This is my arrangement inspired by the painting. I hope you understand why I used more dried materials than the fresh ones; I think both arts coordinated together nicely! In the next post you will see how other members' arrangements have the same idea with their assigned art work!
When I saw my assigned painting, I was so puzzled! I thought, “Wow! How am I going to interpret it with my Ikebana design?” That was my first reaction. To better understand the art, I made a special trip to go to see this painting in person at The Delaware Contemporary art museum in Wilmington, Delaware. I was glad that I went! The title is “Anxiety at Night," painted by Catharine Fichtner. Surprisingly, I thought that it suited me so well, because lately I have not been sleeping well and have been getting headaches often. Subconsciously, I might have a little anxiety, it is vicious cycle!
The 22 members of Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter #71 will participate in the special exhibit “Art in Bloom,” at the Delaware Contemporary. Their Ikebana arrangements are inspired by the art work and the exhibition will run from 12/3 to 12/5/2021.
The chapter #71 meeting was held on 10/18/2021 in person. We had four people present their Ikebana school to demonstrate for us. There were Sogetsu, Ohara, Ikenobo and Ichiyo. “Autumn” was the theme.
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| Sogetsu: I like the idea using tree bark pieces to stick onto dried branches |
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| Ohara: three containers stuck up to look like fountain and using leftover materials that other school left |
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| Ohara school |
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| Ohara school |
The first photo is my arrangement. I rearranged it at home to take a better picture, because the classroom was too crowded and messy, with poor lighting and no background.
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| Sofu’’s Principal #45: focus on emphasizing container |
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| Marcia’s emphasizing container |
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| Margaret’s colors in Contrast and emphasizing container |
We have resumed Ikebana class in person once every month since October with Hata Sensei. Three lessons each time. Lessons for November 15th: (1) Colors in Contrast, (2) Emphasizing Container, (3) Basic Style, Variation #2 Slanting Style Nageire
(1) Colors in Contrast: purple Mum, alstroemeria and dried painted trifoliate orange, their colors are in contrast. The choice of container is also in my consideration.
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| Hata Sensei’s demo example for colors in Contrast |
Our Sensei said the basic Nageire variation #2 Slanting style is the most difficult to arrange correctly and artistically. We have repeatedly been doing this several times. Please see the pictures below, how should I fix it? The main Shin branch is 45 degrees (left), the shorter branch Soe is 75 degrees (right), and the flower Hikae is at 15 degrees (in the back of shin). Shin and Soe are widely apart, and should be placed in front. This is not as easy as you think and far beyond simple!
Surrounding in my neighborhood, some trees are just bursting like splattered paint, reaching their peak of fabulous colors, so gorgeous and are truly in Autumn splendor! 11/12/2021
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| Golden Japanese maple with red stems |
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| Golden Japanese maple, mum and grossy abilia |
A friend of mine has a lotus pond in her garden. I suggested to her if you air dry some leaves, they would be very pretty and nice materials to use for Ikebana too. Now, thanks to her, I have a few of her dried lotus leaves. For me they are precious, and I am so grateful and happy!
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| Dried lotus leaves, mum and nandina / ceramic container |
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| 11/3/2021 |
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| Epi.cilive “Xenia” 11/1/2021 |
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| 11/1/2021 |
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| “Lady of the night “10/23/2021 |
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| Blc. “Peal” 10/12/2021 |
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| 10/14/2021 |
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| 11/1/2021 |
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| 10/23/2021 |
