been put out, buckets of water were ready and all we had to do was get down to our ikebana! It was a pleasure to have Mrs Lan Minagawa, Mrs Suzuki and Mrs Keiko from the consulate as guests at our workshop.

We started off with a short presentation on the materials of Chennai, their botanical names and some possible materials that we could use in the future as well. Hopefully, this exercise will help us at our next exhibition when we look to make a note of the materials we have used in the arrangements.

Demonstration

The highlight of the morning of course was a delightful ( as always!) mini-demonstration by Malathi sensei.

The rocky hills of Kolar!
She started off with a vivid description of the large, rocky bare hills that she sees while travelling between Chennai and Bangalore. How these rocks are transformed with rain, and the bursting forth of life from within.

Eyjafjallajokull eruption!

My favourite was this "fire, ice and ash" composition. She brought to life her artistic interpretation of the Icelandic volcano, that erupted earlier this year. A natural act, rendering Man helpless and powerless!

The Chennai Sogetu Group

She signed off with an arrangement in honour of our group, the togetherness, learnings and explorations, with its senseis, senior students, newcomers and of course our two "tall" men!!

The workshop

We missed Trishala, still busy with winding up all the festivities of her daughter's wedding, and Pushkala, who was at cllege.

The rest of us all did freestyle with locally available materials.
By Shobhaa
By Dally
Meenu
Chitra
Sitalakshmi
Me
Prerana

Sitalakshmi
Padma aunty
Vaishali
Molly
Molly
Venkatesh
Ashoka

Our August workshop

2010-08-19T10:14:00.009+05:30

After our summer break, the Sogetsu group reconvened for a new year of activity, discovery, friendship and creativity at Shobhaa's home. Our gracious hostess had made immaculate arrangements right from the garden tables for us to work on, flowers from Yercaud and a cosy little room for us to watch Padma aunty's demonstration.

I think it was full house, with the exception of Venkatesh and Pushkala, and after the initial catching up with the summer news, we settled down to watch Padma sensei at work.

Her first piece was an all-round low arrangement with roses. The ladies were delighted with the choice of material as we all tend to avoid roses because of their short life. But we should use them more, as nowadays the new hybrid varieties seem to have a longer life as cut material.

Click on any of the photos to see the arrangements in greater detail.

Aerial view, without flash

Frontal view - with flash
Another view, again with flash

For her second composition, Padma aunty displayed this beautiful vase, with fossilised leaf engravings on either side. The design on the vase prompted her to use tall curving lines in the form of the palm leaves.

The jerberas she added at the end provided a focal point, and completed the attractive composition.

See below for the pleasing effect that was achieved!

Without flash. with the white balance corrected

The same composition, with flash, which highlights the colours of the jerberas

And the finale was this beautiful vase - all of us eye Padma aunty's vase collection and Meenu joked about how we should each pinch a few!!

I forgot to note were this particular vase is from, and if I'm not mistaken it is wooden, and she used another bowl within for water.

Shobhaa's eautiful and varied garden yielded these lovely caladium leaves you see below, and Padma aunty decided to use them instead of her original plan.

This was my favourite arrangement of the morning! Once again there are two pictures, one with flash, where you see the ghost shadows at the back, but the caladiums look richer, and one without the flash.

We then moved to the garden where those in the mood created their own little masterpieces. Shobhaa gave us a free rein of her garden, and I could not resist using the leaves of the shrub that all agreed was "kamini". Kamini is the common name for Murraya paniculata, and is an evergreen that grows to be a small tree or a large shrub!

Seethalakshmi brought berries of a tree, which we could not identify. I wonder if it is Cordia myxa, aka lasura? If I am not mistaken in Tamil it is referred to as "mukuchelli maram" because of its pulp which is like well snot!! I may be totally wrong!!

After that, we went in to the house again, and gasped at the hearty repast that lay in front of us!! Venkatesh, you really missed a good "saapad", but Ashoka made up for you!!

Thank you Shobhaa for being such a wonderful hostess, and thank you Padma aunty for an inspiring mini-demonstration.

Next month we meet at ABK AOTS Dosakai.

Good to be back together again

2010-07-29T21:08:00.002+05:30

This lily bloomed on my balcony to welcome the rains and signal the end of summer here in Chennai.

The cooler weather also means that we can get back to our Ikebana!

Confirmation of what we knew?!

2010-06-08T11:58:00.000+05:30

Futurity.org – Mother Nature issues a wake-up call

Mother Nature issues a wake-up call

Posted By Susan Hagen-Rochester On June 4, 2010 @ 11:14 am In Society & Culture | 3 Comments

U. ROCHESTER (US)—Being outside in nature makes people feel more alive—and that sense of vitality exists above and beyond the energizing effects of physical activity and social interaction, new research shows.
“Nature is fuel for the soul,” says Richard Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester [1] and lead author of a series of studies.

“Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature,” he says.

Details are published in the June 2010 issue of the Journal of Environmental Psychology. [2]

The findings, adds Ryan, are important for both mental and physical health.

“Research has shown that people with a greater sense of vitality don’t just have more energy for things they want to do, they are also more resilient to physical illnesses. One of the pathways to health may be to spend more time in natural settings,” says Ryan.

In recent years, numerous experimental psychology studies have linked exposure to nature with increased energy and heightened sense of well-being.

For example, research has shown that people on wilderness excursions report feeling more alive and that just recalling outdoor experiences increases feelings of happiness and health.

Other studies suggest that the very presence of nature helps to ward off feelings of exhaustion and that 90 percent of people report increased energy when placed in outdoor activities.

What is novel about this research, write the authors, is that it carefully tests whether this increased vitality associated with the outdoors is simply the feel-good spillover from physical activity and people-mixing often present in these situations.

To tease out the effects of nature alone, the authors conducted five separate experiments, involving 537 college students in actual and imagined contexts.

In one experiment, participants were led on a 15-minute walk through indoor hallways or along a tree-lined river path. In another, the undergraduates viewed photographic scenes of buildings or landscapes. A third experiment required students to imagine themselves in a variety of situations both active and sedentary, inside and out, and with and without others.

Two final experiments tracked participants’ moods and energy levels throughout the day using diary entries. Over either four days or two weeks, students recorded their exercise, social interactions, time spent outside, and exposure to natural environments, including plants and windows.

Across all methodologies, individuals consistently felt more energetic when they spent time in natural settings or imagined themselves in such situations.

The findings were particularly robust, notes Ryan; being outside in nature for just 20 minutes in a day was enough to significantly boost vitality levels.

Interestingly, in the last study, the presence of nature had an independent energizing effect above that of being outdoors. In other words, conclude the authors, being outdoors was vitalizing in large part because of the presence of nature.

The paper builds on earlier research by Ryan, Netta Weinstein, a psychologist at the University of Hamburg, Germany, and others showing that people are more caring and generous when exposed to nature.

“We have a natural connection with living things,” says Ryan. “Nature is something within which we flourish, so having it be more a part of our lives is critical, especially when we live and work in built environments.”

These studies, concludes Ryan, underscore the importance of having access to parks and natural surroundings and of incorporating natural elements into our buildings through windows and indoor plants.

Researchers from McGill University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Concordia University contributed to the study.

More news from the University of Rochester: www.rochester.edu/news. [3]

Article printed from Futurity.org: http://futurity.org

URL to article: http://futurity.org/society-culture/mother-nature-issues-a-wake-up-call/

URLs in this post:

[1] University of Rochester: http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3639
[2] Journal of Environmental Psychology.: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WJ8-4XKXXTH-1&_user=483663&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F2010&_rdoc=4&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info%28%23toc%236872%232010%23999699997%231900720%23FLA%23display%23Volume%29&_cdi=6872&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=15&_acct=C000022660&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=483663&md5=5d878f39e4c9006bf6dbcda26cfafe38
[3] www.rochester.edu/news.: http://www.rochester.edu/news/

Yercaud!

2010-03-30T15:31:00.005+05:30

Its time for a rhyme I think,

two days went by in a blink.

To Yercaud we went

No, not in a tent

But to a bungalow with flowers so pink.

Seeta was our hostess so gracious,

efficient, warm and vivacious.

We chattered and laughed

Bantered and argued

With appetites so voracious!!

Butterflies and birds was my quest,

But Ashoka was numerologically-obsessed.

Mom wanted to see a bison

And Prerana insisted on being human!

Padma aunty sat serenely

While Vaishali giggled incessantly.

Dally listened to all the prose

Venkatesh, was ever-ready with a pose.

Meenu was practical and tactical

in dealing with all the views so radical!

The jacarandas were in bloom

Lavender oil spread its perfume.

The hill bananas were such a treat

Teneri honey a trifle bittersweet.

A casual collection of all of this

Made for a composition I'm glad I did not miss.

See the magic of the sensei's hands

As she brought together disparate strands.

I speak not only of the flora artistically composed

But also us opposites, so cleverly juxtaposed.

So ended our year of Ikebana and flowers

And now we must wait for June-July showers

Before we resume

Our tryst with the blooms,

Which give us such joy for hours!

Hana Dome

2010-03-13T09:51:00.000+05:30

Keith Stanley has some useful information and tips on no-kenzan fixtures, using wire, etc. There is a link to a PDF file that gives more detailed instructions as well.

No-kenzan fixtures-Part One | SOGETSU ATELIER

Part - Two

Sogetsu Ikebana 2010 - a set on Flickr

2010-03-02T09:57:00.000+05:30

Sogetsu Ikebana 2010 - a set on Flickr

Here are the pictures from our exhibition. If any arrangement is missing, please let me know, and I will add it!

2010-03-02T08:39:00.000+05:30

The Hindu review of the Ikebana in Chennai show
Beauty, joy in full display at Japanese flower arrangement

Staff Reporter
Three-day exhibition as part of the Japan cultural festival
— Photo: S. R. RaghunathanEnchanting:Bharatanatyam exponent Alarmel Valli looks at a display at the Ikebana exhibition held at the Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai, on Friday

CHENNAI: Dried plants and tree branches hold utmost beauty to them, while spaces, lines, mass and surface are important features of their arrangement. Students from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana showcased their creativity in the Japanese art of flower arrangement, which was inaugurated by Bharatanatyam exponent Alarmel Valli at the Lalit Kala Akademi here on Friday.

The three-day exhibition is being organised as part of the Japan cultural festival by ABK-AOTS Dosokai, Sogetsu Study Circle in association with the Consulate General of Japan.

In Meenakshi Sarin's arrangement Asia lily, ginger lily and aesthetically cut cane swirls merged to stand out in a ceramic vase.

Ambika Chandrasekar went a step further by making her exhibit eco-friendly. Eucalyptus leaves took shapes when arranged on the recycled paper basket.

Besides learning a new hobby, participants said how the art has helped them add a new dimension to their personal and professional life. Ashoka Bhupathy who has a boutique is among the few men who have been learning Ikebana from Malathi Pandurang.

“In my store I match a new outfit with the arrangement. It stands out as well as brings in more curious customers,” says Mr. Bhupathy, who makes a new Ikebana style every three days.

Chitra Thyagarajan has completed her basic and advanced course in Ikebana and says the art makes one explore further, even when driving. “I have around 25 ceramic, glass and other containers at home where I try different arrangements. It is the beauty and joy that this art brings out for the entire household,” she says.

Others like Seethalakshmi Asaithambi specially placed order for a granite vase to coordinate with her flower arrangement.

Earlier Alarmel Valli recalled her memories of Japan, her association with Malathi Pandurang and how Ikebana, dance and poetry come together.

Sogetsu Ikebana at Auroville - a set on Flickr

2010-03-02T08:35:00.000+05:30

Sogetsu Ikebana at Auroville - a set on Flickr

As you wait for me to upload the Ikebana Chennai photos, enjoy this set!

Press coverage - Japan week

2010-02-24T09:40:00.008+05:30

The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : A peek into Japanese art and culture

CHENNAI: Weather-beaten bonsai trees with stout roots criss-crossing inside trays provide as much Japanese flavour as svelte Hina dolls boxed inside glass frames.

Demonstrations on Koto and Judo, origami and Ikebana complete the picture, giving visitors a peek into the Japanese arts and culture. The Japanese art exhibition, ‘Passage to the future: Art from a new generation in Japan,' organised by the Consulate General of Japan at Chennai, ABK-AOTS Dosokai, and Japan Foundation, has an aesthetic display of works by 11 artists from Japan at Lalit Kala Akademi.

The 12-day exhibition, which got underway on Tuesday, features paintings, sculptures, photographs and video works by the artists. While a major chunk of the display are contemporary paintings, an art work done by Miyuki Yokomizo clearly stands apart from the rest. Glycerine soaps packed in tiny plastic covers are strung together to make a stunning array of multi-hued strands. The sparkly string of colours is the crowd-puller of the exhibition.

An assortment of Bonsai trees, that are over 30 years old or more, take a major share of space at the exhibition. The trees that are nurtured by the ‘Bodhi – Chennai Bonsai Association' stand as evidence to years of meticulous maintenance by their owners.

“Every tree needs constant wiring, pruning, grafting, clamping, watering and care. As they are tropical trees, they need a lot of sunlight,” explains K.Sivaji, president, Bodhi.

The artfully sculpted trees attract a steady stream of visitors, who are also treated with a live demonstration of Judo, the Japanese martial art, and music performance on Koto, a string instrument.

Elephants, peacocks, flowers, birds and cricketers came alive through folded papers at one corner of the exhibition hall. Origami, the traditional paper art of Japan, was recreated by C.Lakshmi Narayanan, who painted his pleated paper works with bright colours, adding aesthetic appeal.

There will be demonstrations on origami on Wednesday and Shodo – Japanese calligraphy, on Thursday. There will be an exhibition and demonstration of two different styles of Ikebana, the flower arrangement method of Japan.

Demonstration on Sogetsu style of flower arrangement will be held on Friday and Ohara style follows on March 4.

Hinamatsuri, the festival of Hina dolls, symbolising the health and happiness of young girls, will be on from March 1 to 3. Consul-General of Japan at Chennai Kazuo Minagawa inaugurated the exhibition.

Indian Express - EXQUISITE - Japanese Splendour

Times of India
LATHER ART: Kazuo Minagawa, consul-general of Japan at Chennai, and his wife Lan Minagawa take a look at ‘Please Wash Away’, a modern art work by Miyuki Yokomizo using soaps, displayed as part of the Japan Cultural Festival organised at the Lalit Kala Akademi by the Consulate-General of Japan, ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI Tamilnadu Centre and The Japan Foundation

Chennai Sogetsu exhibition - sneak preview

2010-02-23T22:12:00.004+05:30

"Welcome" - by Seethalakshmi at the Lalit Kala Hall

The weeklong festival of Japan was inaugurated by Minagawa san and Seetha's lovely Indo-Japanese Ikebana was there to welcome us all! (Tropical material, Japanese Aesthetics!)

We will be putting up another 35 or so creations, so here's looking forward to the weekend!

There will also be three demonstrations on the 26th. At 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm!

Sogetsu Exhibitions!

2010-02-21T20:34:00.003+05:30

Auroville -the exhibition hall
At Auroville - For 5 Days ay "Hall Of Light" in CREATIVITY.

Its on! Until February 26th, 9 am to 12:30 and 2-5:30pm.

A group of us from Chennai visited, and what a lovely day it was!

Inspiring Ikebana,

Poetic pottery

And loads of laughter, camaraderie and junk food!

Auroville - I think this was by Suzie

More pictures will follow.

At Chennai - At Lalit Kala Akademi

“Ikebana In Chennai”.

The exhibition will be open from February 26th. There will be a small demonstration in the morning at 11 am by Sensei Molly and Sensei Meenu at 11 am.

There will be a formal inauguration by renowned Bharatanatyam artiste & choreographer Padma Bhushan Alarmel Valli

on
Friday, 26th February 2010 at 5.30 p.m.
at
Lalit Kala Akademi, #4, Greams Road, Chennai – 600 006.

The exhibition will remain open on
27th & 28th February 2010 from 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m

Workshops in December and January

2010-01-26T13:20:00.015+05:30

A rather late Happy New Year to all. I am guilty of procrastination and lethargy - not a good way to start 2010 is it?

I was rather sternly reminded to get a move on and "post the pictures" of our December and January workshops, and so on this Republic Day holiday, I resolve to do just that!

Next month, our annual exhibition is likely to take place, and more details will be posted once plans are finalised.

First of all, our December workshop. We spread ourselves in various part of sensei Malathi's home (Ok Prerana, I can just see you laughing at my sentence!)

We were to focus on nagiere vases and fixtures, and my efforts to use five materials is on the left.

The arrangements were far better than these pictures below - they are from my mobile 'phone. (As usual, Venkatesh, I forgot to take my camera.)

Lovely caladium leaves in a composition by Molly

A dramatic vase, and Trishala experiments with a large space created y a long line

Another interesting vase and Prerana experimented with several combinations, and this was one
Chitra worked on a horizontal movement in her nagiere
Molly removed some jerberas (I think) and this was the result
Trishala emphasisd the line, but I should have put a background sheet to capture the line
Meenu worked with casuarina and anthuriums

January workshop

In the new year, we gathered at Trishala's lovely flat for our monthly workshop. Creativity was in full flow!
Chitra's dramatic use of umbrella plant, diphenbacus(?) leaves and palm berries
Prerana or Tishala?
The wow! moment - Seetha's dramatic vase complemented by the dramatic flower!
Creative use of a vase (upside down!) - Chitra
My attempts to interpret the "ring" vase, with a horizontal composition. I think it needs a stronger vertical line?

Trishala's corner piece
Whose was this?
Trishala - the nandi vattal looks a bit droopy because it did not have enough water as soon as it was cut

Once you read this and tell me who did the arrangements that I haven't marked or marked wrongly, I will edit the post again!

Arranging for the Emperor's birthday bash!

2009-12-15T20:15:00.003+05:30

Malathi sensei did these lovely arrangements for the annual Emperor's party, hosted by the Japanese Consul at Chennai.

I was privileged to accompany her and watch her work.

Mr and Mrs Minagawa, (the Consul and wife) enjoyed the exhibits. They are so warm, gracious and friendly, that as Malathi sensei says, we do hope they stay on for another term!

The way of the wasp

2009-11-09T13:16:00.003+05:30

To be able to "wonder" is a fascinating experience. To me the wasp's home, which is about 2 years old, is one such item. It is on the inner ledge of the drawing room's eastern window, very close to the seat which I usually use. Many a time, when the wasp was busy with its home, my husband would remark that I ought not to sit there, that I will be stung by the wasp and to move away. But I would sit still, more to show him that creatures in nature generally are harmless. The wasp built it day upon day and to me it was a truly wonderful event to see the progress. We do have squirrels entering the house for the same purpose, but they do damage our belongings in search of soft and fibrous material to complete their home, but they too can pick the most unusual places! So we generally close the window at mid-day while we are resting. When I woke up for tea and went to my usual seat, I saw the wasp hovering by the closed window, as I have obstructed her life's mission/ I wait for a while, she buzzes to the northern window; I am foxed and wonder even more as to how she directs herself to the centre of her "site".

Within a week her home stood 6 inches tall, broad at the base and she created 10 perfectly circular windows, spaces so aesthetically. I looked at her meticulous design, location and such perfect architecture! Till today no cracks, no crumbling. With what did she glue up the sand, brought in by thousands of trips, so single-handed? I have been watching this "home" every morning. It makes my day full of inspiration and motivation. I am afraid none of you have seen it, I have kept it as a personal secret, tucked away behind the window drapes.

Now, the time has come for me to share it with all of you, as I will be away at Bangalore, and I am afraid, the painters working at our home may not heed my request to leave it alone, for you know, the hands keep on changing. With these pictures, I hope I have passed on my "wonder" to all of you, as I have been truly humbled by the wasp's dexterity, perseverance and perfection.

Malathi

Celebration time!

2009-10-23T08:08:00.004+05:30

Prerana's handwork

Celebrations all around. There was deepavali, which meant friends, family and food!

The Sogetsu Group met at Prerana's just before the Deepavali weekend, and we were greeted with this lovely floor decoration by her. (Venkatesh almost sat on it, but that's another story!)

The DVD of the felicitation function of Veena Dass at Delhi had arrived and we all watched and commented and critiqued and appreciated everything, so there was a lot of noise all through the session.

In the midst of this, some Ikebana was also done. Prerana had done a combination vase arrangement, using seven kinds of material, with a tone of brown/rust. With some corrections from the sensei, it ended up looking fabulous, but of course before I got down to taking a picture, (I was busy chattering away, you see), it got knocked a bit, and so sadly I dont have a record of it.

I quickly made sure I took pictures of these arrangements, though!

Chitra
Seethalakshmi

Another celebration has been the golden wedding anniversary of our sensei, and what better way to say it than with flowers!!

A lovely bouquet arrived at her doorstep, courtesy all the Group members, and she was inundated with phone calls and messages.
It was an unusual day for the "anniversary couple", as he had to go off to the dentist and was restricted to soft food, and she had to supervise the painters, carpenters and other workers, who are currently working in their home!!

We all pray for their good health and long life, and many more years of togetherness, and may sensei Malathi continue to guide us all though our Ikebana learnings!

The next meeting at Meenu's, where we celebrate her new teacher's certification!

What did I say, celebrations all around isn't it?!

Lan Minagawa talks about Ikebana to Indian Express!

2009-09-13T17:08:00.004+05:30

All pictures from the original article.

FLORA JAP WAY - Exquisite Ikebana

The little arrangements of exotic flowers have a method and mentality behind it Ikebana is a form in which nature and humanity are brought on the same platform

THE Japanese art of flower arrangeC ment is catching up, with a lot of Chennaiites. Many women are learning this beautiful art form. This is not a simple flower arrangement in a vase, it's more about a form in which nature and humanity are brought on the same platform.
Shape and form are important while arranging the flowers to bring out the essence of the arrangement.

Stems and leaves are necessary to give the organic feel. "I didn't learn from a school, I learnt ikebana from books," says Lan Minagawa, the wife of the Japanese Consul General in Chennai. She shares that General in Chennai. She shares that she loves "Making ikebanas at home, when expecting guests."
Along with flowers from her garden, Lan gets her flowers from Amethyst as well. She prefers the Moribana form and uses kenzan or pin holders. "In the summer, my arrangements are such that the water used, can be seen. It gives a cooling effect," she says. Along with the flowers and stalks, water, pin holders and stones are required to make the ikebana.

Ikebana making classes: Sogetsu School-24914886, Ohara School of Ikebana -22266147

September workshop report!

2009-09-09T17:10:00.010+05:30

The Urali displaying colourful symmetry

Hello all!

After the team went off to Delhi and returned excited, happy and with renewed creativity, things have been quiet around the Sogetsu Chennai team.

It was time for the September workshop to be hosted by Seethalakshmi, and what a treat it was! A gracious hostess with a lovely home, an innovative demonstration by Vaishali, gorgeous freestyle arrangements by others (except me!), and of course a super lunch!!

Unfortunately, (ok dont yell), I forgot my trusted digicam, and had to rely on my phone cam. From next time, will somebody remind me the previous day to take my camera please?! So, my apologies to Molly and Chitra. Their other arrangements I have not photographed.

As we entered Seetha's home, after negotiating the various "No Entry" and "No Right Turn" boards along the way, we immediately spied lovely granite vases as well as beautiful arrangements.

Seetha's arrangement in the front lobby

Another granite vase!

Yet another granite vase! Its beautiful colours complemented with this 7-material arrangement by Chitra
Then it was time for Vaishali to begin. Was she nervous? I dont think so, or if she was, she hid it well. It was IIT Zindabad, as the campus gave her unusual material, berries and vine.

Her first arrangement was a shallow, almost like a plate, ceramic vase, in which she used spider lily leaves, in a circular, horizontal fashion, to provide bold strokes moving laterally. balance was provided by an Asia Lily (yellow) going vertical. Unfortunately, I dont have a good picture of this, and so we have to wait for Seetha's pictures to reach me.

Then, Vaishali set to work on her steel containers, purchased at Delhi. The pedalanthus leaves had lovely flowing lines, and the jerberas provided the colour.

The pictures do not do justice to the arrangement - I should have placed them on a plain background, and then taken the picture. Sorry, Vaishali! Next time!

She finished with this innovative use of discarded "yelaneer"!! The holes in the coconut were used as receptacles for material, and it was a no-kenzan arrangement, with the white and green Anthuriums complementing the composition beautifully!

Gorgeous browns in Prerana's new vase
Molly had brought her mother's antique cake tin to experiment with. You can see her working on it, in the background of the picture below, though I do not have a picture of the arrangement itself.

Trishla and Chitra tried their hand with 5 material combos

That was most enjoyable Vaishali! Thank You.

Congratulations to Meenu on her teacher's certificate, and Shoba for getting her first degree!

And thank you Seetha for the fabulous lunch!! Mmmm...I am still dreaming of those potato chips!

Next workshop date set for Oct 12th. Be there, all!

And yours truly also better do some Ikebana next time!

Lotus series

2009-08-14T16:57:00.000+05:30

The Zen-Images Ikebana Blog

Baiko has posted a series of four arrangements using Lotus. Please click on the link and enjoy!

Akane Teshigahara's Work for August 2009

2009-08-11T20:57:00.004+05:30

Iemoto Akane describes her work...
"There's something fascinating about the color white that's able to draw out a diverse range of possibilities. Cute blue dots are interspersed over the white glass vase while floral colors are scattered around the white background. Together, they aim to create a harmonious closeness between the vase and flowers."

Moth orchid, Prairie gentian, Chrysanthemum, Sunflower, Alstroemeria
Ceramic vase - 22×33×46cm

Courtesy : http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/exhibition/index.html

An Amazing story and some more pics...

2009-08-06T22:05:00.004+05:30

I love berries in ikebana. And so I like this arrangement because of the lovely "Karaunda" berries used here. They are the sour ones that make awesome pickles we find in Northern India. They are pinkish-redish-white in colour!!

There is a very interesting and amazing story behind this picture. In this picture, you see Mrs Veena Das showing "Two". Actually she was narrating this incident to me -There was this man who was heavily addicted to drugs for Two years! He couldnt kick the habit, though he wanted to. Someone directed him to Mrs Dass. He then took Ikebana lessons. Unbelievable, but true, through the magic of flowers and the power of the beautiful art of Ikebana, this man totally gave up his addiction to drugs!! Wow! I mean WOW !!!!!!! Nothing more to be said !!! I was speechless!!

Well, I had missed out some pics from the first album on facebook. So here is another link. Just click this line and you can see the 40+ pics also!! Enjoy!!

Some more arrangements from "Celebrations"

2009-08-04T20:12:00.012+05:30

Senpei Veena Dass Created a big arrangement. It was titled "Seasons". It was done on a square platform. In the centre were green Bamboo Poles. Around it, on the four sides, each season was depicted. It was difficult to get the whole work in one photograph. So I have taken the 4 of them separately. Here it is for you!

This is "Spring" with the lillies and other flowers in full bloom

This one is "Summer" - The warmth is felt through the flowers used here

"Autumn" was evident from the brown, yellow and orange colours of Thistle and Bird of paradise and from the Citrine Fruits !!

And "Winter" from the white, the pine branches and the soothing blue and violet colours!!
The work that you see below is a "Rikka Shimputai" of the Ikenobo School of Ikebana. This is the work of Mr Vivek Rao from Bangalore.

This work by Mrs Indu Punj was titled "Contentment" or "Commitment" - (Sorry I dont remember which one).

And this one a beautiful "Dancing Peacock" by Ms Savita Grover!!

These two Red Glass vases were big. I liked them very much. They were such a presence :)

Also, these combination Leaf-like vases were very interesting. The arrangement was by one Ms Ritika, if my memory is right. (Correct me if I am wrong).

Some of the arrangements.........

2009-08-03T20:26:00.016+05:30

Here, I would like to post pictures of some arrangements that I liked. Only a few of the many.

This one is by Mrs Indu Punj. I like it so much for the gorgeous Chinese Peonies. I wonder whether they are available in India! Mrs Punj brought them from London a couple of days before the exhibition. They are so beautiful and fragrant too. She has combined Ixora branches, some vines and dracena leaves also - (sorry if I am wrong)

This arrangement was liked by all, I am sure. The colour, the lines and the harmony is very striking. I dont remember the name of the artist. You can enlarge the pic and see if you wish.

This simple but lovely arrangement is by Avni Chug.

This is a "Rikka Shofutai" arrangement by Mr Vivek Rao of Bangalore. This a classical Ikenobo School Arrangement. I am sure everyone can make out the difference. This style of Ikebana is more than 500 years old, Mr Rao told me!! Wow!

This is an Ohara School style Landscaping by Mrs Rahmatullah. This senior Ikebana member from Mumbai and had come for the exhibition on a wheel chair - She lost one of her legs recently! Whoa! Thats some spirit! Some Dedication!! These two pictures form one single work. This large work was spread over a big table!

Life comes a full circle in Mrs Indu Punj's "Fulfilment". I like it for the theme and depiction. Some bright yello orcids and greens on the top right signifying her childhood, the asia lilies for the youth, the strong wood and other flowers for her mature years and to the left top dried bamboo for the old age where there is nothing more to achieve! There is only peace. Contenment. Fulfilment !!!!

This gorgeous natural arrangement is by Mrs Kanta Bukhari! The pond scene created using Bullrushes, Lilies, reeds and Driftwood in a Japanese golden disc-like vase was magnificient!! Bullrush is my most favourite material - I know you all know :) The lily had an unsual pink colour, I thought it is an artificial flower. Mrs Bukhari later told me it is from her garden!

And people, before I sign off Here is one lovely arrangement from Mrs Ahluwalliah (did i spell it right? sorry, if i didnt). Absolutely gorgeous. Simple but gorgeous. The blue vase is from New York and looked like paper strips folded. She has created the amazing space with Kiwi Fruit Vines and added the flowers (sorry i cant recollect the name) for colour in a beautiful way. All of us liked this very much!!!
Please click this line to see all the other pictures of the exhibition
And please do write your comments on this blog - whover is reading!! Thanks

Part 5 - The day after the exhibition

2009-08-03T19:25:00.006+05:30

I am as relaxed and a bit lazy even to write today - as much as I was the morning after the exhibition.. The most important job over, we were all free in the mind. By 11.00am we had to be at Mrs Veena Das's residence for a Coffee Morning. We reached in time. The other guests had started to arrive. We were given a warm welcome by the graceful Mrs Dass. I couldnt take my eyes off the huge Tanjavur Painting of Subrahmanya-Valli-Devayani that adorned the walls.! And there were many Ravi Varma prints of Lakshmi & Saraswathi!!!

The heads of chapters who had come from outside Delhi spoke on the occasion. Mrs Dass was congratulated for organising this exhibition. Mrs Indu Punj touched everyone's heart by reading out the words that came straight from her heart! She woke up at 3.00 am and wrote those beautiful words. She spoke about all the lovely years they worked as a team. And about the dedication of Mrs Dass to Ikebana. Mrs Veena Dass spoke about the remarkable support Mrs Indu Punj and Mrs Uma Sharma gave her in planning and organising the event. She also thanked the entire team for all the help and support, without which the whole event would not have been possible.

Tea was served. It was a sumptuous feast :) It should have been called lunch! Sorry, I find it difficult to describe the unmatching hospitality of Mrs Veena Dass. All I can say is that she is one amazing & great lady!! Thank you Ma'am for everything! We left around 1.30 in the afternoon. We headed off for some shopping.

We picked up some nice vases from the Art D'INox at Khan Market. For example these cute steel vases with crows on them that Dally picked up..!
Here I must give a million thanks to Meenu for taking us around the trip, never bothering about her badly hurt leg!!! We wish you a very speedy recovery Meenu! We had time just enough to come back to our rooms, freshen up and change and head for Dr. Kusum Ansal's residence for evening tea. There also we were treated to a huge feast! Thank you very much Mrs Ansal for your tremendous hospitality!

Malathi Sensei wanted to see the house of her teacher Mrs Uma Rao and also the house where she lived in Jhor Bagh! I took a picture of Mrs Uma Rao's previous residence from the car. The watchmen got suspicious on the camera flash and came running to us. We had to explain to them what was happening :) However, I heard that the watchmen at the Jhor Bagh residence were very friendly and Sensi took some nice pictures. She might have felt very nostalgic, I can say! I wasnt there because a frined of mine who went to school with me was coming to meet me. We were meeting after 25 years!!! Yes, a quarter century!!!!! We had a great time having dinner. I came back at about 11.00 pm. And started to pack all the remaining flowers into one box. Then every pin holder, cutter, the masala box and my own suitacase... Wondering whether we would be fortunate to have Drama-At-The-Airport which we so much missed on our onward journey!! I hit the pillow at about 1.45 am only to be woken up at 3.30am... By 5.00 am we were all out and in the car!! We said our bye-bye to IIC and were at the airport at 6.00. Again, to our disappointment nothing happened. All our bags were through, just like that. And no excess Baggage .. Phew!!! The flight was delayed by about 40 minutes.

It was great fun to have Prerana onboard. She was dropping joke-bombs and Vaishali and I started screaming. Sorry, I cannot put all those things on the blog. YOu will have to call me or message me :)

Landed safely at 10.40 and headed for our respective homes. Malathi Sensei was so sweet, she agreed for a lesson at 3.00 in the afternoon. Thats a great gesture, isnt it? I completed my Book 3 that day, though we were all tired. It was a very nice trip. Many nice memories.. We missed Ambika, Molly, Trishala, Chitra and Seetha. Well, there will always be a next time.

It was a very good learning experience for all of us. I close my report here, thanking each one of our team for the great time. Especally both the Senseis. And to all the people at Delhi for the great opportunity. Bye for the moment.

Part 4 - The Exhibition Day

2009-08-02T19:01:00.022+05:30

29th July, 2009 - 5.45 a.m

We are all ready and out sharp as planned. We had Mr Sunil Kumar waiting for us with an Innova. We reached the ITC Maurya by 6.00 am. Kamal Mahal, the hall where the exhibition was to be held was already bustling with activity.

This beautiful arrangement by Mrs Indu Punj welcomed us at the hall where the inaugural function was to be held.
(Materials : Weeping Willow Branches painted Green, Eucalyptus Leaves, Anthuriums and Pumpkin)

All kinds of Driftwood, Plants, Flowers, Vases were strewn all over and people were busy working on their arrangements which were in various stages of completion. We were greeted heartily by Mrs Veena Dass and Mrs Kanta Bukhari. Once we got to our alloted places, we unpacked all the boxes of flowers and other materials. I must express millions of Thanks on behalf of our entire team to Amethyst for the wonderful job they did in packing the flowers and plant material SO WELL! They remained very fresh and intact!

Meenu already had problems with her leg and it was hurting her so badly. But the spirit and enthusiasm with which she worked that day, without showing any sign of pain was something to see and to be highly appreciated. Her energy and the loving heart to help each one of the group was amazing! Meiki Sensei (Meenu), no word can sufficiently describe our feelings!

Both the Senseis and Dally got to work. Shobha and I were helping them out with their work - unpacking, cutting, taking photographs etc etc. As usual, Malathi Ma'am worked on her arrangement with focus and great care.

Meenu completed her arrangement "South" with ease and brought it to perfection. Dally was so concentrated on her arrangement she refused to look at anything else around until she was done. She finally got hers right!
There was a bright smile on Malathi Sensei's face when she said that all arrangements have come out nicely!! We then went back to the hotel to have a bite of sandwich and some coffee and then to change for the event. By 10.30 we were back at the venue and seated. The Ambassador of Japan arrived followed by Mrs Ansari. The business session followed as I have described in Part-1. Then the outstation guests were introduced to the Chief Guest.

Then the dignitaries proceed to view the exhibition. Mrs Ansari appreciated the Chennai Team's work. Viewing Malathi Sensei's arrangement, she tapped the masala box and remarked that it was a good idea! "A Boxful of Flowers from Chennai for Veena Dass" she exclaimed on seeing the arrangement!! And so, that became the title of Sensei's work!

(Chennai Team with Mrs Ansari)

At that point, two distinguished guests from Chennai made their Grand Entrance! Vaishali couldnt come with us the same day. So Prerana decided to stay back for company and arrive on the exhibition day. We thought they would miss the inauguration, but they were perfect in their timing that they didnt miss the action! Prerana was all full of praise for Mrs Kantha Bukhari who gave them a warm welcome and arranged for their luggage to be taken care of! It was again a lovely gesture from Mrs Bukhari!

Once the dignitaries left, tea was served. The exhibition went open to the public by 12.30pm. There were beautiful Ikebana works - ranging from small to large ones - created painstakingly and with great care! There was a separate section for "Celebration of Festivals". A wide range of festivals celebrated thorughout the year were depicted through Ikebana - From Diwali to Dusserah to Republic Day to Id-Ul-Fitr and Christmas! The crowd was good and it went on till 4.00pm by which time we had to dismantle and clear up! As always it happens, we did so with a heavy heart, wishing that it went on.. and on!!

We got back to our rooms rested a while. Then the group split. Some people went shopping. Ma'am Stayed back. I went to visit my ex-colleague who now resides in Delhi - and so on. We got back together by 8.30pm and had dinner at the IIC. Then we all gathered in Malathi Sensei's room and went on discussing about the exhibition, the arrangements and the hospitality that we received... About midnight, I was feeling terribly sleepy and the discussion that was supposed to go on till 2.00 am was cut short. It felt great that we dint have to wake up early the next morning!! The program for the next day would be the Coffe Morning at Mrs Veena Dass's residence and Evening Tea at Mrs Kusum Ansal's residence.... More about it in Part-5 !

Part 3 - Travel & Arrival

2009-08-02T12:45:00.013+05:30

28th July, 2009 – Day 2 – 4.30 am
Meenu and I arrive on dot at Sensei’s place! Shobha and Dally follow us! The cabs were ready and Sampath did a neat job of loading them nicely. We arrived at the airport at about 5.10am. Ma’am handed over a Sogetsu Catalogue to me which had pictures of all kinds of pin holders and cutters. In case we are to be questioned about the nature of ‘dangerous looking’ ‘weapon-like’ things in our suitcases, I was to explain to them that the pin holders are to bear lovely flowers and exotic branches on them and not to attack anyone :)

Shockingly, surprisingly our baggages got past the scanning without any questions. Only we had to pay a little for the excess weight of the flower boxes!! Uncle was just happy to hear that everything went smoothly. But I am sure that Ambika who rang up to hear some news of High-Drama-At-The-Airport was a bit too disappointed to know that things passed un-eventfully!!

We took off about 6.30. Once settled, we had the breakfast of sandwiches we bought at the airport. Malathi Sensei was so sweet, she bought Me and Meenu a coffee :)Thanks a lot! There was time for a quick nap and we landed at Delhi. The captain announced that the weather outside was 27 Deg C. It had rained terribly the previous day, so we expected that it will be pleasant outside. But once we were out of the lounge, I had doubts whether the captain was dyslexic!!! I was sweating so very badly! The heat was horrible. And there was this terrible traffic jam outside!

Once we were out of the traffic, we headed towards India International Centre where we were to be accommodated. We passed all the beautiful roads of South Delhi. Being my first visit to Delhi, it was some great feeling when we passed the residences of the MPs and Ministers and all kinds of Embassies !!

Malathi Sensei was very excited – for may reasons. It was in Delhi that she took her Ikebana Lessons some 35 years ago! It is her Mother Chapter. And it was a city where she lived for some years! Delhi did some magic, that the usually media-Shy Malathi Ma'am volunteered for a picture with the flowers :)

The India International Centre is indeed a beautiful place. Situated next to the Lodi Gardens in Max Muller Roads, it has clean and decent rooms, all centrally airconditioned and with a view!! Oh! Except for Shobha & Dally who had to have their curtains tightly drawn all the while! (Sorry ladies - I dont want to speak about the view from your room - the construction scene and the workers going about their bath and so on was not a pleasant one, I agree :) :) I hope you have better luck next time :) :) :) )

We were shown to our rooms and in a short while, we went for lunch at the Dining Hall at the IIC. The dining hall was lovely. The food was tasty and very reasonably priced!!! While the others chose to rest for a while after lunch, I got out to explore the IIC. There were these beautiful Banyan Trees, Lotus Ponds and Gardens amidst quotes of Gandhiji & Martin Luther King.

By about 4.30 pm, Dally and I decided to go for a quick tour of New Delhi. To Janpath, to the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, the India Gate... etc etc. I was really very excited like a small boy !!

I have seen these many times on the TV during Republic Parade. But I must admit that seeing it in person was a great feeling. There was a sudden rush of strong patriotism all through my body, mind and soul!! Standing by the India Gate, I was having tears in my eyes...! Dally did some shopping for beads, necklaces and trinkets to her heart's content at the Janpath Market. After dinner at the centre, we were back and discussed about the plans for the D-Day!!!

From the moment we landed, Mrs Veena Dass called Malathi Sensei so many times to enquire whether we were comfortable and we required anything. It was such great genuine and touching gesture, we would always remember it.. That night also was going to be a not-much-sleep one. We had to be out of our rooms by 5.30am and be at the venue by 6.30 and start arranging.... That, In Part 4 :) Keep reading.

Part 2 - Excitement!!! Preparation!!!!

2009-08-02T11:56:00.004+05:30

27th July, 2009 - Day 1
I arrive in Chennai. After shower and breakfast, I headed for Malathi Sensei’s home. She wanted me to drop some leaves and branches at Amethyst who will pack it alongwith the flowers. The moment I entered, I was given a very warm welcome by.. Pandurang Uncle . He was so very happy and even more relieved to see me..! And to tell the truth, he seemed much more excited than all of us who were going to Delhi!! Sensei had decided upon the arrangements already and we needed to carry Trishala’s antique ‘Masala Box’ which was quite a heavy one. And there were pinholders and more pin holders, cutters, scissors, knives, wires and stuff that might arouse the suspicion of the people at the airport! Uncle was worried that the ladies might face lot of trouble with it.. And when he saw me, he was so happy that there was atleast “one Man”. He opened the suitcase that had the Masala Box and Ikebana accessories and explained to me step-by-step how and where things have been packed and kept and what to do at the airport if asked to declare, and later while unpacking etc etc!

Malathi Sensei, on the other hand was very worried and tensed that she felt too relaxed and comfortable :) :). She told me that she felt so relaxed that she doubted that she was forgetting something important and had been going through her check-list over and over again :) Uncle was very happy that the job has been entrusted to me. So very happy that he didnt let me take an autorickshaw to Amethyst and drove me there himself!!

I headed towards Khader Nawas Khan Road to meet Prerana who would help me shop for some clothes! Trishala joined her and they did a very decent job at that, though with Prerana’s opening remark “Remember, we havent done this for our husbands even! Consider yourself truly blessed!” ;)
[And if anyone whos reading this blog is interested, Allen Solly has a cool 50% off on any 3 garments purchased, till August 16th :) :) :)]

It was yet another shock for Uncle to see the three huge boxes of packed flowers !!! They were very heavy, Uncle was sure the air-freight was going to cost us more than the flowers. In which case, he advised us to throw them away and go. Malathi Sensei remained cool....The taxis would arrive at 4.30am and we had to assemble sharp by then. I was tired that night, but couldnt sleep well. I kept waking up and looked at the watch every half hour !!

Part 1 - "Celebrations" in New Delhi

2009-08-01T20:51:00.025+05:30

To celebrate four decades of Sogetsu School of Ikebana, New Delhi Branch and in honour of His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan conferring "The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold & Silver Rays" on Mrs Veena Dass,Director, Sogetsu School of Ikebana, New Delhi Chapter an Ikebana Exhibition titled "Celebration" was held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi.

Mrs. Salma Ansari, Spouse of the Hon’ble Vice President inaugurated the event.

H. E. Mr. Hideaki Domichi, Ambassador of Japan to India & Mrs. Noriko Domichi were the Guests of Honour. Mrs Veena Dass was conferred the decoration in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the India-Japan Relationship. Mrs. Dass’ association with Ikebana began in 1960. She became the founding member of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Delhi Chapter in 1966 and continues to be its Director to date.

Mrs Veena Dass, in her beautiful speech emphasised that rather than differentiating ourselves under various school names we must be integrated as one family - "The Ikebana Family" that shares a common passion and love for expression through the magical medium of flowers!

True to her words, Ikebana Masters, Teachers and Students belonging to different schools - Ikenobo, Ohara & Sogetsu from all parts of the country were present and expressed their unlimited joy on Mrs Das's great achievement through their beautiful arrangements.

The Order of the Rising Sun established in 1875 were Japan’s first awards. These decorations are conferred in recognition of individual’s (both Japanese and foreign) distinguished accomplishments. The Orders of the Rising Sun are classified into six ranks: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays and The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. These decorations feature rays of sunlight radiating from a rising sun. The attachments are shaped into paulownia flowers and leaves.

THE SOGETSU STUDY CIRCLE CHENNAI VISITS NEW DELHI
Seven members of the Sogetsu Study Circle, Chennai under the guidance of Sensei Malathi Pandurang were present at the memorable event.

(The Team with the Ambassador of Japan)

Three of them including Sensei Malathi presented Ikebana arrangements.

"Boxful of Flowers for Veena Dass" by Sensei Malathi Pandurang

(Spray Chrysanthemums, Limoneum, Eucalyptus Leaves, Asia Lily, Jasmine Branches in an antique Gujarati Masala Box)

"South" by Sensei Meenakshi Sarin (Coconut Fronds, Red Coconut, Coir, Heliconia in combination containers)

"Late Bloomer" by Dally Varghese (Pink Spray Carnations and Vines in twin metallic containers)
In the next part, I will write more about our trip to New Delhi. Yes, I will be posting more pictures also!!

Molly's debut!

2009-07-20T14:14:00.008+05:30

Molly, who has recently earned her teacher's certificate from Sogetsu school, celebrated by giving us all a small demonstration!

Held in her lovely house, we all assembled after a gap of two months, and it was so nice to see all the smiling faces again!

Crossing this sapota-laden tree, we entered, and of course, soon the house was filled with laughter, chatter and bonhomie.

Molly looked nervous and tense, and had a strained smile on her face, but I think all our leg-pulling relaxed her. Or so, we thought!

As we waited for everybody to assemble, I admired this lovely vine as it made its way up the side of her house.

On with the show then!

Demonstrating from the back, Molly was well prepared with her materials and containers organised in such a way that she could quickly move from one arrangement to the other, with a minimum of fuss.

She interspersed her demonstration with a little explanation of the choice of her materials, and what she was aiming at.

Castor plant and asters in a ceramic vase - Molly

Her aesthetic garden provided a beautiful accent to the Ikebana, and also provided her with inspiration and material!

The coconut fronds in the arrangement below were from her backyard.

Asia Lilies and coconut fronds in an old brass Puttu container - Molly

One jerbera or Two?

That was the question, and both options were tried.
Palm, croton and one jerbera - Molly

Palm, croton and two jerberas!

An all-round table arrangement.
Gladioli and reed - Molly

The water lilies in her garden inspired her, as she did a floating arrangement, with a furled leaf adding a lovely touch, and rounding off her demonstration.

Congratulations Molly, and looking forward to more demonstrations!

Headmaster's Work for July

2009-07-11T19:59:00.004+05:30

I hope the summer heat is coming down atlast!!!

Well, with Molly's demonstration coming up next week, its Ikebana time again !!!! Here is a post of the Headmaster's work for July! It is truly a very cooooool One !! Enjoy !!

She describes the work ...
"Apples and Unshiu oranges decorate the surface of the water, colored by the stem-fluids of allium giganteum. The construction humorously contrasts the stalks in the water and those protruding out of it."

Allium giganteum, Bulrush, Apple, Unshiu orange
Glass vase - 68×118×91cm
Courtesy : http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/exhibition/index.html

The Bangalore chapter has a demonstration

2009-05-20T10:13:00.002+05:30

DSCF1944
Originally uploaded by RabiCherian

Our members were in Bangalore during a meeting with demonstration of the Bangalore Sogetsu chapter.

More pictures.

8th North American Sogetsu Seminar

2009-05-10T10:45:00.001+05:30

8th North American Sogetsu Seminar
Originally uploaded by sogetsudc

Flickr: sogetsudc's Photostream

Keith has posted some lovely photos of the North American Sogetsu exhibition.

This picture is "the arrangement that the Iemoto of the school and her assistants made for the lobby of the hotel hosting the seminar", according to Keith.

Interestingly, many of the arrangements display a lot of familiar material - monnstera, ginger lilies, palm leaves and anthuriums

Art From Dry Leaves & DRIFTWOOD

2009-05-09T08:38:00.003+05:30

In This Series, We Meet Unusual Groups. This Week, Learn About Ikebana With The Chennai Sogetsu Study Circle
Priya M Menon | TNN

They see beauty even in dry leaves and driftwood. In a discarded bouquet, they see a treasure trove of possibilities. For the members of the Chennai Sogetsu Study Circle, anything in nature has charm and is to be treated with respect. A sentiment which is reflected in the art they strive to master — ikebana or the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
If you think ikebana is just flower arrangement, you couldn’t be more wrong, says Malathi Pandurang, who was instrumental in setting up the circle 15 years ago. “It originated in Buddhist temples as an offering of flowers,” says Malathi. “Priests used it to teach disciples the transcendent quality of life.”
Ikebana has many schools, the oldest being Ikenobo. The Sogestsu school was founded by Sofu Teshigahara, who recognised it as a creative art. And it is to this school that the members of this Circle belong.
Malathi became interested in the art when she moved to New Delhi. “There was an ikebana exhibition in a hotel and I was struck by its beauty,” she says. From 1972 to 1975 she learnt the art and received her teacher’s certificate. “When I moved to Chennai in 1976, I began teaching it at home, and the circle grew,” says Malathi.
Vaishali Vasa learnt the art while she lived in Japan. “Once I came back I wanted to continue learning and joined the circle,” she says.
The circle has 12 members — 10 women and two men — who meet at least once a month. “We choose a theme and create our own compositions,” says Dally Varghese. “You can use any plant material, not just flowers,” says Malathi. “It teaches you to respect natural life, that even a dry leaf has use.”
“In a tropical climate like Chennai, we use more leaves and fewer flowers,” says Molly Cherian, also a teacher. You’re encouraged to use whatever grows around you.
Water is an integral part of every composition, as all life flows from water. The container plays an equally important role. The circle has conducted many exhibitions in the city. “We usually organise them from December to February as the weather is cooler and you also get more flowers,” says Trishla Vaishnav.
“We’ve attended workshops in New Delhi, Bangalore and Pondicherry,” says Meenakshi Savi. “And we plan to go to Japan soon.” In the meantime, they work on their compositions everyday. “We often embarrass people by picking up discarded bouquets, leaves and branches,” laughs Meenakshi. “We all have ikebanas at home. If we don’t have one, our families actually miss it.”
priya.menon@timesgroup.com

Though she has got Meenu's name wrong, its a well written article is it not? (Meenakshi Savi is actually Meenakshi Sarin).

So ladies and gentleman are we off to Japan or what?!

Ikebana and Wagashi

2009-04-11T19:56:00.007+05:30

An exhibition with the theme "Welcome Treat in the Cherry Blossoms Season" was held at the "Toraya Gallery" in Tokyo from March 12th to 17th. It was a collaboration with Toraya, makers of Wagashi, the traditional Japanese Confectionery. Iemoto Akane Teshigahara created many beautiful works using Seven kinds of Sakura( cherry blossoms) and spring flowers. It sure was a treat for all the senses!! Here are some pictures !

By the way, Wagashi is the traditional Japanese confectionery. It does not merely encompass a single group of confection; the art of Japanese confectionery owes its diversity in large part to its ingredients and methods of preparation.

Toraya is one of the oldest makers of traditional confectionery in Japan. According to an archive, Toraya was already supplying confectionery to the Imperial Family in the 16th century as it still does today. From the earliest times to the present day, the ownership of Toraya has passed directly from generation to generation.

Information & Ikebana Picture Coutesy :
Sensei Shumho, Japan (http://ikebana2.cgdays.com)
Wagashi Info Courtesy :
http://www.toraya-group.co.jp/english/index.html (Please do visit. It is very interesting.)

More from the Japan week

2009-03-17T15:26:00.009+05:30

Venkatesh posted some pictures from the Japan week earlier, here.

Here are some more...

The Japanese version of our "dhrishti pushnikai"?

Another guardian

Rimpa

The Ohara School in Chennai also participated and had a lovely corner. Above, is a Rimpa style arrangement, related to the Rimpa style of painting in Japan, from what I coud gather, from the write-up next to the arrangement. The decorative qualities of the materials used are captured.

Water reflecting style

The literature read, " In this style the subject is placed to slant over the container and cast its reflection on the surface of the water. it is called the Water reflecting style because the Subject, the Secondary and the Object are arranged so a wide surface of water is visible"

Bunjin

My photo cut off the literature, but searching on the 'net, I discovered that this style is based on the Chinese art of painting, and looks to highlight the poetic and elegant nature of one's material.

Realistic landscape Moribana

A typical Ohara landscape, I thought!

The Cascading style

Kadou Enshu Ikebana

2009-03-13T21:40:00.001+05:30

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I came across this interesting Ikebana video on You Tube. This is from the Kadou Enshu School of Ikebana in Japan. This technique is perhaps not used in our Sogetsu School. However, we can see it for academic sake :).
Courtesy : www.kadouenshu.com

From the Iemoto's Gallery

2009-03-13T20:09:00.002+05:30

Here is Iemoto Akane's arrangement of March 2009.
She describes it as "Alocasia odora leaf seems to resonate against the rotundity of the ceramic bowl. Magnolia quinquepeta augments the warm feeling."

Materials : Magnolia quinquepeta, Alocasia odora
Vase : Ceramic bowl
Size : 76×95×78cm
Courtesy : http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/exhibition/index.html

[[ I am working on the Auroville Trip write up. Till I post, enjoy this one ]]

Japan Cultural Week at Lalita Kala Academy, Chennai

2009-03-09T12:33:00.008+05:30

Japan Cultural Week was celebrated at the Lalita Kala Academy, Chennai. It included Japanese Dolls Exhibition and Tea Ceremony. Some members of the Sogetsu Chennai Study Group did Ikebana arrangements as well. Here are some Pictures.

By Vaishali

Vaishali

Meenu

Molly

Meenu

HH The Dalai Lama's Visit to Auroville

2009-03-03T20:33:00.012+05:30

His Holiness The Dalai Lama visited Auroville. On this occasion, Sensei Valeria did Many Ikebana arrangements to welcome Him. Here are some pictures. (Please click on them for bigger ones). Thank you Sensei.

Nice arrangement

The Golden Disk of the Matri Mandir (in the background) is used as a vase.

Sensei & the monks giving the finishing touch at the Buddha Altar

Another arrangement

One more Ikebana

Sensei at work

Finished arrangement

The Dalai Lama

Sensei Valeria's Ikebana

2009-02-22T13:03:00.002+05:30

Here is another beautiful Ikebana work of Sensei Valeria.

My experiments with urban waste

2009-02-22T12:05:00.007+05:30

Over the years, in our annual exhibitions, I have experimented with urban waste, as a source of art and expression. Initially, I worked with various discarded auto parts - I had an old car that frequently threw up these various parts at me!

Car parts - an early attempt

I recall using these old silencers with the exhaust pipes forming the main lines! My father gave me some tips as to how to make them stand, and where I could fill water, for the fresh material! My mother of course was the sounding board and provided me the encouragement to try this idea. It was also the first time that I worked with limoneum, the everlasting flower, which was used to soften the harsh, metallic lines of the pipes.

I imagined the creation to show how even in our urban jungles, there are spots of life (the red carnations!), to brighten our life, and all we need to do is to look out for them.

2006-car radiators!
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

The next year, and I had some discarded radiators to work with! They provided "surfaces", but lacked colour and focus. Coloured berries and bleached and painted coconut fibre I thought provided a dramatic effect! However, many of my friends who saw this stood in disbelief that I could call this Ikebana!! Like a mother defending her child though, I have a soft corner for this creation, and actually prefer it over my earlier attempt, which I thought was childish.

What do you think?

2007-plastic hose
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

The next year, we sold the car, and with it went my "source" of material!

That was the time when the streets of Madras were all being dug up, and optic fibre cables were being laid. Wherever you looked you saw ditches with colourful plastic cables sticking out, causing my mother to exclaim that wouldn't those cables be a good material to work with for Ikebana!

That was the inspiration behind the 2007 composition, which I labelled Urbania. It reminded me of a city's night life, neon lights and cars with headlights.

I have also used thermocol as a "vase", over the years. There's so much of it that lies around, coming as packing material with anything that you buy!

And they have such interesting shapes and dramatic forms as well!

Here are some of the creations.

2008-thermocol
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

2009-thermocol
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

I have enjoyed creating these works, but I know that quite often it does not appeal to the purist.

For some reason though, I am drawn to the abstract designs that I see in these waste products, and enjoy the creative process of working with them!

The large works through the years

2009-02-17T20:23:00.003+05:30

Chennai Sogetsu Ikebana 09
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

Going through the Flickr gallery, I was tempted to do a post highlighting the large works by Sensei Malathi, over these last few years!

This was the large arrangement from the 2009 exhibition, where she said she drew inspiration from the pyramids of Egypt.

For me however, they reminded me of a Japanese garden, with the swept stones, the spare branches with their strong lines, and the chrysanthemums, so ceremonial and sacred to the Japanese.

Chennai Sogetsu Ikebana 2008
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

This water pot from my grandfather's home in Mysore found a new use, in this age of plumbing and electric water heaters!

Chennai Sogetsu ikebana 2007
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

The tall bamboos topped by elegant swirls was the feature of our 2007 exhibition.

Chennai Sogetsu Ikebana 2006
Originally uploaded by ambikach2002

And 2006 saw Sensei Malathi use tall palms in a stylised fashion, with dramatic heliconia, for a tropical garden theme.

My favourites are 2009 and 2007. What are yours?!

Ikebana Drawing

2009-02-08T21:09:00.003+05:30

Our friend Valeria from Pondicherry does one or two Ikebana to welcome her students at the Ikebana class. Two of her students are artists, and they like to do the drawing of the Ikebana.

Nice drawing. I want to share it with our group. We have a lesson about sketching & drawing in book 3&4. I wish i could draw like this.. Thanks Valeria for the picture.

Listen to the Voice of Flowers - Ikebana of Valeria Raso

2009-02-05T21:16:00.005+05:30

Ikebana Teacher and Artist Valeria Raso visited our exhibition. She is Born in Sicily,Italy and has a Degree in Psychology at Padova University. She Sailed a yacht around the world for 8 years with her Japanese husband. She lived in Japan for 14 years and studied Ikebana for 10 years at the Sogetsu School where she was awarded a teacher's degree,and the name "Suiren"(Lotus flower). Valeria is originally Italian but she professes a deeper identification with the Japanese culture. She lives in Auroville ,a international township in South India,with her husband and her daughter, and gives talks and classes on Ikebana all year round.

It was very nice of her to visit our Ikebana Exhibition in Chennai. Thank you Valeria, from all of us.

Here are some pictures of her Ikebana for our group.
(Courtesy : http://www.japaneseartfurniture.com/ikebana.htm)

(Valeria is in the white T Shirt - In Class)

Seventh Chords: Sometimes in Winter

2009-02-04T09:05:00.000+05:30

Seventh Chords: Sometimes in Winter

Beautiful!

Sogetsu Ikebana 2009 - a set on Flickr

2009-02-03T12:13:00.000+05:30

Sogetsu Ikebana 2009 - a set on Flickr

Take a look at the pictures of our exhibition last week. 70 exhibits I think there were.

If any of you can identify arrangements that I may have left out, please let me know, and I'll add them.

Enjoy the photos!

The Hindu reports on the exhibition

2009-01-31T21:12:00.003+05:30

Photo courtesy Raja Ramakrishnan
The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Something outlandish about the scent wafting from expo

A very strange headline, dont you think? What did they have in mind?! Anyway, here's the article:

CHENNAI: It was a riot of colour at the hall, which played host to a variety of flowers from the simple Bougainville flower to the exotic Ooty varieties, dry wood and bamboo. The students experimented with containers in which the flower/foliage arrangements were made: ceramic vases, glass dishes, an antique spice box and a colourfully painted circular lunch-box.

A three-day Ikebana exhibition, organised by the Tamil Nadu centre of the ABK-AOTS Dosokai at Lalit Kala Akademi here, provides a glimpse of the Japanese art form of arranging flowers.

It was inaugurated on Friday by Lan Minagawa, wife of the Consul-General of Japan Kazuo Minagawa, and presents the work of a team of Sogetsu Study Circle.

Sogetsu Ikebana is a school that allows room for experiment with flowers, plants and containers, the students say. It is less conservative than others that expect the flower arrangers to wear the traditional Japanese costume and follow the rules strictly.

College professor Pushkala Arumugam, who has been learning the art for a year, says being allowed to use material available gives her “a lot of scope for imagination”. S. Venkatesh, also a fresher, has used bamboo and offset it with flowers from his garden. Ashok Bhoopathy has used a branch of custard apple, thrown in a few flowers and displayed an interesting, unexpected ensemble.

Malathi Pandurang, who heads the study circle, says a person should be able to respond to the “raw material” when one sees it. “It is the art of harmonising two different kinds of materials,” she says. “The flowers add colour to the green foliage or the dry wood.”

The exhibition, titled ‘Facets of Sogetsu Ikebana’, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Monday.

Its actually open only until tomorrow evening - Sunday evening!

Something outlandish about the scent wafting from expo

2009-01-31T20:50:00.003+05:30

Ikebana exhibition gives a glimpse of Japanese art form of arranging flowers
Special Correspondent
- PHOTO: S. THANTHONI.

Eye-catching: An exhibition of the Japanese art of flower arrangement, which was inaugurated in Lalit Kala Akademi on Friday.

CHENNAI: It was a riot of colour at the hall, which played host to a variety of flowers from the simple Bougainville flower to the exotic Ooty varieties, dry wood and bamboo. The students experimented with containers in which the flower/foliage arrangements were made: ceramic vases, glass dishes, an antique spice box and a colourfully painted circular lunch-box.

A three-day Ikebana exhibition, organised by the Tamil Nadu centre of the ABK-AOTS Dosokai at Lalit Kala Akademi here, provides a glimpse of the Japanese art form of arranging flowers.

It was inaugurated on Friday by Lan Minagawa, wife of the Consul-General of Japan Kazuo Minagawa, and presents the work of a team of Sogetsu Study Circle.

Sogetsu Ikebana is a school that allows room for experiment with flowers, plants and containers, the students say. It is less conservative than others that expect the flower arrangers to wear the traditional Japanese costume and follow the rules strictly.

College professor Pushkala Arumugam, who has been learning the art for a year, says being allowed to use material available gives her “a lot of scope for imagination”. S. Venkatesh, also a fresher, has used bamboo and offset it with flowers from his garden. He has used a branch of custard apple, thrown in a few flowers and displayed an interesting, unexpected ensemble.

Malathi Pandurang, who heads the study circle, says a person should be able to respond to the “raw material” when one sees it. “It is the art of harmonising two different kinds of materials,” she says. “The flowers add colour to the green foliage or the dry wood.”

The exhibition, titled ‘Facets of Sogetsu Ikebana’, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Monday.

Credit : http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/31/stories/2009013158880300.htm

Workshop November 2008

2009-01-23T23:12:00.002+05:30

Following the coaxing and cajoling from all others, I have been goaded to post these photos, from our last worskhop. The reluctance on my part was becuase of the horrible quality of the photos, which do no justice to the arrangements.

I warned you!

Venkatesh, I think?

I have forgotten completely who did which, so if any of you remember, please do post a comment!

Seetha

Flowering plants that grow on the edges of standing water

2009-01-17T20:55:00.003+05:30

I was desperately looking for Flowering plants that grow on the edges of standing water and I found these pictures :) All of them grow close to water bodies - lakes, ponds etc. I wish i got some of these for the exhibition for my arrangements. Please visit the following link for more details and pictures: http://www.ontariowildflower.com/lakeedge.htm

Blue Flag

Water Parsnip
Loosestrife Purple Plant
Marsh St John'swort flower - (I simply love this ) Cardinal Flower Marsh Marigold

Pampas Grass (I am sure I have found this in my place :) )

A Perfetct Match

2009-01-12T07:57:00.002+05:30

In Ieomoto's words..."The theme is “mismatch”. A banana was installed in a delicate basket, and to reinforce the theme, a similar colored and shaped curcuma arrangement was added."
Material: Musa velutina, Curcuma
Vessel: Bamboo basket
Arrangement by : Akane Teshigahara
Courtesy : http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/exhibition/archive.html

Observation of Vase & Material

2009-01-12T07:51:00.002+05:30

Here is an arrangement by Iemoto Akane. It is described as :
"This is the result of careful observation of vase and materials and that uses lines to capture the surface characteristics. Within the simple construction lies the subtley of the relationship of materials and space."
Material: Sunflower, East Indian Lotus ; Vessel: Ceramic vase ; Size: 68x38x30cm

Courtesy : http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/exhibition/archive.html

Flowering plants speed post-surgery recovery

2008-12-30T14:10:00.002+05:30

Do take those flowers when visiting somebody in the hospital, maybe an Ikebana arrangement? Or better still a potted plant!!

MANHATTAN, KS—Contact with nature has long been suspected to increase positive feelings, reduce stress, and provide distraction from the pain associated with recovery from surgery. Now, research has confirmed the beneficial effects of plants and flowers for patients recovering from abdominal surgery.

A recent study by Seong-Hyun Park and Richard H. Mattson, researchers from the Department of Horticulture, Recreation and Forestry at Kansas State University, provides strong evidence that contact with plants is directly beneficial to a hospital patient's health. Using various medical and psychological measurements, the study set out to evaluate if plants in hospital rooms have therapeutic influences.

Studies show that when patients have great stress associated with surgery, they typically experience more severe pain and a slower recovery period. Some of these problems are treated through the use of anesthetics and analgesics, but, if not properly administered, the drugs can have side effects ranging from vomiting and headaches to drug dependency or even fatality. It is therefore beneficial to patients and care providers to develop approaches that improve the overall patient experience but don't rely on pharmaceuticals.

The study, published in the October 2008 issue of HortTechnology, was conducted on 90 patients recovering from an appendectomy. Patients were randomly assigned to hospital rooms with or without plants during their postoperative recovery periods. Data collected for the study included information on the length of hospitalization, administration of drugs for postoperative pain control, vital signs, ratings of pain intensity, distress, fatigue and anxiety, and the patient's room
satisfaction questionnaire.

Patients with plants in their rooms had significantly fewer intakes of pain medication, more positive physiological responses (lower blood pressure and heart rate), less pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and better overall positive and higher satisfaction with their recovery rooms than their counterparts in the control group without plants in their rooms.

An interesting note to this study—the majority of patients who had plants in their rooms reported that the plants were the most positive qualities of their rooms (93%), whereas patients without plants in their rooms said that watching television was the most favorable aspect of their rooms (91%). The study suggests that potted plants offer the most benefit, as opposed to cut flowers, because of their longevity.

Nursing staff reported that as patients recovered, they began to show interaction with the plants, including watering, pruning, and moving them for a better view or light. A number of studies have also shown that indoor plants make air healthier and provide an optimum indoor environment by increasing humidity, and reducing the quantity of mold spores and airborne germs.
This nonpharmacological approach to recovery is good news for patients, doctors, and insurers alike in terms of cost effectiveness and medical benefits. The study provides strong evidence that contact with plants is directly beneficial to patients' health, providing meaningful therapeutic contact for patients recovering from painful surgery.
###

The complete study and abstract are available on the ASHS
HortTechnology electronic journal web site:
http://horttech.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/18/4/563
Founded in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)
is the largest organization dedicated to advancing all facets of
horticultural research, education, and application. More information
at ashs.org

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/asfh-fps122608.php

Akane's Arrangement for January, 2009

2008-12-29T22:02:00.003+05:30

Here is Iemoto Akane Teshigahara's arrangement for January 2009. She describes it as follows :

"As one of “Saikansanyu (Three Winter Favorites: pine, bamboo and plum),” bamboo is a key material for festive arrangements. With the smooth bamboo texture and neatened pine and Japanese winterberry branches, it's a very light-looking arrangement. Cattleya inserted at the end makes the point of emphasis."

Pine, Japanese winterberry, Cattleya
Bamboo vase
45×62×33cm

A day at the studio

2008-11-17T19:26:00.002+05:30

It was a tiring day under the spotlights - for the carnations, lilies and chrysanthemums! Our star performers were the models for photography students training at Shashikant Photography

For us, it was a fascinating day, to see what a backdrop and different lighting can do to an ikebana arrangement, as a work of art.

For each of these arrangements, the students would take almost half an hour, to organise the lighting, change the backdrop, shoot from different angles. So we saw lights that hang overhead, spotlights that go on the backdrop, side lights, bottom lights, etc etc!

Unfortunately, I only had my camera phone with me, and these are all the pictures I could muster!

Sorry about this...it just will not straighten!

The agency has a six month photography programme, and flower photography is just one of the themes they cover. They also have a lovely Flower series, stock photos that you can purchase from them.

A tea ceremony and the Ohara school

2008-11-17T18:42:00.008+05:30

It was my first experience with a Japanese tea ceremony here in Madras, and quite an event it was!

Organised at the Japanese Consulate, it may have been sniffed at by the purists, but for us non-Japanese, it was a whiff of their culture, zen thought and philosophy.

So much care, silence, the trickle of water, the appreciation of the tea cup, the deliberate cleaning of the serving cup and other implements....

All for a cup of tea you may ask? Its not the end that matters but the process I guess!
Take a look at all the implements that were involved. We were told that the whisk (that you see in the foreground) is ceremonially consigned to the temple fire, once a year in a special ceremony.

Then there's a cloth to wipe the ladle, another to wipe out the guests' cup...all in all very complicated!

One must make the time to relax, meditate, and calm the mind before having the energising tea!
Above is the container holding the cool water. This is poured deliberately into the boiler, pictured below. During the process, one hears the soothing sound of the water trickling.

And the tea is accompanied by these various Japanese sweets. Some were gelatin-based, others were redbean, and still others had a biscuity texture!
Then there was an interlude, followed by a few arrangements put up by the Ohara ladies, led by Sherry. (I hope I have spelt her name correctly?)
This lovely landscape arrangement was placed outside, with coconut saplings forming the major part.

A no-kenzan arrangement above, and a miniature landscape below.

A delightful and aesthetic arrangement with vegetables on a banana leaf

Qumqat branches and Asia lilies - subject and object.

A composite arrangement with several vases.

A refreshing morning indeed!

Vases

2008-11-09T15:42:00.004+05:30

Hello Group

Does any one one our group have Vase of these colours. If yes, would you please be kind enough to lend it to me during the Exhibition - If you do not plant to do an arrangement in it?? I dont need the exact shape, but the colour combination somewhat matching this will do. Thanks a lot.

Sensei & Sensibility

2008-11-01T20:46:00.003+05:30

Sensei Malathi has added the following comment on the "No Kezan Workshop" -

"Every time I see the report I feel the photoes are more gorgeous than what I saw with my own eyes, they seem as done by master of the art. Keep it up ladies and gentlemen..". Thank you so much Ma'am for such a big complement. It inspires me to become a Master of the Art. And I am sure, it does the same to others of our group.

While browsing Keith Stanley's beautiful Ikebana website, I saw a blog titled "Sensei and Sensibility" and that prompts me to write the sensibility of a Sensei. I brought a Vases - a square mouthed with the 4 sides having the following : A pathway and a door, a street light, some calla lillies growing on the hedge, just a brick wall and some calla lillies . I liked the vase very much, but I was a bit taken back when I heard comments like "This is too picturey-picturey.." "I dont like it.." "I like cylindrical shaped vases only..." And so on and so on.

But when I showed it to Sensei Malathi, She looked at all the sides for some time, and then slowly gave her comments.

"You can display all the 4 surfaces nicely. "

"This surface shows a door... You can do an arrangement that says WELCOME. You can use welcoming colours like Pink.."

"This surface shows just a street light and some calla lillies. You can do an arrangement depicting a "Street Scene"

"This surface has a brick wall and lots of calla lillies. So you can use lots of greens and do an arrangement.."

That was some sensibility from the Sensei. I learnt a good deal from this. We can always focus on how to use a container/vase most effectively, than just looking at the unwanted part and rejecting the whole idea of using it :) :) That is what Sogetsu is about, isnt it? Anything, Anywhere, Anybody ??????????

Ma'am once again I express my joy that I am able to learn the beautiful art of Ikebana from you. Thank you for being there for all of us. I am adding a picture of an arrangement of Akane Teshigahara.

It is described as "..Paphiopediulum serves as a single accent for this light oncidium arrangement that resembles a nest of sparrows. Container: Ceramic vase"

The no-kenzan workshop

2008-10-24T08:35:00.006+05:30

Sorry for this late post, but then better late than never isn't it?! Here are the pictures from the no-kenzan workshop we had at Trishala's place, a couple of weeks ago.

The pictures were taken from a phone-cam, so they do not do any justice to all the lovely arrangements, But anyway something is better than nothing!

The early birds were all done and ready when we late-comers arrived, and so we did not witness their "struggle" to balance the material and achieve beauty without the convenience of a kenzan! So, Trishala, Prerana, Seetha and Chitra sat smugly while the rest of us toiled at achieving this balance, combining the laws of gravity with aesthetics!

Trishala

Trishala's arrangement went vertical, while Prerana took the horizontal route, both achieving grace in their lines, with the flowers adding a lovely focus.

Prerana

Seetha and Chitra decided to keep it low, and created these nice table arrangements.

Seethalakshmi

Chitra

Molly took the branch lines tall, and had initially placed some orchids, but then decided on these carnations to complement the lovely lines

Molly

Sorry Venkatesh, but the AC at the back could not be avoided in the picture! His purple daisies(?) were eyed by one and all, as he artistically combined the two triangle Sogetsu vases.
VenkateshMeenu created this design marvel, where her branches balanced without a tripod-like effect! The tall carnations really give the composition elegance is it not?
MeenuI used the standard tripod technique, with the long, slender and feminine copsia complementing the more masculine dressina?!
AmbikaAnd Vaishali did manage it in the end, after struggling to make these strelitzia stand, using the other thick branch did the trick, producing this dramatic and vibrant composition!
VaishaliOf course, Ashok was late. And he charmed the ladies and earned his ragda patties by producing this creation-in-a-jiffy arrangement, with ficus fruits on a branch!

AshokAfter some great chaat and some yummy pineapple dessert we all said our goodbyes, promising to meet next month at Meenu's!

Cosmos in a Vase

2008-10-18T20:25:00.002+05:30

Here is an arrangement that I would create after I become an Ikebana Master.

For now, it has been done by Iemoto Akane Teshigahara which she descries as

"This is a colorful arrangement that emphasizes the soaring appearance of cosmos, a flower representative of autumn."

Container: Glass vase

Beautiful, isnt it ??

Iemoto's arrangement

2008-10-18T20:19:00.002+05:30

Here is an arrangement by Iemoto Akane. Perhaps the simplicity is the most complex thing about Ikebana ??

She describes this particular arrangement as "It sticks to lucid colors that emphasize the shape and originality of the gourd-shaped bamboo vase that was placed horizontally."

Container: Bamboo vase

Iemoto's arrangement

2008-10-07T13:38:00.003+05:30

I am fascinated with arrangements with lotus flowers or leaves. Here is a lovely arrangement by Iemoto Akane.

It is described as "A powerful lotus arrangement in a small jade vase, the pomegranate fruits give movement to the overall."

The Container is a Jade vase.

Lotuses!

2008-10-03T12:34:00.002+05:30

Click on the pictures and enjoy a full-screen view. Taken on my mobile phone. The Flower is amazing, and it is no wonder that it holds a special place in Indian culture!

Akane Teshigahara's A bunch of thoughts

2008-09-21T15:23:00.002+05:30

Iemoto Akane arranged flowers for the G8 Hokkaido Toyako summit.

Read about her experiences, by clicking Akane Teshigahara's A bunch of thoughts

Nice pictures as well.

She also created an outdoor bamboo installation with members of the Hokkaido branch.