Ikebana and us

July 16th 2015 The Chennai Study Group re-assembled after a two month summer break, and members looked refreshed after family vacations and travels! We started off with a whole bunch of announcements by our Chairperson sensei Malathi who updated us on Iemoto Akane's impending visit to Delhi and the Taiwan Regional conference. There were congratulations all around for our two new teachers - Prerana and Trishala - who received their certificates amidst cheers. Fourteen of us gathered for the demonstration by  sensei  Meenu who worked with "Unusual Containers" as her theme. For her first arrangement, she used a moribana container, reversed as a base, and created a structure with wires. Using anthuriums, gypsophila and berries, she created a lovely light composition. Sensei  Meenu's first arrangement - a cheerful, airy, modern look For her second composition, she began with two painted stools. She upturned the larger one, and placed in it a hand ...

16th April 2015  Our last meeting before the summer break was a visual treat with sensei Padma Swaminathan demonstrating freestyle in her inimitable way with lovely baskets. Her first moribana arrangement was highlighted with a Japanese umbrella, complemented with Dressina, Carnations and gypsophelia. Then Padma sensei used an oriental fishing basket, beautifully accentuating the graceful design of the weave with orchids and ornamental leaves in a refreshing freestyle arrangement Her third piece was this beautiful composition which had depth with the use of several materials in a well balanced arrangement.  To the surprise and delight of all, Padma sensei then auctioned the parasol and the fishing basket, and donated the proceeds to the Study Group!   A Big thank you, Padma sensei ! The Group then proceeded into a workshop, with all trying their hand at freestyle composition. In this moribana, Trishala looked to display the...

Everyone's Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition There is an exhibition by HQ hosted on Facebook.  Go to the link, take a look and take part. Last date for entries is April 30th, 2015.

Preparing the brooms The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board in Mumbai were planning for a programme on "Swach Bharat Abhiyaan". The PM of India Mr Narendra Modi has urged Indians to be part of a clean India movement, and this was one such initiative. Instead of the usual ribbon-cutting opening ceremony, our Chennai Sogetsu Study Group member, Venkatesh, thought of a novel idea. Using the broom as a symbol of cleanliness, and with a theme of white, he created a composition with white roses, Baby's Breath  and used green crotons to complement the green ceramic vases. The upright broom in the nagiere vase was tied together with a satin ribbon, which was to be cut for a symbolic opening of the event. The completed arrangement The Chief Guest was requested to cut the ribbon, and this led to the graceful opening of the broom, with a few bending gracefully and the others remaining upright. Unfortunately there is no picture of the arrangement after the...

14th Feb 2015 Sensei Meenakshi Sarin and Kalpana Kintali  were invited by hotel Hablis to display some large Ikebana for the inauguration of their Wellness Spa and pan Asian restaurant on Valentines Day. Six arrangements in total were done, and the hotel staff appreciated their efforts. It was enriching experience working on this assignment,  as we worked with huge vases, which were brought from  Iran. Ms Nirupa of the hotel, with Sensei Mennu and Kalpana Add caption

This chrysanthemum was what I used in one of the previous workshop after which they were in a vase at home.A few weeks later the bunch started to leave shoots by the side, then a little later I placed the whole thing in a pot of sand, two days ago I see the new shoot budding to my surprise and the dry mother stalk is still there and not fallen off. So sharing this unusual natural event, especially in Chennai, with all of you. Malathi A closer look at the buds

 24th February In my garden for the first time I see a monstera in bloom.  That is what I thought. Only to discover that it is a fruit that is edible! Malathi 28th Feb They taste like pineapple, the literature on the internet says. These scales need to be removed.  Who will be bold enough to try it, I wonder!