Ikebana and us

http://www.hindu.com/pp/2008/05/31/stories/2008053150070200.htm Anthuriums give the right balance There are many possibilities with anthuriums now available in bigger sizes and many colours, writes Hema Vijay Elegant, understated and yet dashing – that describes this wonderful ikebana arrangement by Ambika Chandrasekar. The dashing red anthurium flowers in the centre charges up the scene, while the green props by way of the variegated reed grass on the lower level and the umbrella plants that reach upwards create a great colour balance. ‘Basically, my focus was to achieve an appealing, abstract colour effect’, says Ambika. Ambika sourced the thermocol prop for the base and the back from laptop packaging. The circular holed thermocol sheet placed at a slight angle adds a touch of modernity and provides a great backdrop for the vivid anthuriums. But wouldn’t a modern material like thermocol go against the ‘green’ spirit that ikebana celebrates? ’Not at all’, says Ambika. "The Sogets

A theme with colour focus Any green material can contribute to the creation of an ikebana entity, writes Hema Vijay Nature’s legacy: Ikebana is a beautiful art form that has a close bearing on nature It is a beautiful art. An art form that gives you a closer connection with nature; an art form that looks great and radiates a live, feel-good aura; art that anybody can get into. Yes, of course; it is Ikebana, the wonderful Japanese art of flower arrangement that we are talking about. Ikebana literally means ‘alive plant material’ in Japanese. Not just floral decoration. Ikebana goes beyond and resonates with the spirit. Among the Ikebana schools, Sogetsu School has charmed the world the most. In 1927, Sofu Teshigahara recognised ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School, which permits a high order of liberty in choice of material used. Beginning this week, we bring to you some wonderful flower arrangements, along with instructions on how to get it done, and a glance at the