Ikebana and us

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 ...

 Feb 20th 2021 15 members gathered online via Google Meet for our February monthly meeting.  We looked forward to our recently qualified teacher, Sensei Pushkala's debut demonstration.  The theme was Colour Focus. Sensei Dalley graciously invited Sensei Pushkala to use the space in her home as a venue for her creations. Sensei Pushkala looked composed and confident as she began her demonstration with an arrangement in a wooden bark that was opened on both sides.   Banyan roots connected the bark, and the red anthuriums were clearly a contrast to the brown of the bark and the roots. The academic scientist in sensei Pushkala was evident in her observatioon that, "this composition is made to have an appearance of an EYE .The visual perception is conducted by the optic nerve (copper rod) and processed in the brain." For her second arrangement, sensei Pushkala chose to focus on yellow.   Her composition in combination vases - ceramic moribana and glass nagiere - used...