Ikebana and us

The Sogetsu study group is taking part in the Japan fest that starts tomorrow. 

18th February 2014. We gathered for our February meeting at ABK AOTS Dosokai where our senior member Sensei Padma Swaminathan took us through two lovely compositions, with her expressions of Valentine's Day. Padma sensei started off with a black Nagiere vase which was a little different with multiple openings at the mouth.  She used anthuriums in a striking rich red along with Baby's Breath. What resulted was this beautiful composition - which she dedicated to her wonderful, supportive family, whose love and support helped her through difficult times She then moved on to this metal container, from Indonesia, which has little containers inside, all with this same lovely design.  Sensei Padma said that there was no need to polish this as it maintained its gleam. This arrangement with wide palm leaves exemplified the love that she gets from her Ikebana world. The top view highlights the roses which stood for her Ikebana friends, wherever in the world ...

Sixteen members attended our first meeting of the year, which was also our election meeting. The Group condoled the passing away of Mrs. Remani Nambiar, a Sogetsu member from Hyderabad.  We had the honour of experiencing a demonstration from her in Chennai. in October of 2012 . Malathi sensei announced the biannual exhibition of sogetsu Bengaluru on Feb. 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and their invitation to participate in it by any member whosoever wishes to do so. She then introduced tow of our relatively newer members - Zaitoon and Kalpana. The following were elected as office bearers unanimously for the Chennai Sogetsu Study Group for the year 2014 to 2016.:- a) ChairPerson: Mrs. Malathi Pandurang. b) Deputy Chair Person: Mrs. Ambika Chandrasekar c) Programmes in charge: Mrs. Chitra Thiagarajan. d) Treasurer: Mrs. Prerana Mehta. This was followed by a demonstration by Malathi, and a workshop after that. Malathi sensei's demonstration was a nice way to begi...

Remani Nambiar came to Chennai and gave us an enjoyable demonstration of her skills at Sogetsu Ikebana.  Remani was a good friend. I cherish the time spent with her in Hyderabad, Chennai and Tokyo. She was bubbling with energy always and a great host. Her contribution to various art forms including Ikebana was admirable. May this good soul rest in peace. Molly. “ Remani Nambiar, who ran a successful art gallery in the city, passed away on Monday morning  after a long battle with a lung ailment, according to family sources.     Remani started the gallery in 2002 after her art tutor suggested that she convert one of her rooms into a gallery. She converted her garage in her house on Road No 35, Jubilee Hills into a gallery. “She called me and said she wanted my advice for starting a gallery. She was very down to earth and s...

Arrangement at the Ballroom of the Taj Coromandel on the occasion of the 80th birthday of the Emperor - by Malathi sensei Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were in Japan last week, and sensei Malathi had the privilege and honour of being introduced to them on Dec 5th. Here is her impressions of the meeting and the build up. I had the privelege of interacting with their Imperial Majesties of Japan, Emperor Akhito and Empress Michiko at Taj on 5th December at 6.30 pm. I received an e-mail informing me that Mr. Krisnaswamy, Mr. Ranganathan, Sherry and I have been chosen to meet their Imperial Majesties and that there would be a Rehearsal to be announced later. At the rehearsal, we were briefed about their Majesties by the ambassador of Japan to Dhaka, who is well versed with the South Asian culture and people. We were taken to the 'Chambers lounge' and were told that the Consulate in Chennai had already sent our biodata to the Imperial office at Tokyo and their Majes...

Sensei Molly demonstrating Our November workshop was held at the Defence Officers' Club on November 12th.  The venue was a welcome change, set amidst a green oasis, tucked away in the military cantonment part of the city. The hall was comfortable and well laid out for us, with demonstration table, workshop tables, chairs and water.  Our member Nirmala Sunderam had booked the premises. As members were trooping in one by one the workshop got started 14 members were present.  Member introductions were carried out for Prerana and Molly. Sensei Molly presented the theme "Surface and Mass", with two arrangements using homegrown material. The first arrangement While her first arragement used a cane "mat" as a vase, the second one was with a ceramic "compote".    She used lovely caladium leaves from her garden to emphasisize surface. Caladium leaves, to show surface Another view of the same arrangement Members also participate...

Janaki receiving her cerificate We had an eventful meeting in October.  It was well attended by some seventeen members.  Venkatesh, a rare bird joined us from Mumbai. We missed Pushkala who was unable to come. Meenu sensei first gave a detailed description of the Delhi trip.  The exhibition was very impressive and our members had a wonderful trip, which was a bit rushed, but enjoyable indeed.   The pictures are up on Flickr via a link Malathi sensei then gave away the student certificates to Janaki Trishala and Prerana. We were introduced to the very talented Padma sensei, formally, as Malathi sensei proceeded with her methodical introduction of all members.   Trishala gets her certificate And Prerana too We then had an interesting slideshow from our member Chitra on Lines and Colours in Interior Design. There was an active discussion on how these principles apply to Ikebana as well. The topic of Chitra's slideshow ...