In the October month workshop, attended by 14 members, Mrs Malathi Pandurang, Director of Sogetsu Branch Chennai demonstrated 4 lessons from Sogetsu Textbook 1
She used just a few materials from her garden to show different styles and their variations. Watching her demonstrate and explain how to achieve balance and coherence between the main lines and jushis, we were able appreciate the right position and proportion in placement of jushis to bring out the asymmetrical nature and the three dimensional aspect of ikebana arrangements. Her demonstration also emphasised the appropriate choice of materials for main lines and jushis to compliment them.
She worked with the same material, across the arrangements, in order to explain the fundamental positions of the lines, and the arrangements should be viewed as lessons.
Basic Upright Style Moribana and Variation 1 Upright Style Moribana - Materials used Birds Nest Fern, green button chrysanthemums in a plastic round trays. While demonstrating the Upright styles, sensei Malathi clearly showed us how the birds nest fern, lends itself to upright expressions. And also, the natural way in which the plant grows.
 |
| With umbrella plant, sensei Malathi showed the group, aesthetic pruning, in order to create space and depth, while keeping an eye on harmony. |
As she took us through Variations 1 and 2, the group saw the effect of pinholder placements and changing angles of Shin, and the effect that is to be strived for in the Basic lessons. The need to harmonise, with proper jushi placement and ensure that the pinholder is covered, were emphasised.  |
| The placement of hikae in the Variations was well understood by the group, especially while viewing the compote arrangement of Variation 3 Slanting style. |
In the workshop that followed, free expression was the theme.
 |
| Sensei Ambika's arrangement was in a typical north eastern basket with a medley of dried plant materials brought out memories of Indian summer. She used limoneum, green button chrysanthemums, wild branches and leaves along with a Badam leaf and bulrush variety |
 |
| Sensei Prerana used a Nagiere ceramic vase, and her free expression was an exotic arrangement using semi dried banana leaves, dark magenta miniature chrysanthemums, yellow statice and a golden Mitsumata branch. |
 |
| Sensei Divya showcased a lush tropical scene with Murraya stalks, garden leaves, dried branch and lilies arranged in a fiber glass vase. |
 |
| Mohan’s Slanting Style Moribana arrangement exuded freshness. He used umbrella plant stalks, gypsophilia, roses and chrysanthemums in a black Moribana container. |
The workshop was followed by fellowship, and a surprise celebration of Bhuvana's birthday in advance as well.
Comments