Ikebana and us

19th October 2019 Twelve member of the Study Group got together for the October meeting, demonstration and workshop. Initially, there was much cheering and clapping as Bhuvana and Chitra Rajan were awarded their first and second grade certificates. Then it was time for the demonstrations by our two senseis - Molly and Divya. Sensei Molly did her first composition  in a large bell metal kadai - this is a cooking utensil of olden times.  The kadai was used as a container. Two Coconut fronds - cleaned, sanded and painted orange mixed with gold dust inside.  Kept erect as curved lines. For Massed Expression, she then used hydrangea flowers. The arrangement was completed, with with silver Oak leaves, that added depth. Sensei Molly - Metal kadai container, with painted coconut frond, hydrangea and silver oak leaves. Sensei Divya began with a more horizontal composition.  She used jasmine vine in a wooden container , the chrysanthemums and ra...

September 20th 2019 Twelve members of the Study Group met at ABK for a demonstration cum workshop, with the twin themes of working with Glass Containers, and creating Celebration themes. Sensei Trishala and Sensei Prerana both demonstrated one arrangement in each theme. Sensei Prerana used two glass containers. The one at the rear was used to just add more material and depth to the composition. Therefore she used the gardener’s net to cover it from view Sensei Trishala wanted to complement the glass container. So she used orchids inside and out in a minimalistic arrangement.  For her festival arrangement, sensei Trishala  used a glass container that was spray painted in gold. The lilies and chrysanthemums add a festive feel, as also the gold painted leaf. Sensei Prerana’s Celebration arrangement  had two nagiere containers. She used the tall heliconias along with statis, wild berries, gypsophelia and a handmade golden fan to make the c...

August 21st 2019 It was close to a full house as we met for our August meeting.  On the agenda were demonstrations by sensei Dalley on using branches in expression, and sensei Ambika on creating Ikebana to complement art.  Chairperson Malathi made some announcements regarding our planned annual exhibition in 2020 January before the demonstrations.  She welcomed new member Luna Bose, and also introduced two guests - Mrs Shashwathi Mukherjee and Ms Geetha - for the meeting. Sensei Dalley began with a Nagiere composition with distinct branches in a earthen coloured vase.  The dramatic lines were complemented with large jerberas and a stunning crab's claw. Sensei Dalley's composition with a beautful interplay of rust, brown and red, all wonderfully balanced and harmonised. Sensei Ambika then demonstrated ikebana complementing art.  A ceramic sculpture of a lady with a pot was complemented with an arrangement in a moribana black vase. Emphasisin...