Ikebana and us

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

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!

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

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&

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!