Ikebana and us

These are from our annual exhibition. the two men in our group have still not given me their freedback, so I am now publishing them without the artist's comments! By Ashoka By Ashoka - glass container By Venkatesh Venkatesh Venkatesh

http://bk.asia-city.com/events/article/interview-akane-teshigahara-japanese-ikebana-master-bangkok Interview: Ikebana Master Akane Teshigahara | BK Magazine Online Akane Teshigahara has been called the rock star of ikebana, the Japanese floral art which is said to bring together nature and humanity. Here, she talks to us ahead of her new installation to mark HM Queen Sirikit's birthday (Aug 2-13). How did you first get into ikebana? When I was six years old, I began learning under my aunt, Kasumi Teshigahara, who was the second generation iemoto (headmaster) of the Sogetsu school of floral art. And I've continued to learn ever since. What is the core concept of ikebana? At the heart of ikebana is an expression of peace and serenity through the life power which is hidden inside plants. It is my wish to send good spirits, smiles, and joy through ikebana. Do you have any tips on how to appreciate ikebana? There are no rules for appre...

The Chennai Study group got together after the summer, with joyous hugs and raised voices!  Many of us had not seen each other for a coulpe of months. Pushkala, our member from the academic world, regaled us with her experiences on her first trip to Europe, where she picked up these beautiful vases, which you see below. Sensei Vaishali then demonstrated in one of the vases, showing how a crack can be skillfully hidden. The last item on the agenda was the awarding of teacher's certificate to Dalley. Vaishali demonstrates Pushkala talks about her trip and the tulips! The dramtic effect of adding the wire! Congratulations Dalley! Dalley will give her firat demonstration as a teacher, sometime over the next couple of months. The ladies are all set to go to Delhi to take part in the Delhi chapter's annual show in September.

 On May 8th Madam Keiko Nakono invited Malathi sensei to give a Talk and demonsration on Ikebana at the Japanese Consular's residence at 10.30 am. For the demonstration she chose basic Sogetsu Upright and Slanting styles, displaying also the naturalism and the significance of 'Line'. Madam Keiko lloks on as Malathi sensei starts with an introduction to Ikebana The group of ladies were being introduced to the art for the first time and so simplicity and the basic principles of Sogetsu Ikebana were emphasized Three arrangements were demonstrated before the ladies moved on to try their hand in the workshop A snapshot of the three arrangements The workshop begins A group photo to complete the session.  The invitees were the wives of the Chennai Port Trust officers,  Coast Guards Officers and a few Naval Officers wives The participants were very enthusiastic and involved, asking questions and taking pictures.  Also, they listened car...

Sensei Meenu and her students displayed a variety of styles and variations in our annual exhibition.  From no-kenzan compositions to minimal interpretations to sing of local material, enjoy the compositions below. By Meenu - Inspired by the marsh I see everyday from my window.  In a black moribana fibreglass suiban , I have used tamarind branches and guava branches without kenzan, canna buds, amaralyis and water hyacinth. I think l will call it The nest. By Meenu - "Connections".  The unusual shaped ceramic containers were connected with  wanda orchids, green mocha orchids and a colored bamboo vine By Meenu - "Twin Towers"  The woven branches of palm added an unusual touch, and the interesting openings in the vase were used to add colour with button chrysanthemums. By Divya - Using the openings of the ceramic vase, and adding heig ht with the tall bird of paradise By Divya - Teak branches used  in a composition in the open styl...

Chitra created her arrangements with her usual flair and joy.  And also helped Malathi sensei to recreate Seetha's compositions, as a  result of which Seetha was also present in spirit, despite being pulled away from the city unavoidably during the exhibition. By Chitra - A large palm leaf, bulrushes, chrysanthemums and limoneum, in a ceramic vase. I title this Achievement, a child grows and stands tall like the bulrush.   Seetha's granite vase composition recreated in absentia  by Malathi and Chitra! By Chitra - Family.  Celebrations bound together with values and traditions.  Monstera, heliconia in a shell plate Another of Seetha's composition presented in absentia by Chitra and Malathi By Chitra - Birds nest fern, anthurium flowers, limoneum and driftwood in a square glass plate.  Through life's ups and downs, grow tall and shine bright. By Chitra - "An Auspicious welcome" - Coconut fronds and monstera leaves arranged i...

ABK AOTS Dosokai has organised a festival of Japanese craft and art, to celebrate Hana Matsuri, the girls festival. The senseis of the Sogetsu Study Group, Chennai have also participated, and we have worked with a theme of pink, to celebrate the girl child. Do go and visit the exhibition, which also includes bonsai, dolls and clay flowers.