Ikebana and us

This chrysanthemum was what I used in one of the previous workshop after which they were in a vase at home.A few weeks later the bunch started to leave shoots by the side, then a little later I placed the whole thing in a pot of sand, two days ago I see the new shoot budding to my surprise and the dry mother stalk is still there and not fallen off. So sharing this unusual natural event, especially in Chennai, with all of you. Malathi A closer look at the buds

 24th February In my garden for the first time I see a monstera in bloom.  That is what I thought. Only to discover that it is a fruit that is edible! Malathi 28th Feb They taste like pineapple, the literature on the internet says. These scales need to be removed.  Who will be bold enough to try it, I wonder!

February 21st 2015 The Study Group met for its monthly meeting at ABK AOTS Dosoka.  The theme of the workshop was to display geometric shapes either through the container or through plant materials and colour.  Nine members attended. Malathi sensei demonstrated with this compote All senseis were requested to do one demonstration on the theme. Only 2 senseis were present and  Malathi sensei demonstrated before the workshop.  She chose a black compote. which had a circular top and a cylindrical neck, and a jar like lower part. She expressed a minimal composition using Cypres alternifolia (umbrella plant) to form a triangular shape, complimented with a parallel line with a sharp angle and one gerbera for colour.  Molly sensei used golden coloured wires in geometric shape, helconia and many leaves.  However, unfortunately, nobody seems to have taken a picture of the arrangement! Prerana used a nagiere vase with openings on the side and used...

Feb 2nd 2015 Consul General Nakano and Mrs Nakano leave Chennai this month. The Sogetsu Study Group hosted a farewell tea for them.  They have been appreciative and encouraging of our work in their four years in our city, and it is indeed sad that they have to leave so soon. The tea was well attended and we all enjoyed chatting with Mr and Mrs Nakano about their experiences in India, practising Ikebana with local materials and the commonalities between Inda and Japan. The farewell gift from the Study Group - a book titled India Then and Now The Consul thanked us for our hospitality, and appreciated our efforts in popularising Ikebana in Chennai.  He mentioned that he was very impressed at how we managed to use local materials while so beautifully adhering to the art principles. The Madras Club was a lovely setting for the gathering, and a group photo on the rear verandah completed the evening.