Ikebana and us

Art is in nature, nature is in art. And when the two flow together in celebration, the ordinary can indeed transform into poetry. This celebration of life was the focus of the Chennai Sogetsu branch's workshop on January 17th, 2026. 13 branch members came together with much enthusiasm to celebrate the theme of the day. Sensei Molly Cherian: Yellow Asia lilies, oncidium ochrid sprays, red canna, white dianthus buds and flowers, gypsophila, wine glasses, and a piece of net in a blue and gold chocolate box as container Sensei Molly Cherian's arrangement seen above was a beautiful celebration of the birth of her great grandson. In her words:  As my great grandson 's birthday  falls  during the  month of the Christmas  season, I  combined the  arrangement  matching both occasions. Yellow Asia lilies and oncidium orchid sprays were placed in two long-stemmed wine goblets in a blue and gold empty chocolate box, representing the  baby boy. For Chri...

The December 13th workshop of the Chennai Sogetsu branch was a grand finale to the year 2025, and was attended by 13 members. The theme was an extension of the November workshop on Principles 39 and 44, only this time there were no demos by senseis. The floor was left open to the members to practise their interpretation of the two principles. To reiterate the principles: Principle No. 39:  "Ikebana must appear as if it is a product of the environment in which it is displayed." Principle No. 44:  "Be sure to make definite points of emphases and avoid redundancy in the arrangement."  The workshop and the resulting arrangements were a testament to the members' talents. Arrangement by Sensei Trishala Vaishnav Theme: Principle No. 44 Materials: Dracaena branch and gerbera in a ceramic Pondicherry vase Arrangement by Sensei Chitra Thiagarajan Theme: Principle No. 44 Materials used: Umbrella plant, caladium, and purple hearts in a ceramic nageire container Arrangement ...