Merry Christmas

Wishing you a Christmas that is merry and bright just like my arrangement! I hope your holiday season is full of peace, joy and happiness. 

“High Expectations” - Vertical Arrangement

MWGC December virtual little show: “High Expectations," a vertical arrangement with emphasis on upward materials. Due to the busy holiday season, only three members entered this December's little show. I always participate in my garden club's virtual little show and always make an Ikebana style arrangement. This arrangement could be for the New Year's celebration!

My Ikebana style, vertical holiday arrangement 

Two Class Lessons for December

We had two lessons on December 13 with Hata Sensei:

Lesson 1: East or West Holiday Arrangement.     

For the East - Japanese New Year's celebration arrangement for class lesson. The red nandina, green pine, white mum represent happiness, the silver painted bamboo for the New Year celebration, and the Mizuhiki (paper string) for good luck.

Arranged at class 

Arranged at home 

Lesson 2 - Freestyle Using Dried Materials

The dried materials were lotus leaves, sycamore leaves and European larch (cones) pine tree.  The only fresh flower was a Gerbera daisy that I used for this arrangement. It brightens up the whole thing.

Extra daisies for an arrangement 

Workshop with Chieko Mihori Sensei - Weaving and Arrangement

Mihori Sensei (Riji) made a special trip to come here from Florida, and gave a Workshop for the members of I.I. Philadelphia Chapter #71, on the morning of 12/6 /2021 at the museum auditorium. We wove the materials provided by Sensei, which were made of paper and wire. Then, we made an arrangement using them in the afternoon. The flower materials were also provided, but we brought our own branches, greens, container and whatever else we might need to use for our design.

We had about 20 members participate in this workshop.  Below were mine and a few other members' arrangements. 

Mihori Sensei's demo arrangement 

I rearranged at home 

My arrangement at site 

Rearranged at home 

Art in Bloom (4)

The first picture is my teacher Judy Hata Sensei's arrangement with her assigned painting. The rest of the other pictures are the creation of II Philadelphia Chapter #71 members.

 

Art in Bloom (3)

 Continued…

Art in Bloom (2)

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!

Art in Bloom at the Delaware Contemporary Art Museum (1)

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.

I.I. Philadelphia Chapter #71 Meeting - Demonstrations

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.

Sogetsu: I like the idea using tree bark pieces to stick onto dried branches 

Ohara: three containers stuck up to look like fountain 
and using leftover materials that other school left 

Ohara school 

Ohara school