Ikebana and us

August 21st 2019 It was close to a full house as we met for our August meeting.  On the agenda were demonstrations by sensei Dalley on using branches in expression, and sensei Ambika on creating Ikebana to complement art.  Chairperson Malathi made some announcements regarding our planned annual exhibition in 2020 January before the demonstrations.  She welcomed new member Luna Bose, and also introduced two guests - Mrs Shashwathi Mukherjee and Ms Geetha - for the meeting. Sensei Dalley began with a Nagiere composition with distinct branches in a earthen coloured vase.  The dramatic lines were complemented with large jerberas and a stunning crab's claw. Sensei Dalley's composition with a beautful interplay of rust, brown and red, all wonderfully balanced and harmonised. Sensei Ambika then demonstrated ikebana complementing art.  A ceramic sculpture of a lady with a pot was complemented with an arrangement in a moribana black vase. Emphasising the lines of t

July 24th 2019 The first meeting after the summer break, and we had good attendance.  18 members, including two new members were present. The first order of business was to welcome the new members Ms Usha and Ms Luna to the Study Group.  It was a special moment to welcome Usha, a friend and student of our study group sensei, Late Ms Janaki. Next, sensei Malathi gave the Third Grade teachers certificates to Senseis Dalley and Ambika.  Both expressed what an honour and special moment it was. Sensei Dalley and Ambika received Third Grade  Teacher's certificates from Sensei Malathi!  Congratulations to them. Sensei Malathi then proceeded with her demonstration, where she focussed on showing the significance of Line in ikebana and thereby talked about how to read Line before proceeding with the composition. It can be Linear Form, linear mass, linear surface or simply Line. To read them as 'weak' or Strong'. Also how to strengthen weak Line or how to weak