November workshop - Understanding Texture

20th November 2021

For our November workshop, our Chairperson Sensei Malathi, chose an interesting theme of "Texture".  There was a discussion as to whether we could do it face to face, or should we do it via online.

Finally, while participation was online, our sensei Pushkala braved the heights of the Chennai monsoon to use the ABK AOTS Dosokai venue and Zoom link to demonstrate on this theme.

As usual, she was well planned for her demonstration and also meticulous in her execution.

 

She began with a wooden vase, for which she used the cane swirls to highlight the texture of the vase.

The mirroring of the vase design as well was skilful, and the single anthurium - brought a focal point.  

For her second composition, Sensei Pushkala brought out an interesting steel grill painted black - a structure that she created  and painted herself!  

Her dark coloured saree prevented us from seeing it well, so we requested her to display the vase, and here is a screenshot of the structure!

She placed a black cup within it and used Guava branch with unripe fruits, and a Single white Chrysanthemum

The guava branches with the gnarled look was used to complement the steel structure.

In this case, the white flower is standing out better with her dark saree!  Also, this angle of the photo shows the lines of the arrangement better.

Third composition: Aloe vera in a marble vase set inside a white porcelain moribana with  hybrid purple Orchids.  here, the smoothness of the marble and porcelain were complemented by the soft silky orchids.

At the end, Sensei Malathi said - "Inspite of many challenges, demo went off very well and ‘texture’ is well understood as an aspect of creating Ikebana. That you are steadfastly and deeply interested in this creative practice being a science oriented professional is really remarkable. Congratulations! Keep it up and keep on going."

Members then took part in the workshop, and you can access the pictures by clicking here.