Ikebana and us

April 19th 2018 As summer has well and truly set in in our city, it was but appropriate to have a workshop with the theme of summer.  Ten members were present for the workshop. Sensei Dalley kicked off our meeting with a pleasing demonstration, with dramatic driftwood in each arrangement. Summer brought to mind the dry branches that await the rain. She began with a moribana, no-kenzan arrangement in a ceramic suiban.  She spoke about looking to balance her driftwood pieces naturally without a fixture, that was her aim. Sensei Dalley's first arrangement "Summer in the Woods", with the natural balance of the driftwood, the newly sprouting  leaves and flowers. She had a most interesting anecdote about her second vase,  which as you can see, is a burl, hollowed out tree trunk!  This neem tree branch had grown around the iron angle that adorned her compound wall, and in fact enveloped it.  When cut, it revealed this lovely hollow! Using the burl as

March 20th 2018 Four of our members had travelled to Delhi to witness the demonstration of  Iemoto designate of Ichiyo school, Naohiro Kasuya.  Watching and absorbing techniques and approaches of other schools of Ikebana is always a enriching experience. For our March meeting, the members hsared heir experiences, pictures and impressions of this demonstration with other members.  The emphasis on natural balance and the Iemoto designate's artistic interpretations of his impressions of India were fascinating and enjoyable.  This was followed by our election agenda. There was unanimous election of the following: Chairperson - Mrs Malathi Pandurang  Deputy Chairperson - Mrs Ambika Chandrasekar Secretary - Mrs Bhuvana Shivshankaran Treasurer - Mrs Chelvi Gopinath They will take over in June 2018, for the 2018 to 2020 period.

23rd and 24th Feb 2018 The Sogetsu Study Group Chennai had its annual exhiition at Focus Art Gallery in Egmore.  It was our first time exhibiting in this gallery, and members enjoyed the aesthetic ambience.  Our exhibition pictures are here. Click on the link above to see the gallery of pictures, regarding the inaugurations, the visitors and the compositions.  Short videos on the speeches by our chief guests are also in the album. It was a colourful and memorable affair!