Ikebana and us

 10th October 2020 18 members tuned in to our online Google Meet monthly meeting at 11am on this Saturday, to enjoy a different kind of experience.  Sensei Malathi requested members to ask all their doubts that they may have regarding the art of Ikebana. After a few minutes of Hellos, greetings and ensuring that all except the questioner had their mikes off, we began.  Below is a summary of the questions, and answers.  While it was a more elaborate discussion, captured here is the essence of the response. Prerana :  Please explain what is artistic space in an Ikebana arrangement. Ans: Space, or the absence of material, is in itself an important part of an Ikebana arrangement.   The space between main lines and jushis is important as a beginner but taking advantage of space as part of your arrangement as you advance, defines an ikebana arrangement.  Incorporating space improves the aesthetics of the arrangement, I can say, and it also allows for the viewer to appreciate the composition

 12th September 2020   As the COVID pandemic rages on, we continue our online workshops.  It has been an interesting journey of discovery as to the amount that we can do in the "virtual" world. We obviously all miss the ease of face to face meetings - and we do not seem to be able to go beyond hello and how are you in our social intereactions on a video meet, but the fact that we are able to stay in touch, and keep our Ikebana practice going has been therapeutic and energising. This month sensei Trishala volunteered  to do a demonstration on no-kenzan arrangements.  It was a challenge for her, to deal with the technology of the demonstration, more than the Ikebana challenge, I am sure!!  But she was game and up to it, as we did a mock call to ensure that the camera angles are fine and that we can hear and see her. On the 12th, we had 17 members in attendance for the workshop. And thankfully the internet "Gods" were with us, and we all had good reception and clarity,