23 August 2021
Shape of the vase, colour of the vase - Emily Karanikolopoulos
Unfortunately the workshop planned for 23rd August 2021 had to be cancelled because of the current lockdown. However, our presenter, Emily Karanikolopoulos, suggested that we go ahead with the activity as an on-line exercise.
Emily's workshop theme was to make an ikebana that met two curriculum requirements. 1. Taking into account the shape of the vase. And, 2. taking into account the colour of the vase. With each of these criteria the ikebana arrangement may complement or contrast the shape and colour of the vase.
Below is a slideshow of three examples by Emily where both the shape and the colour of the vase are complemented.
Shape of the vase, colour of the vase - Emily Karanikolopoulos
Unfortunately the workshop planned for 23rd August 2021 had to be cancelled because of the current lockdown. However, our presenter, Emily Karanikolopoulos, suggested that we go ahead with the activity as an on-line exercise.
Emily's workshop theme was to make an ikebana that met two curriculum requirements. 1. Taking into account the shape of the vase. And, 2. taking into account the colour of the vase. With each of these criteria the ikebana arrangement may complement or contrast the shape and colour of the vase.
Below is a slideshow of three examples by Emily where both the shape and the colour of the vase are complemented.
Emily also sent the example below, in which both the shape and the colour of the vase are contrasted by the ikebana materials.
Next is another slideshow, this time of photos sent by Branch members who made ikebana to Emily's theme while at home.
19 April 2021
Renka - Emerald Leung and Shoan Lo
The second workshop for 2021 was led by Emerald Leung assisted by Angeline Lo. The theme that Emerald chose was Renka.
The Renka style of Ikebana was developed by the third Iomoto, Hiroshi Teshigahara, as a new way to create group arrangements. It is derived from Renga, which is a genre of Japanese collaborative poetry in which alternating lines are linked in succession by multiple poets. Hiroshi Teshigahara said:
"...Renka is interesting because the range of expression can be expanded by the clashing or the concurrence of two individual styles. The unexpected, unpredictable result from such cooperative work transcends the individual and makes it really interesting..."
In the workshop all participants made a first ikebana under a strict 15 minute time limit. They then made a second ikebana in response to another, randomly chosen, participants first work. The process meant that each participant made two ikebana arrangements in the workshop.
The two photos below are of the demonstration examples by Emerald and Angeline. In the first photo Angline created the ikebana on the left and Emerald responded to it with her ikebana on the right.
In the second photo Emerald made the ikebana on the right in the white vase and Angeline responded by making the ikebana on the left.
Renka - Emerald Leung and Shoan Lo
The second workshop for 2021 was led by Emerald Leung assisted by Angeline Lo. The theme that Emerald chose was Renka.
The Renka style of Ikebana was developed by the third Iomoto, Hiroshi Teshigahara, as a new way to create group arrangements. It is derived from Renga, which is a genre of Japanese collaborative poetry in which alternating lines are linked in succession by multiple poets. Hiroshi Teshigahara said:
"...Renka is interesting because the range of expression can be expanded by the clashing or the concurrence of two individual styles. The unexpected, unpredictable result from such cooperative work transcends the individual and makes it really interesting..."
In the workshop all participants made a first ikebana under a strict 15 minute time limit. They then made a second ikebana in response to another, randomly chosen, participants first work. The process meant that each participant made two ikebana arrangements in the workshop.
The two photos below are of the demonstration examples by Emerald and Angeline. In the first photo Angline created the ikebana on the left and Emerald responded to it with her ikebana on the right.
In the second photo Emerald made the ikebana on the right in the white vase and Angeline responded by making the ikebana on the left.
Below is a slide show of each pair of arrangements made by the participants.
At the end of the workshop all of the ikebana works were placed together in one continuous Renka arrangement. Below is a video of the final Renka.
22nd February 2021
Line and Mass - Kuninori (Shoso) Shimbo
After the very disrupted year of 2020 some members of the Victorian Branch were able to get together for the first meeting in eleven months. Unfortunately, because of the snap lockdown of the previous week we were restricted to a maximum of 20 participants in the space. We were also required to observe the current Victorian Government regulations for a public meeting under the Covid 19 protocols.
The theme of the workshop, 'An arrangement of Line and Mass' had been chosen by Aileen Duke However, the presentation was kindly taken on by Kuninori (Shoso) Shimbo at short notice. Aileen had been delayed in Tasmania because of Covid 19 quarantine requirements. Shoso spoke about the theme and demonstrated two examples. He had also prepared a third example all of which are shown below.
Line and Mass - Kuninori (Shoso) Shimbo
After the very disrupted year of 2020 some members of the Victorian Branch were able to get together for the first meeting in eleven months. Unfortunately, because of the snap lockdown of the previous week we were restricted to a maximum of 20 participants in the space. We were also required to observe the current Victorian Government regulations for a public meeting under the Covid 19 protocols.
The theme of the workshop, 'An arrangement of Line and Mass' had been chosen by Aileen Duke However, the presentation was kindly taken on by Kuninori (Shoso) Shimbo at short notice. Aileen had been delayed in Tasmania because of Covid 19 quarantine requirements. Shoso spoke about the theme and demonstrated two examples. He had also prepared a third example all of which are shown below.
This first example featured a large construction of branch lines, and a mass of small green berries and pale pink Lisianthus highlight.
The second example in a nageire vessel had a line of vine and a mass made with green Hydrangea, with a pink rose highlight.
In the third example Shoso made a mass using Umbrella grass, in a moribana vessel.
Below is a slide show of ikebana created by the members present at the workshop.
16 March 2020
Shape of the Vessel - Aileen Duke
The March meeting was attended by 17 members with 14 apologies having been recorded. The topic of the meeting, taken from the Sogetsu curriculum, was "Taking into account the shape of the vessel" and chosen by Aileen Duke. Aileen provided two examples of the exercise cleverly using the same shaped vessel in each. In the first example the ikebana complements the shape of the vessel.
Shape of the Vessel - Aileen Duke
The March meeting was attended by 17 members with 14 apologies having been recorded. The topic of the meeting, taken from the Sogetsu curriculum, was "Taking into account the shape of the vessel" and chosen by Aileen Duke. Aileen provided two examples of the exercise cleverly using the same shaped vessel in each. In the first example the ikebana complements the shape of the vessel.
In this second example the ikebana contrasts with the shape of the vessel.
Below is a slideshow of the ikebana created by members present at the workshop.
17 February 2020
Seasonal ikebana incorporating Found Material - Thea Sartori
The Annual General Meeting on Monday 17th February was attended by 28 members and held at the new venue for Monday meetings, the hall of the North Balwyn Baptist Church. Christopher James, the Director of the Branch presented his report for the very busy year of 2019, which in addition to the six regular workshop meetings included three workshops presented by Mr Umemura from Sydney, our Annual Exhibition in two sessions over 13 days, participation in the celebration of Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter's 60th anniversary and many community based activities by individual members of the branch.
At the meeting Thea Sartori led the workshop on the theme:
‘Seasonal plant material - summer, incorporating some found material’. Thea gave a demonstration in which she represented some of her reflections of the recent summer, that included many devastating bush fires. She used a black glass vase which has a red design to represent fire in which she placed a black vine. To this she added a single white flower from her Tree Gardenia to commemorate the great losses in the fires.
Seasonal ikebana incorporating Found Material - Thea Sartori
The Annual General Meeting on Monday 17th February was attended by 28 members and held at the new venue for Monday meetings, the hall of the North Balwyn Baptist Church. Christopher James, the Director of the Branch presented his report for the very busy year of 2019, which in addition to the six regular workshop meetings included three workshops presented by Mr Umemura from Sydney, our Annual Exhibition in two sessions over 13 days, participation in the celebration of Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter's 60th anniversary and many community based activities by individual members of the branch.
At the meeting Thea Sartori led the workshop on the theme:
‘Seasonal plant material - summer, incorporating some found material’. Thea gave a demonstration in which she represented some of her reflections of the recent summer, that included many devastating bush fires. She used a black glass vase which has a red design to represent fire in which she placed a black vine. To this she added a single white flower from her Tree Gardenia to commemorate the great losses in the fires.
Thea also had prepared two other examples on her chosen theme. The first of these was in a large clear glass vase filled with visually cooling water to which she added the dried inflorescence of a palm tree and three sunflowers.
In her second example Thea had created her ikebana in a large crab pot using seasonal hydrangeas and some fern leaves.
The following slide show is of the great variety of ikebana created by the members on the theme.
18 November 2019
Two vessels, one arrangement - Elizabeth Angell
The last workshop-meeting for the year was attended by 29 members of the Victorian Branch. At the end of the meeting the Director, Christopher James, commented on the good attendance at our regular workshops and variety of topics presented over this year. Six of the workshop were led by practising teachers of the Branch, three of whom were presenting for the first time. In addition Mr Umemura came from Sydney and presented three workshops over a day and a half. It is gratifying that the Branch continues to be active and to see new teachers offering private classes as well as workshops for Branch members.
This month the workshop was presented by Elizabeth Angell who chose the theme: "Two Vessels One Arrangement". To add a degree of challenge to the exercise Elizabeth had encouraged members to use two vessels that did not match. For her demonstration she created the example below in which she used Gymea leaves and red Pincushion Proteas. Her vessels were a tall black nageire vessel which was triangular in cross-section and a curving white freestyle vessel with a narrow slit opening.
Two vessels, one arrangement - Elizabeth Angell
The last workshop-meeting for the year was attended by 29 members of the Victorian Branch. At the end of the meeting the Director, Christopher James, commented on the good attendance at our regular workshops and variety of topics presented over this year. Six of the workshop were led by practising teachers of the Branch, three of whom were presenting for the first time. In addition Mr Umemura came from Sydney and presented three workshops over a day and a half. It is gratifying that the Branch continues to be active and to see new teachers offering private classes as well as workshops for Branch members.
This month the workshop was presented by Elizabeth Angell who chose the theme: "Two Vessels One Arrangement". To add a degree of challenge to the exercise Elizabeth had encouraged members to use two vessels that did not match. For her demonstration she created the example below in which she used Gymea leaves and red Pincushion Proteas. Her vessels were a tall black nageire vessel which was triangular in cross-section and a curving white freestyle vessel with a narrow slit opening.
Below is a slideshow of ikebana arrangements made by members at the workshop.
19 October 2019
Tsubo arrangements - Emily karanikolopoulos
The Saturday afternoon workshop was led by Emily Karanikolopoulos who chose for her topic, a Book 5 exercise from the Sogetsu curriculum; techniques for securing branches when using Tsubo (round) vases. Emily demonstrated the three techniques taught in the curriculum. For her demonstration she used a spherical glass vase so that the participants could see inside the vase. Unfortunately, these were not photographed. However, below are photographs of the arrangements she made using each of the techniques.
Tsubo arrangements - Emily karanikolopoulos
The Saturday afternoon workshop was led by Emily Karanikolopoulos who chose for her topic, a Book 5 exercise from the Sogetsu curriculum; techniques for securing branches when using Tsubo (round) vases. Emily demonstrated the three techniques taught in the curriculum. For her demonstration she used a spherical glass vase so that the participants could see inside the vase. Unfortunately, these were not photographed. However, below are photographs of the arrangements she made using each of the techniques.
In this example Emily interlocked the two principle branches by splitting them onto each other.
Here Emily split the stems onto a cross bar fixture.
In this final example the two strongest stems were joined by a nail at the point of intersection.
Below is a slide show of most of the ikebana arrangements that were created on the day by the Branch members and our visitor from Santa Barbara, California, Hetty Shurtleff.
Below is a slide show of most of the ikebana arrangements that were created on the day by the Branch members and our visitor from Santa Barbara, California, Hetty Shurtleff.
19 August 2019
Leaves and branches - Emerald Leung
The Monday meeting workshop was led by Emerald Leung, a Melbourne based teacher, who gave her first presentation to the Victorian Branch. Emerald had previously lived in Osaka for three years during which time she studied Sogetsu Ikebana. Recently, on a return visit to Osaka, she attended workshops at the Sogetsu Headquarters there.
For this workshop the task she set was to make an ikebana work emphasising the three elements of line, mass and colour, using only two kinds of materials. The materials could be leaves and branches but not including flowers.
Below are three examples that Emerald used to illustrate the theme.
Leaves and branches - Emerald Leung
The Monday meeting workshop was led by Emerald Leung, a Melbourne based teacher, who gave her first presentation to the Victorian Branch. Emerald had previously lived in Osaka for three years during which time she studied Sogetsu Ikebana. Recently, on a return visit to Osaka, she attended workshops at the Sogetsu Headquarters there.
For this workshop the task she set was to make an ikebana work emphasising the three elements of line, mass and colour, using only two kinds of materials. The materials could be leaves and branches but not including flowers.
Below are three examples that Emerald used to illustrate the theme.
Emerald created this example as her principal demonstration work using the lines of variegated flax leaves to create space and geranium leaves for mass at the front. She added a small mass at the back of the arrangement to create depth. The following two examples were pre-set arrangements.
A mass of camellia leaves is contrasted with the lines of bare branches in glass trough.
In this example Emerald used curved reeds and aspidistra in a modern white vase.
Below is a slide show of ikebana works created by the 22 members who attended the workshop.
Below is a slide show of ikebana works created by the 22 members who attended the workshop.
17 June 2019
Using various locations - Akemi Suzuki
At the Monday workshop the presenter, Akemi Suzuki, chose a theme from the Sogetsu advanced curriculum: 'Using Various Locations'. Akemi invited the 25 participants to use their creativity in both choosing their location and in the ikebana they made for that place/situation. By way of example the unexpected locations she chose included the following.
Using various locations - Akemi Suzuki
At the Monday workshop the presenter, Akemi Suzuki, chose a theme from the Sogetsu advanced curriculum: 'Using Various Locations'. Akemi invited the 25 participants to use their creativity in both choosing their location and in the ikebana they made for that place/situation. By way of example the unexpected locations she chose included the following.
On the glass door at the entrance to the room.
Above the roller blind in the kitchen servery.
On the surface and behind a tilted table top.
On the kitchen servery bench top.
Below is a slide show of some of the ikebana created in places within the room. A number of the ikebana works could not be photographed adequately because of the busy backgrounds or other factors that constrained the photography.
Below is a slide show of some of the ikebana created in places within the room. A number of the ikebana works could not be photographed adequately because of the busy backgrounds or other factors that constrained the photography.
25 May 2019
Nageire - Autumn breeze - Yoshiro Umemura
On Saturday 25th May Mr Yoshiro Umemura gave two workshops. Details of the Friday afternoon workshop on the previous day appear below this posting.
The first workshop was on the theme of creating a 'Nageire arrangement using a vertical fixture, with the subject being Autumn Breeze'.
Nageire - Autumn breeze - Yoshiro Umemura
On Saturday 25th May Mr Yoshiro Umemura gave two workshops. Details of the Friday afternoon workshop on the previous day appear below this posting.
The first workshop was on the theme of creating a 'Nageire arrangement using a vertical fixture, with the subject being Autumn Breeze'.
Above is a photo of Mr Umemura demonstrating the correct use of a vertical fixture. He emphasised that this is the preferred method of fixing as it gives the best control of the branch material, especially if it is heavy.
This is his completed demonstration arrangement.
Below is a slideshow of arrangements by most of the participants at the workshop.
25 May 2019 pm
Materials and vessels - Yoshiro Umemura
The process for the afternoon workshop was designed firstly to make the participants develop their skills in analysis of materials and vessels; then to think about design and the best methods of securing the materials. This of course also requires flexibility of thinking. These requirements of the workshop were achieved by the attendees exchanging both vessels and materials. That is, each participant brought materials and a vessel but the final arranger did not get to use the materials that came with the vessel they were given.
Mr Umemura was also given a vessel not of his choosing and materials also not of his choosing. Below is a photo of him working on the arrangement.
Materials and vessels - Yoshiro Umemura
The process for the afternoon workshop was designed firstly to make the participants develop their skills in analysis of materials and vessels; then to think about design and the best methods of securing the materials. This of course also requires flexibility of thinking. These requirements of the workshop were achieved by the attendees exchanging both vessels and materials. That is, each participant brought materials and a vessel but the final arranger did not get to use the materials that came with the vessel they were given.
Mr Umemura was also given a vessel not of his choosing and materials also not of his choosing. Below is a photo of him working on the arrangement.
This is the completed arrangement using 'peach sticks', asparagus fern, a gymea leaf and yellow chrysanthemums. The vessel is red opaque glass.
Below is a slideshow of arrangements by the workshop participants.
24 May 2019
Breaking the rules - Yoshiro Umemura
The Victorian Branch of the Sogetsu School was pleased to welcome Mr Yoshiro Umemura again this year to lead three workshops for our members. The first of these workshops was on Friday afternoon and was attended by twenty participants.
Mr Umemura chose a somewhat provocative theme. It was to... 'Create an ikebana arrangement that some people would say "You can't do that.". The intention being to make an ikebana work that was breaking the 'rules'. This touches on a core principle of the Sogetsu School which is not to be bound by rigid tradition. However, the work still needs to be identifiably ikebana and also to be pleasing or beautiful.
Breaking the rules - Yoshiro Umemura
The Victorian Branch of the Sogetsu School was pleased to welcome Mr Yoshiro Umemura again this year to lead three workshops for our members. The first of these workshops was on Friday afternoon and was attended by twenty participants.
Mr Umemura chose a somewhat provocative theme. It was to... 'Create an ikebana arrangement that some people would say "You can't do that.". The intention being to make an ikebana work that was breaking the 'rules'. This touches on a core principle of the Sogetsu School which is not to be bound by rigid tradition. However, the work still needs to be identifiably ikebana and also to be pleasing or beautiful.
To demonstrate the theme Mr Umemura make an arrangement using previously prepared shapes made from disposable bamboo forks as the main material. He was deliberately violating the idea that ikebana should not look like a work of 'handcraft'.
He added stems of fresh tortuous willow and then scattered gerbera petals which adhered to the forks, which had been moistened with sprayed water.
Above is Mr Umemura's completed demonstration ikebana.
Below is a slideshow of some of the work made at the workshop by the attendees. You will need to guess which 'rule' is being broken in each case.
Below is a slideshow of some of the work made at the workshop by the attendees. You will need to guess which 'rule' is being broken in each case.
1 April 2019
Miniatures - Helen Quarrell
The April meeting was attended by thirty one members and we were pleased to welcome a short-stay visitor from Japan, Tomomi Nakano.
At the meeting Helen Quarrell from Geelong lead a workshop on the theme of 'Minature Ikebana'. This is a concept that was introduced by the second Iemoto, Kasumi Teshigahara. Helen made the observation that the idea of miniature ikebana may be particularly appealing to people who live in apartments, are 'downsizing' or who have very small gardens. In this exercise the focus shifts to elements of the plant material and the way in which they are presented in a small space.
Miniatures - Helen Quarrell
The April meeting was attended by thirty one members and we were pleased to welcome a short-stay visitor from Japan, Tomomi Nakano.
At the meeting Helen Quarrell from Geelong lead a workshop on the theme of 'Minature Ikebana'. This is a concept that was introduced by the second Iemoto, Kasumi Teshigahara. Helen made the observation that the idea of miniature ikebana may be particularly appealing to people who live in apartments, are 'downsizing' or who have very small gardens. In this exercise the focus shifts to elements of the plant material and the way in which they are presented in a small space.
In her demonstration, Helen presented botanical elements in small vessels and found objects on black lacquered trays and a long natural wood serving-board. She reminded the members that the minimum number of vessels should be five. These should be thoughtfully arranged giving attention to the asymmetry of the presentation. Below are two photos of the examples she presented.
What follows is a slide show of the miniature ikebana created at the workshop. Members used a variety of vessels, materials and surfaces on which to present their work. Many members commented on how relaxing this workshop was because it was necessary to be seated while working with such small materials and vessels.
8 February 2019
In a suiban without a kenzan - Shoan Lo
The Annual General Meeting of the Branch took place at our usual meeting place, the Phyllis Hore Room at the Kew Library. Thirty eight members, including six new and returning members, attended. We were also pleased to welcome three new members to our committee, whose names appear on the home page.
In addition to the meetings, workshops and exhibitions over the last year, that have been listed on this site, nine of our senior members presented demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions at seventeen different local community events.
Following the formal meeting a workshop was conducted by our new teacher member of the Victorian Branch, Angeline Lo. Angeline chose as her topic for the workshop 'A No Kenzan Arrangement' in a suiban.
In a suiban without a kenzan - Shoan Lo
The Annual General Meeting of the Branch took place at our usual meeting place, the Phyllis Hore Room at the Kew Library. Thirty eight members, including six new and returning members, attended. We were also pleased to welcome three new members to our committee, whose names appear on the home page.
In addition to the meetings, workshops and exhibitions over the last year, that have been listed on this site, nine of our senior members presented demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions at seventeen different local community events.
Following the formal meeting a workshop was conducted by our new teacher member of the Victorian Branch, Angeline Lo. Angeline chose as her topic for the workshop 'A No Kenzan Arrangement' in a suiban.
In her introduction and demonstration she emphasised the 'lightness' and sense of space that should be achieved in this exercise. She also demonstrated discrete wiring techniques that are permissible in this exercise as long as they are not visible.
Below is a slideshow of a selection of ikebana created by some of the members at the workshop.
3 December 2018
Relief work - Lucy Papas
The final workshop for the year was attended by 29 enthusiastic Sogetsu Ikebanists, and was led by Lucy Papas. The subject of the workshop was from the 'new' Book 5 of the Sogetsu curriculum, on the theme of making a sculptural 'Wall relief' on a flat surface base. In this exercise any materials may be used excepting fresh plant materials. Materials may include dried, bleached or coloured plant materials and/or synthetic materials.
Lucy showed three examples that she had prepared in advance of the workshop. In each of the examples, shown below, Lucy pointed out the importance of the use of space in the design.
Relief work - Lucy Papas
The final workshop for the year was attended by 29 enthusiastic Sogetsu Ikebanists, and was led by Lucy Papas. The subject of the workshop was from the 'new' Book 5 of the Sogetsu curriculum, on the theme of making a sculptural 'Wall relief' on a flat surface base. In this exercise any materials may be used excepting fresh plant materials. Materials may include dried, bleached or coloured plant materials and/or synthetic materials.
Lucy showed three examples that she had prepared in advance of the workshop. In each of the examples, shown below, Lucy pointed out the importance of the use of space in the design.
The materials in this example are a black painted branch, pale yellow painted 'spear grass' and a painted seed pod.
The second example is made entirely from white painted heavy card.
Lucy's third example includes a painted wisteria branch and egg shells on a painted board.
Below are some examples of the relief sculptures that were created by attendees at the workshop.
Below are some examples of the relief sculptures that were created by attendees at the workshop.
27 October 2018
Vessels from everyday objects - to be viewed from below
The second workshop given by our visitor from Western Australia, Ursula Pagels had two themes. The first was to make an arrangement to be hung on a wall slightly above eye level, and therefore viewed from below. The second theme was to make a vase from some every day material. This second theme was the subject of the Sogetsu exhibition held this year from 31st May to 5th June at the Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store. The Iemoto Akane invited participants to '...transform familiar items into vases...'.
At the workshop the participants were given two 'PET' plastic bottles that were scrunched, heat treated, painted black or white and then decorated.
Below are the two vases created by Ursula with her completed arrangement.
Vessels from everyday objects - to be viewed from below
The second workshop given by our visitor from Western Australia, Ursula Pagels had two themes. The first was to make an arrangement to be hung on a wall slightly above eye level, and therefore viewed from below. The second theme was to make a vase from some every day material. This second theme was the subject of the Sogetsu exhibition held this year from 31st May to 5th June at the Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store. The Iemoto Akane invited participants to '...transform familiar items into vases...'.
At the workshop the participants were given two 'PET' plastic bottles that were scrunched, heat treated, painted black or white and then decorated.
Below are the two vases created by Ursula with her completed arrangement.
Next is a slide show of the participants new vases with their completed arrangements.
26 October 2018
Unconventional materials, chopsticks - Ursula Pagels
Two workshops were held in October in large part funded from the sale of ikebana vessels from the estate of our late member and respected teacher Theresa Feile.
The workshops were given by Ursula Pagels, the Director of the Western Australia Branch of the Sogetsu School.
The first workshop was held on the afternoon of Friday 26 October on the theme of creating a small sculptural structure from disposable chopsticks. Ursula instructed the 23 branch members in a particular wiring technique for this process. The members were asked to create 20 separate triangles using the chopsticks which were then wired together to create a three dimensional structure.
Unconventional materials, chopsticks - Ursula Pagels
Two workshops were held in October in large part funded from the sale of ikebana vessels from the estate of our late member and respected teacher Theresa Feile.
The workshops were given by Ursula Pagels, the Director of the Western Australia Branch of the Sogetsu School.
The first workshop was held on the afternoon of Friday 26 October on the theme of creating a small sculptural structure from disposable chopsticks. Ursula instructed the 23 branch members in a particular wiring technique for this process. The members were asked to create 20 separate triangles using the chopsticks which were then wired together to create a three dimensional structure.
A demonstration example of the exercise by Ursula is shown below
The following slideshow is of some of the ikebana created by the attendees using the sculpture they had created on the day.
Monday 18th June 2018
Techniques for using Umbrella Grass stems - Emily Karanikolopoulos
The June workshop was given by Emily Karanikolopoulos on the theme of 'Techniques for using Umbrella Grass stems'. Emily has used this material repeatedly over a number of years and has refined her wiring techniques for arranging the stems to form a flat surface of parallel lines. They can then be 'folded' to create strong geometric forms.
Emily had prepared three ikebana arrangements to demonstrate some of the ways this process could be used. Her examples are shown below.
Techniques for using Umbrella Grass stems - Emily Karanikolopoulos
The June workshop was given by Emily Karanikolopoulos on the theme of 'Techniques for using Umbrella Grass stems'. Emily has used this material repeatedly over a number of years and has refined her wiring techniques for arranging the stems to form a flat surface of parallel lines. They can then be 'folded' to create strong geometric forms.
Emily had prepared three ikebana arrangements to demonstrate some of the ways this process could be used. Her examples are shown below.
With theses examples as demonstration works, Emily then gave a practical demonstration of her wiring technique and the workshop participants were encouraged to experiment for themselves. As Emily said it was then up to the imagination of the ikebanist.
Below is a slideshow of some of the work produced by the workshop participants. Please bear in mind that this was a workshop about technique. While much concentrated fun was had by the participants, some of the photos are of 'works in progress'.
Below is a slideshow of some of the work produced by the workshop participants. Please bear in mind that this was a workshop about technique. While much concentrated fun was had by the participants, some of the photos are of 'works in progress'.
26 May 2018 (morning)
Incorporating three shapes into ikebana - Yoshiro Umemura
This month the workshop was given by Mr Yoshiro Umemura from Sydney, Australia's most experienced and senior teacher of Sogetsu Ikebana. Two workshops were offered with 24 members participating in the morning and 23 attending in the afternoon. In all 27 members attended. The first was on the theme of incorporating a triangle, circle and square in an ikebana arrangement. These three geometric forms were used in ink brush painting by the Zen Buddhist monk Sengai (1750 - 1837) to represent the universe (see below).
Incorporating three shapes into ikebana - Yoshiro Umemura
This month the workshop was given by Mr Yoshiro Umemura from Sydney, Australia's most experienced and senior teacher of Sogetsu Ikebana. Two workshops were offered with 24 members participating in the morning and 23 attending in the afternoon. In all 27 members attended. The first was on the theme of incorporating a triangle, circle and square in an ikebana arrangement. These three geometric forms were used in ink brush painting by the Zen Buddhist monk Sengai (1750 - 1837) to represent the universe (see below).
Mr Umemura demonstrated his idea using Siberian dogwood to make a 'square', triangles made with New Zealand Flax and tortuous willow to make circles. The circle form was also repeated by the yellow gerberas.
This is his finished arrangement.
Below is a slide show of the work by the participants in the morning workshop.
26 May 2018 (afternoon)
Expressing an emotion - Yoshiro Umemura
The afternoon workshop was on the theme: An arrangement expressing an Emotion. For his demonstration Mr Umemura made an arrangement expressing 'Anger'.
Expressing an emotion - Yoshiro Umemura
The afternoon workshop was on the theme: An arrangement expressing an Emotion. For his demonstration Mr Umemura made an arrangement expressing 'Anger'.
The gymea leaves show strong sharp lines shooting out, the red and yellow gerberas represent the heat of anger and the gypsophila the 'fizzing' intensity.
Below is a slide show of the work created by the participants in the afternoon workshop.
The members who were able to participate in the workshops were very appreciative of the challenge of Mr Umemura's themes and the insight and encouragement of his critique.
16 April 2018
Using dried palm materials Toula and Betty Karanikolopoulos
The theme of this month's workshop was 'Using Dried Palm Materials', and was led by Toula and Betty Karanikolopoulos. Both of our demonstrators used a variety of materials from different kinds of palms. This included the 'spathes' that cover the flowering/fruiting branch, the 'inflorescence' that bears the fruit and the broad base of the fronds where they attach to the trunk. Toula commented that she herself was amazed at just how many different qualities she found in these materials. Both of the demonstrators presented three previously prepared arrangements. In addition Toula demonstrated her technique for shaping the dried ‘flower stalks’ of a palm after having soaked it in hot water for some hours.
The following three photos are of Betty's demonstration examples. The first uses the base and central rib of two fronds. The second and third example uses spathes.
Using dried palm materials Toula and Betty Karanikolopoulos
The theme of this month's workshop was 'Using Dried Palm Materials', and was led by Toula and Betty Karanikolopoulos. Both of our demonstrators used a variety of materials from different kinds of palms. This included the 'spathes' that cover the flowering/fruiting branch, the 'inflorescence' that bears the fruit and the broad base of the fronds where they attach to the trunk. Toula commented that she herself was amazed at just how many different qualities she found in these materials. Both of the demonstrators presented three previously prepared arrangements. In addition Toula demonstrated her technique for shaping the dried ‘flower stalks’ of a palm after having soaked it in hot water for some hours.
The following three photos are of Betty's demonstration examples. The first uses the base and central rib of two fronds. The second and third example uses spathes.
Next, Toula's demonstration examples. The first of Toula's examples uses fresh and dried fan palm fronds, and dried palm spathes. The dried materials are painted.
With this last example, Toula demonstrated her technique of soaking, then rolling, the inflorescence of a palm (which carries the seeds). Once the material is allowed to dry out it maintains its shape.
Below is a slideshow of photos of the work created by most of the 26 participants at the workshop.
Below is a slideshow of photos of the work created by most of the 26 participants at the workshop.
19 February 2018
Surprising themes and approaches - Lara Telford
The first workshop for 2018 was lead by Lara Telford who had returned from three months at the Sogetsu Head Quarters last December. She was the most recent recipient of the Norman and Mary Sparnon Endowment Scholarship. Before the workshop Lara gave a presentation about her experiences at the Head Quarters and showed slides focussing on 'relief work' (wall pieces) from an exhibition. She spoke with great passion about the enriching experience of attending classes regularly at the Head Quarters and referred to many of the insights she gained during that time.
Lara's workshop was based on No. 48 of the Fifty principles of Ikebana : “Remember there are always new, surprising themes and approaches to arranging Ikebana”. She asked the participants to use familiar material and bring a sketch of their planned arrangement. At the workshop she then asked members to make an arrangement using the material differently to their intention.
Surprising themes and approaches - Lara Telford
The first workshop for 2018 was lead by Lara Telford who had returned from three months at the Sogetsu Head Quarters last December. She was the most recent recipient of the Norman and Mary Sparnon Endowment Scholarship. Before the workshop Lara gave a presentation about her experiences at the Head Quarters and showed slides focussing on 'relief work' (wall pieces) from an exhibition. She spoke with great passion about the enriching experience of attending classes regularly at the Head Quarters and referred to many of the insights she gained during that time.
Lara's workshop was based on No. 48 of the Fifty principles of Ikebana : “Remember there are always new, surprising themes and approaches to arranging Ikebana”. She asked the participants to use familiar material and bring a sketch of their planned arrangement. At the workshop she then asked members to make an arrangement using the material differently to their intention.
For her demonstration Lara arranged a branch of Persimmon and two Fatsia Japonica leaves, lightly sprayed with red, in a metal ikebana vessel.
She then arranged similar materials in a completely different style in a matching red vessel.
Below is a slideshow of some of the work by the 34 members who attended the meeting. Unfortunately their sketches could not be shown, so what we see is the finished ikebana works.
1 December 2017
Fabric in ikebana - Emily Karanikolopoulos
On a day of exceptionally stormy weather and heavy rain, 14 members braved the elements to attend the year's last workshop which was lead by Emily Karanikolopoulos. Her theme was: Fabric in an arrangement. Emily had sent out information advising participants to approach the theme as a special case of ' ...using Fresh and Unconventional Material'. She pointed out that the 'unconventional material' should be dominant in the arrangement and that its natural properties should be featured in such a way that it should be recognisable.
Fabric in ikebana - Emily Karanikolopoulos
On a day of exceptionally stormy weather and heavy rain, 14 members braved the elements to attend the year's last workshop which was lead by Emily Karanikolopoulos. Her theme was: Fabric in an arrangement. Emily had sent out information advising participants to approach the theme as a special case of ' ...using Fresh and Unconventional Material'. She pointed out that the 'unconventional material' should be dominant in the arrangement and that its natural properties should be featured in such a way that it should be recognisable.
Here Emily is demonstrating an arrangement using two suibans. She has stretched two bands of different fabrics across them and added a stem of mahonia with three leaves. Below are the demonstration examples set by Emily.
Upright blades of aluminium and a Gymea leaf are draped with Obi silk.
Heavy yellow silk and orchids in a ceramic vase.
Glass vases with chiffon, strelitzia nicholai and kiwi fruit vine.
Red silk velvet, silver pleated silk and a mahonia stem in two suibans.
Below is a slide show with work made by the participants at the workshop.
Below is a slide show with work made by the participants at the workshop.
15 October 2017
Complementing an artwork - Yoshiro Umemura
Last weekend the Victorian Branch welcomed Australia's most senior Sogetsu School teacher from Sydney, Yoshiro Umemura, for his regular annual visit to the Branch. Mr Umemura gave two workshops on each day. He chose themes from the newly published Book Five of the Sogetsu curriculum. The Sunday morning workshop had the theme: Complementing a work of Art. Mr Umemura commented that this theme should be understood as a 'conversation' between the ikebana and the art work, not simply a comment on or copying of the artwork.
For his demonstration he chose a painted and glazed ceramic tile by Lucy Boyd, a member of the famous Boyd family. Below Mr Umemura demonstrating and the completed art works together.
Complementing an artwork - Yoshiro Umemura
Last weekend the Victorian Branch welcomed Australia's most senior Sogetsu School teacher from Sydney, Yoshiro Umemura, for his regular annual visit to the Branch. Mr Umemura gave two workshops on each day. He chose themes from the newly published Book Five of the Sogetsu curriculum. The Sunday morning workshop had the theme: Complementing a work of Art. Mr Umemura commented that this theme should be understood as a 'conversation' between the ikebana and the art work, not simply a comment on or copying of the artwork.
For his demonstration he chose a painted and glazed ceramic tile by Lucy Boyd, a member of the famous Boyd family. Below Mr Umemura demonstrating and the completed art works together.
This slide show is of the ikebana and in most cases the artwork, or a facsimile, chosen by the ikebanist.
15 October 2017
Using various locations - Yoshiro Umemura
On Sunday afternoon the theme was: 'Using various locations'. Mr Umemura pointed out that in this exercise it is important to carefully take into account the characteristics of the physical space in which the ikebana is to be created. For his demonstration he chose a very difficult location, a window. Setting the work on the glass pane itself.
Using various locations - Yoshiro Umemura
On Sunday afternoon the theme was: 'Using various locations'. Mr Umemura pointed out that in this exercise it is important to carefully take into account the characteristics of the physical space in which the ikebana is to be created. For his demonstration he chose a very difficult location, a window. Setting the work on the glass pane itself.
The following slide show demonstrates the wide range of interpretations of this theme made by participants. You can see the ingenuity of their thinking in finding such a variety of spaces in a single, fairly plain class room.
Next are photos from the Saturday workshop that were posted last weekend.
For the Saturday morning workshop Mr Umemura set the theme: 'Arrangements on the Table'. He pointed out that there were many variables in this exercise including: the nature of the event for which the ikebana is made, the function of the table, its height and whether the ikebana would be viewed from 360 degrees or a more limited view, and so on. His demonstration example was a low arrangement, to suit a dining or perhaps a coffee table.
For the Saturday morning workshop Mr Umemura set the theme: 'Arrangements on the Table'. He pointed out that there were many variables in this exercise including: the nature of the event for which the ikebana is made, the function of the table, its height and whether the ikebana would be viewed from 360 degrees or a more limited view, and so on. His demonstration example was a low arrangement, to suit a dining or perhaps a coffee table.
Mr Umemura said the image he had in mind was of an egg (the curled aspidistra leaves) being broken and the yolk and white spilling out.
Below is a slide show of some of the ikebana created for a great variety of interpretations of this theme for a variety of situations.
15 October 2017
Floor position arrangement - Yoshiro Umemura
In the afternoon the exercise was a 'Floor Position Arrangement'. Mr Umemura made the valuable comment that a more literal translation from the Japanese would be an arrangement 'rising from the floor'. This gave many of us a quite different understanding of the exercise. His own demonstration, shown below, clearly expresses a strong upward movement.
Floor position arrangement - Yoshiro Umemura
In the afternoon the exercise was a 'Floor Position Arrangement'. Mr Umemura made the valuable comment that a more literal translation from the Japanese would be an arrangement 'rising from the floor'. This gave many of us a quite different understanding of the exercise. His own demonstration, shown below, clearly expresses a strong upward movement.
Next a slide-show of floor arrangements created by members at the workshop.
Monday 21st August 2017
Ikebana incorporating text - Christopher James
Christopher James lead the afternoon workshop on the theme: Ikebana incorporating text. Before the workshop Christopher declined to give specific instructions, but encouraged members to respond to the theme with their creative imagination. At the workshop he presented three examples of ikebana exploring this idea.
Ikebana incorporating text - Christopher James
Christopher James lead the afternoon workshop on the theme: Ikebana incorporating text. Before the workshop Christopher declined to give specific instructions, but encouraged members to respond to the theme with their creative imagination. At the workshop he presented three examples of ikebana exploring this idea.
In this first example the text is from a newspaper advertisement posing the question, 'What is the role of the artist in a creative....?'. In this case the text also introduces 'unconventional material' to the ikebana.
The second example, an arrangement 'emphasising water', has the work 'IKEBANA' spelt out using green umbrella-grass stems among the red lines above the water surface.
The third example has the word 'Consider......' written on a leaf using a 'gel pen'. Christopher said this was intended as an invitation to the viewer to pause and reflect on the arrangement. It is also a reference to the quotation from the New Testament, 'Consider the lilies of the field...'. Of which the full quotation, among other things, implies that the perfection of nature cannot be surpassed by man-made creation. An idea consistent with the perspective of ikebana.
Below is a slide show of some of the ikebana created by members at the workshop. Text was used in a great variety of ways including: purely decoratively, poetic references, cross-word puzzle, caligraphy, musical notation and textural patterning.
8 July 2017
Wabi-sabi in ikebana - Lara Telford
Lara Telford lead the Saturday workshop on the theme: Wabi-sabi in Ikebana. In her presentation Lara spoke about the evolution of the meaning of wabi-sabi. 'Wabi' originally describing the feelings and experiences of the hermitic tradition and 'Sabi' meant 'chill, lean, or withered'. These terms evolved into the modern idea of beauty that can be found in the 'imperfect, impermanent and incomplete'.
Lara presented the four ikebana arrangements below to express these ideas.
Wabi-sabi in ikebana - Lara Telford
Lara Telford lead the Saturday workshop on the theme: Wabi-sabi in Ikebana. In her presentation Lara spoke about the evolution of the meaning of wabi-sabi. 'Wabi' originally describing the feelings and experiences of the hermitic tradition and 'Sabi' meant 'chill, lean, or withered'. These terms evolved into the modern idea of beauty that can be found in the 'imperfect, impermanent and incomplete'.
Lara presented the four ikebana arrangements below to express these ideas.
Pomegranate and vine in a rustic vase
Dried Kelp and Lotus pods
Miscanthus, straw and green leaf blades
Finger citron, aspidestra leaf gardening gloves ceramic vessel.
Below is a slide show of some of the arrangements made by the workshop participants.
Below is a slide show of some of the arrangements made by the workshop participants.
29 May 2017
Seasonal arrangement to be viewed from all angles
At the workshop meeting in May, Lee Johnstone lead a workshop on the two combined themes. Firstly, an arrangement to be viewed from all angles. Secondly, a seasonal arrangement, Autumn/Winter, it being the third last day of Autumn.
Seasonal arrangement to be viewed from all angles
At the workshop meeting in May, Lee Johnstone lead a workshop on the two combined themes. Firstly, an arrangement to be viewed from all angles. Secondly, a seasonal arrangement, Autumn/Winter, it being the third last day of Autumn.
Lee had prepared an arrangement in a spherical vase with a mass of corokia stems and autumn flowers. For her demonstration she used a favourite split cylinder ceramic vase designed by Hiroshi Teshigahara. In it she arranged red dogwood stems, hydrangea and ornamental grape vine leaves all from her own garden. Lee pointed out that in this arrangement it is important that it looks distinctly different from each angle as you move around the vase.
Unfortunately there was not the opportunity to photograph each arrangement from multiple angles. Below are both of Lee's demonstration works.
Unfortunately there was not the opportunity to photograph each arrangement from multiple angles. Below are both of Lee's demonstration works.
The following slide show is a selection of arrangements made by some of the 21 members who attended the meeting.
18 March 2017
Discovering new opportunities - Sandy Marker
Our guest presenter for this all day activity was Sandy Marker, from the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Sogetsu Teachers Association. As the fifth recipient of the Norman and Mary Sparnon Endowment Scholarship, Sandy spent three months attending classes at the Tokyo Sogetsu Headquarters in 2016. She gave a slide presentation covering classes and exhibitions, including one in which she participated. After her presentation she lead a workshop on the theme 'Discovering New Opportunities'. Members brought materials and vessels that were exchanged through a lottery process, requiring members to work with unfamiliar vessels and materials. The engaging and challenging workshop lead to unexpected discoveries and was greatly enjoyed.
Here is a link to Sandy's blog on a related theme.
sandymarker.com/blog/encounter-new-discoveries-5-minute-exercise
Below is a slide show of ikebana created at the workshop.
Discovering new opportunities - Sandy Marker
Our guest presenter for this all day activity was Sandy Marker, from the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Sogetsu Teachers Association. As the fifth recipient of the Norman and Mary Sparnon Endowment Scholarship, Sandy spent three months attending classes at the Tokyo Sogetsu Headquarters in 2016. She gave a slide presentation covering classes and exhibitions, including one in which she participated. After her presentation she lead a workshop on the theme 'Discovering New Opportunities'. Members brought materials and vessels that were exchanged through a lottery process, requiring members to work with unfamiliar vessels and materials. The engaging and challenging workshop lead to unexpected discoveries and was greatly enjoyed.
Here is a link to Sandy's blog on a related theme.
sandymarker.com/blog/encounter-new-discoveries-5-minute-exercise
Below is a slide show of ikebana created at the workshop.
Monday 20th February 2017
Using wire and pantyhose
The first meeting for 2017 was held at the Phyllis Hore Room at the Kew Library. Following the Annual General Meeting a workshop was led by Toula and Betty Karanikolopoulos. The theme was 'Using wire and panty-hose' to make a sculptural form in your ikebana. Toula and Betty produced a number of striking sculptural forms that included panty-hose, wire and a variety of other materials. Examples of their work are shown below. The first slide show is of examples by Toula.
This second slideshow is of examples prepared by Betty.
The next slideshow is of ikebana and sculptural works made by the members at the workshop.
Monday 7th November 2016
The final workshop for 2016 was lead by the Director, Elizabeth Angell, on two themes from the curriculum, combined into one arrangement. The first being incorporating fruit or vegetables and the second taking into account the colour of the vessel. For her demonstration works Elizabeth first used red chilli pepper and a dark maroon succulent in a goblet shaped vase, with the materials complementing the exterior and the, not visible bright red, interior of the vase.
The final workshop for 2016 was lead by the Director, Elizabeth Angell, on two themes from the curriculum, combined into one arrangement. The first being incorporating fruit or vegetables and the second taking into account the colour of the vessel. For her demonstration works Elizabeth first used red chilli pepper and a dark maroon succulent in a goblet shaped vase, with the materials complementing the exterior and the, not visible bright red, interior of the vase.
For her second work Elizabeth contrasted the materials with the colour of the vase she used. The predominately green materials and a small bright red tomato were arranged in a tall bright blue vase.
Below is a slide show of some of the arrangements made by the members at the workshop.
Monday 5th September 2016
A workshop entitled 'A Random Encounter' was lead by Joan Norbury, Eugenia Chudacek and Margaret Wilson, requiring participants to create ikebana using previously unseen manmade materials. The participants were asked to bring an Ikebana vessel, a small amount of botanical material and their creative imagination. Each participant was given a 'mystery bag' of materials from which to choose to create an ikebana work in an unplanned encounter.
Below are photos of demonstration ikebana by the workshop leaders. The first two examples are by Joan Norbury.
A workshop entitled 'A Random Encounter' was lead by Joan Norbury, Eugenia Chudacek and Margaret Wilson, requiring participants to create ikebana using previously unseen manmade materials. The participants were asked to bring an Ikebana vessel, a small amount of botanical material and their creative imagination. Each participant was given a 'mystery bag' of materials from which to choose to create an ikebana work in an unplanned encounter.
Below are photos of demonstration ikebana by the workshop leaders. The first two examples are by Joan Norbury.
The next two arrangments are by Eugenia Chudacek.
The following is an arrangement by Margaret Wilson
Below is a slide show of some of the works created by the workshop participants.
Saturday 2nd July 2016
The workshop was lead by Emily Karanikolopoulos and Lucy Papas. The theme was an exploration of an exercise proposed in the forthcoming Book Five, of the Sogetsu Curriculum. Emily and Lucy were at pains to emphasise that the workshop was their interpretation of the theme: " That which cannot be expressed by plants (using inorganic materials only) "...and said: ' Therefore man-made materials should be used...(including) plastic, metal, glass, fabric, paper, stone etc. This includes manufactured timber products, cotton and woollen products.
Below are seven demonstration examples that Emily prepared for the workshop...
The workshop was lead by Emily Karanikolopoulos and Lucy Papas. The theme was an exploration of an exercise proposed in the forthcoming Book Five, of the Sogetsu Curriculum. Emily and Lucy were at pains to emphasise that the workshop was their interpretation of the theme: " That which cannot be expressed by plants (using inorganic materials only) "...and said: ' Therefore man-made materials should be used...(including) plastic, metal, glass, fabric, paper, stone etc. This includes manufactured timber products, cotton and woollen products.
Below are seven demonstration examples that Emily prepared for the workshop...
...and a further eight demonstration examples prepared by Lucy.
The following slide show is of some of the works created at the workshop.
16th May 2016
Thea Sartori lead the afternoon workshop on the theme: Three simplified arrangements, using the same type of material in each. She explained that the exercise was to simplify the materials to their essential elements, but in such a way that the identity of the material was not lost. The material she used for her demonstration was a white camellia from her own garden.
Thea Sartori lead the afternoon workshop on the theme: Three simplified arrangements, using the same type of material in each. She explained that the exercise was to simplify the materials to their essential elements, but in such a way that the identity of the material was not lost. The material she used for her demonstration was a white camellia from her own garden.
The photo below shows Thea's demonstration to the seventeen members from the branch who participated in the workshop.
Below is a slide-show of the ikebana works created by the members.
On his regular annual visit to the Melbourne Branch,Yoshiro Umemura, the very popular senior ikebana teacher from Sydney, gave workshops on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April. Continuing an idea he introduced last year, Mr Umemura set workshop themes that were the combination of two exercises from the Sogetsu curriculum.
10th April 2018 (am)
Following the Saturday workshops two further workshops were given on Sunday. The themes for the first workshop were: 'Massed expression' and 'Focussing on water'. Mr Umemura presented two demonstration works. In one he massed 3 broccoli heads on the edge of a shallow blue bowl.
10th April 2018 (am)
Following the Saturday workshops two further workshops were given on Sunday. The themes for the first workshop were: 'Massed expression' and 'Focussing on water'. Mr Umemura presented two demonstration works. In one he massed 3 broccoli heads on the edge of a shallow blue bowl.
In the second example using a glass cylinder, he stripped and massed petals from a yellow dahlia, added water and then added several red dahlia flowers at the top of the vessel.
Below is a slide show of some of the participant's work.
Sunday 10th April 2018 (pm)
In the afternoon workshop Mr Umemura's themes were: 'entwining plant materials' and 'paying attention to the vessel and where it is to be placed'. He entwined branches of tortuous willow, adding a mass of red and yellow dahlia petals. He then playfully lay the vessel on its side creating the illusion of them spilling across the table top.
In the afternoon workshop Mr Umemura's themes were: 'entwining plant materials' and 'paying attention to the vessel and where it is to be placed'. He entwined branches of tortuous willow, adding a mass of red and yellow dahlia petals. He then playfully lay the vessel on its side creating the illusion of them spilling across the table top.
He also made a created the more conventional example below.
The following slide-show is of the participant's work.
Saturday 9th April 2018 (am)
The first of these, in the morning workshop, was: 'An arrangement of a variety of materials' (5 or more) and 'A composition using straight lines'. For his demonstration Mr Umemura arranged five materials in a Bizen style ceramic vase partially framed by two large rectangles of 'umbrella grass' stems.
The completed demonstration work
Mr Umemura discussing work during the 'critique'.
What follows is a slideshow of some of the participants work from the first workshop.
What follows is a slideshow of some of the participants work from the first workshop.
April 9th 2016 (pm)
In the afternoon workshop the combined themes were: 'A composition of curved and straight lines' and 'Using fruiting materials'.
In the afternoon workshop the combined themes were: 'A composition of curved and straight lines' and 'Using fruiting materials'.
Mr Umemura's demonstration work used lemon and pomegranate branches, weeping willow, dogwood and green chrysanthemum.
Following is a slideshow of some of the participants work. Next week photos from the Sunday workshop.
February 8th 2016
The first workshop for 2016 was held on Monday 8th February. It was lead by Toula and Betty Karanikolopoulos on the theme: 'Use your imagination with balloons in water or with other material'. Within the Victorian Branch Toula and Betty are well known as great experimenters with unconventional materials and the workshop did not disappoint. Below are the demonstration works they presented to the 35 members who attended our first (and Annual General) meeting for the year. It is worth noting that the emphasis in these demonstration works is on the sculptural qualities of the materials.
The first workshop for 2016 was held on Monday 8th February. It was lead by Toula and Betty Karanikolopoulos on the theme: 'Use your imagination with balloons in water or with other material'. Within the Victorian Branch Toula and Betty are well known as great experimenters with unconventional materials and the workshop did not disappoint. Below are the demonstration works they presented to the 35 members who attended our first (and Annual General) meeting for the year. It is worth noting that the emphasis in these demonstration works is on the sculptural qualities of the materials.
Betty Karanikolopoulos: palm spathes, onion flowers and green 'sausage' balloons in a ceramic vessel.
Betty Karanikolopoulos: green anthuriums and balloons (weighted) in glass stemmed bowl.
Betty Karanikolopoulos: belladonna lily bud and triangular construction of bamboo and red balloons.
Betty Karanikolopoulos: 'umbrella grass' (cyperus involucratis), inserted into 'sausage balloons'.
Betty Karanikolopoulos: aspidistra leaves, orange balloon inserted within a clear balloon, white plastic, ceramic trough.
Toula Karanikolopoulos: semperflorens begonia leaves, painted balloons, wired rope. ceramic vessel
Toula Karanikolopoulos: arum leaf, chrysanthemum, zucchini and painted sausage balloons, ceramic vessel.
Toula Karanikolopoulos: New Zealand flax leaves, deflated painted balloons over shield shapes, 'balloon rocks'. To make the balloon rocks Toula filled the hand painted balloons with sand and then moulded them.
Toula Karanikolopoulos: gyposphylla, leaf and coloured ice, glass bowl. Toula filled balloons with water, coloured with food-colouring, shaped and then froze them. She subsequently stood the frozen balloons in a bowl of water which she then froze again. When she presented the work she removed the rubber balloons covering the ice.
Above is a selection of photos showing the wide variety of arrangements made by participants at the workshop.
November 30th 2015
The workshop held on Monday 30th November was the last for 2015. It was lead by Lara Telford. Her workshop theme was: Four Masters - Four Signature Styles. To clarify her purpose she quoted the 3rd Principle of Sogetsu: “The spirit of ikebana applies to all periods, while the style of works may change over time.” Participants were encouraged to think about the concept of style and apply it in their own creative work.
The workshop held on Monday 30th November was the last for 2015. It was lead by Lara Telford. Her workshop theme was: Four Masters - Four Signature Styles. To clarify her purpose she quoted the 3rd Principle of Sogetsu: “The spirit of ikebana applies to all periods, while the style of works may change over time.” Participants were encouraged to think about the concept of style and apply it in their own creative work.
Lara created four ikebana arrangements to represent the unique style of each of the Iemotos and linked the arrangements by using some fresh pine in each example, see below.
Pine and Peony in a traditional vase represented Sofu Teshigahara's refined work
Lara described Kasumi Teshigahara's work as having the following qualities: '...feminine, beauty, cheeky, and creating a surreal world with ikebana'
Her example in the style of Hiroshi Teshigahara was strongly masculine.
Lara described the present Iemoto, Akane Teshigahara's, work as being modern, abundant and focusing on the use of colour, like an impressionist painter.
Below is a slide show of some of the ikebana created in the workshop.
September 26th 2015
On Saturday 26th September Emily Karanikolopoulos gave a workshop on the theme of creating an ikebana work inspired by a favourite artist or a particular work of art. In her introduction she encouraged the participants to focus on their response to the work rather than to try to simply reproduce it with botanical materials. (I would encourage readers to research the examples and artists referred to below. Ed.)
For her first example she chose two small bronze sculptures of Japanese Macaque 'snow monkeys' that she had bought as a souvenir while on a visit to Japan. When explaining the first ikebana, Emily commented that she had added the arching 'pussy willow' to reflect the nurturing she saw in the larger monkey for the smaller.
On Saturday 26th September Emily Karanikolopoulos gave a workshop on the theme of creating an ikebana work inspired by a favourite artist or a particular work of art. In her introduction she encouraged the participants to focus on their response to the work rather than to try to simply reproduce it with botanical materials. (I would encourage readers to research the examples and artists referred to below. Ed.)
For her first example she chose two small bronze sculptures of Japanese Macaque 'snow monkeys' that she had bought as a souvenir while on a visit to Japan. When explaining the first ikebana, Emily commented that she had added the arching 'pussy willow' to reflect the nurturing she saw in the larger monkey for the smaller.
Emily's second example referenced the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt, capturing the opulence of the painting.
Emily's third example referenced 'The Last Stand of Benkei ' by the manga artist Hiromitsu Takeda. She commented that the strong sharp lines of the reed and flax represented the violence in the image.
Below is a slideshow of most of the participants works, which referenced a wide range of artists and forms of art. The ikebanist is identified on the left and the artist or image on the right.
On the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of August 2015, Mr Yoshiro Umemura visited Melbourne for his annual series of four workshops. The workshops were attended by 21 members of the branch on Saturday, and 15 members on Sunday. The third and fourth workshops are shown first.
August 23rd 2015 (am)
For the morning workshop on Sunday 23rd August, Mr Umemura demonstrated a double curriculum exercise: 'kabuwake' (two or more groups), and using 'branch material only'. He used 'Japanese beauty berry' and 'Black wattle' in a ceramic trough and pointed out the importance of using the wattle in a high position, as well as low, when its principal role is to cover the kenzan.
For the morning workshop on Sunday 23rd August, Mr Umemura demonstrated a double curriculum exercise: 'kabuwake' (two or more groups), and using 'branch material only'. He used 'Japanese beauty berry' and 'Black wattle' in a ceramic trough and pointed out the importance of using the wattle in a high position, as well as low, when its principal role is to cover the kenzan.
Below is a slideshow of the arrangements by the participants for this double exercise.
August 23rd 2015 (pm)
In the afternoon of Sunday 23rd Mr Umemura demonstrated his final exercise of, an arrangement of 'one kind of material' and using 'two or more vessels'.
In the afternoon of Sunday 23rd Mr Umemura demonstrated his final exercise of, an arrangement of 'one kind of material' and using 'two or more vessels'.
Below is another slideshow of the participants work.
August 22nd 2015 (am)
The theme of the first workshop on Saturday 22nd August was a combination of two curriculum exercises: a 'vertical arrangement' and 'an arrangement using flowers only'. The photo below shows Mr Umemura demonstrating the first exercise.
The theme of the first workshop on Saturday 22nd August was a combination of two curriculum exercises: a 'vertical arrangement' and 'an arrangement using flowers only'. The photo below shows Mr Umemura demonstrating the first exercise.
Below is Mr Umemura's demonstration work in which the vertical movement is very apparent and emphasised by placing the trough with its length running away from the viewing position.
The next series of photos is a slide show of ikebana made by the attendees.
August 22nd 2015 (pm)
The second workshop on Saturday 22nd August was on the two themes of: a 'horizontal arrangement' and 'using leaves only'. Below is Mr Umemura's demonstration work. He used bird's nest fern, varigated dracaena, and croton leaves in a split ceramic cylinder.
The second workshop on Saturday 22nd August was on the two themes of: a 'horizontal arrangement' and 'using leaves only'. Below is Mr Umemura's demonstration work. He used bird's nest fern, varigated dracaena, and croton leaves in a split ceramic cylinder.
The following slide show is of the ikebana created by the participants.
July 20th 2015
On Monday 20th July 2015, a workshop on the theme: An arrangement using two vessels, with a Winter feeling, was led by Reiko Ito. In her introduction Reiko compared the workshop theme to Variation number 8 of the Sogetsu curriculum. However, members were asked to create a freestyle work on this occasion.
On Monday 20th July 2015, a workshop on the theme: An arrangement using two vessels, with a Winter feeling, was led by Reiko Ito. In her introduction Reiko compared the workshop theme to Variation number 8 of the Sogetsu curriculum. However, members were asked to create a freestyle work on this occasion.
In the photo above Reiko, assisted by Megumi Ficarra, demonstrated an arrangement using a pair of matching vases.
In this example Reiko pointed out that because it was a winter arrangement she was using arum lilies that were still in bud, rather than with opened flowers.
In this second example Reiko used un-matching vases and different materials in each. However, the two were combined to make a single arrangement.
Below is a slide show of a selection of some of the work created by the 26 members who participated in the workshop.
Below is a slide show of a selection of some of the work created by the 26 members who participated in the workshop.
June 27th 2015
The workshop on Saturday 27 June led by Christopher James was on the theme of: Collaborative Sculptural Arrangements. Participants created individual structures that when finished were assembled together to make a single work.
The workshop on Saturday 27 June led by Christopher James was on the theme of: Collaborative Sculptural Arrangements. Participants created individual structures that when finished were assembled together to make a single work.
Christopher revised wiring techniques, creating a sculpture from corky elm which he assembled into a collaborative work with his colleague Helen Quarrell. Below is an example of some doweled birch structures paired with some large cross-sections of a tree trunk.
Below is a slide show of collaborative sculptures made by some of the 28 members who attended the workshop.
April 20th 2015
On Monday 20th April a workshop on the theme: Focusing on Water, was conducted by Helen Quarrell. Helen began with a demonstration in which she drew member's attention to several features of the appearance of water as used in her ikebana. This included the surface of water, condensation of water on a cold metal surface, water gently dripping and the clarity of water seen in a clear glass vessel.
On Monday 20th April a workshop on the theme: Focusing on Water, was conducted by Helen Quarrell. Helen began with a demonstration in which she drew member's attention to several features of the appearance of water as used in her ikebana. This included the surface of water, condensation of water on a cold metal surface, water gently dripping and the clarity of water seen in a clear glass vessel.
Below are photo's of Helen's demonstration pieces.
Emphasising the surface of the water. Here the surface is covered with floating Yucca flowers.
Water has condensed on the metal case that contains a block of ice. As the ice melts it drips and runs across the face of the leaf immediately below. The leaf in the right hand vessel is below the surface of the water and its underside is shown.
Two vessels with the material above and below the water surface creating the illusion of connection.
Five inverted test-tubes containing begonia flowers are floating in a glass vase filled to the surface with water.
Below is a slide-show of works by the members who attended the workshop.
Below is a slide-show of works by the members who attended the workshop.
November 17th 2014
The workshop on Monday 17th November was led by Mrs Emily Karanikolopoulos; on the theme of 'Ikebana as a gift'. Emily advised the members on a number of technical issues including preparing their designs initially in a kenzan. The enthusiastic workshop participants were then each given a small ceramic vase in which they inserted some florist foam and then made an arrangement using their own materials.
Below are six examples created by Emily in a variety of vessels.
The workshop on Monday 17th November was led by Mrs Emily Karanikolopoulos; on the theme of 'Ikebana as a gift'. Emily advised the members on a number of technical issues including preparing their designs initially in a kenzan. The enthusiastic workshop participants were then each given a small ceramic vase in which they inserted some florist foam and then made an arrangement using their own materials.
Below are six examples created by Emily in a variety of vessels.
Below is a photo of the workshop participants. It is followed by a slide-show of some of the ikebana created on the day.
The workshop held on Saturday 30th August was lead by Mrs Joan Norbury and Mrs Eugenia Chudacek. The theme was 'A Random Encounter', combining botanical and unconventional materials. Inspiration for the theme came from the the idea '...All of ikebana is about random encounters that are given meaning...' (Kadensho, Sofu Teshigahara). Randomness was generated by the participants being given a bag of man-made materials, that they had not previously seen, from a craft recycling store. They brought their own vessel and botanical/floral material. Participants were reminded of Sofu's observation that '...Ikebana often means (using) whatever materials are at hand...'.
Below are six examples of the exercise created by Mrs Norbury and Mrs Chudacek.
Below are six examples of the exercise created by Mrs Norbury and Mrs Chudacek.
The presenters pointed out that the manmade material should be an integral aspect of the arrangement and, therefore, it would be incomplete if the manmade material were removed. Below is a slide show of a selection of ikebana created by some of the 27 members who attended the workshop.
July 27th 2014 (am)
On the weekend of the 26th and 27th July Mr Yoshiro Umemura gave workshops for the Victorian Branch members. Below are photos of Mr Umemura's demonstration followed by 'slide-shows' of most of the participants creations. The two day's workshops are shown in reverse order. On Sunday morning the workshop was on the theme of 'Showing Lines at the Base' of the arrangement. Below is Mr Umemura's demonstration work of the theme. Below that a slide-show of most of the participants work.
On the weekend of the 26th and 27th July Mr Yoshiro Umemura gave workshops for the Victorian Branch members. Below are photos of Mr Umemura's demonstration followed by 'slide-shows' of most of the participants creations. The two day's workshops are shown in reverse order. On Sunday morning the workshop was on the theme of 'Showing Lines at the Base' of the arrangement. Below is Mr Umemura's demonstration work of the theme. Below that a slide-show of most of the participants work.
July 27th 2014
The theme for the Sunday afternoon workshop was an arrangement to be 'Viewed from all angles'. Unfortunately the arrangements can only be shown from one angle. First two demonstration works of the theme by Mr Umemura, followed by a slide-show of the participants works.
The theme for the Sunday afternoon workshop was an arrangement to be 'Viewed from all angles'. Unfortunately the arrangements can only be shown from one angle. First two demonstration works of the theme by Mr Umemura, followed by a slide-show of the participants works.
July 26th 2014
The Saturday morning workshop was on the theme of 'Intertwining Plant Materials'
The Saturday morning workshop was on the theme of 'Intertwining Plant Materials'
Slideshow of some of the works created
July 26th 2014
The second workshop on Saturday 26th July was on the theme of 'Repeating Similar Forms or Shapes'. Mr Umemura demonstrated by making three shapes out of red Siberian dogwood. He cut three branching sections, inverted and attached them to forking branches thus creating crescent forms. He then added dark red Stock and Gypsophila.
The second workshop on Saturday 26th July was on the theme of 'Repeating Similar Forms or Shapes'. Mr Umemura demonstrated by making three shapes out of red Siberian dogwood. He cut three branching sections, inverted and attached them to forking branches thus creating crescent forms. He then added dark red Stock and Gypsophila.
Below is the finished demonstration work.
Next is a slideshow of some of the members works from the workshop.
July 7th 2014
On Monday 7th July Mrs Elizabeth Angell gave a workshop on the theme: Using a suiban, create a framework using corky Elm to support other material.
On Monday 7th July Mrs Elizabeth Angell gave a workshop on the theme: Using a suiban, create a framework using corky Elm to support other material.
Below is Mrs Elizabeth Angell's completed demonstration work. She bent the corky Elm branches to be self supporting in the suiban to which she added Iris leaves, a gerbera and some hydrangea.
Thirty enthusiastic ikebanists attended the Monday workshop. In the photo below Elizabeth Angell is conducting her critique of the work.
Below is a slide show of three examples of ikebana created at the workshop. Unfortunately the photography was very limited because of the lack of a backcloth.
The first workshop for 2014 was given by Mrs Theresa Feile on the theme of 'Disassembling and Reconstructing Material'. She demonstrated the idea using Kangaroo Paw, by removing the flowers and creating repeated geometric shapes with the long stems. The flowers were placed low in the wide orange glass bowl. Twentynine members of the branch enthusiastically engaged in the exercise.
November 11th 2013
On Monday 11th November a workshop was given by Mrs Lara Telford on the 'Oriental Concept of Five Elements'. She asked the participants to think of their ikebana in terms of 'conceptual art' and spoke about how she saw that this idea is true of ikebana by the Iemoto Akane Teshigahara. Below are her examples of 'earth' 'metal' 'wood' and 'water'. (Unfortunately her example for the element of 'fire' was not photographed.)
On Monday 11th November a workshop was given by Mrs Lara Telford on the 'Oriental Concept of Five Elements'. She asked the participants to think of their ikebana in terms of 'conceptual art' and spoke about how she saw that this idea is true of ikebana by the Iemoto Akane Teshigahara. Below are her examples of 'earth' 'metal' 'wood' and 'water'. (Unfortunately her example for the element of 'fire' was not photographed.)
The participants were to chose one of the five elements and express it through their ikebana. Below is a slideshow with a selection of some of their works.
October 18th 2013 (am)
A workshop for practising teachers was given by Mr Yoshiro Umemura on the theme of 'One Kind of Material'. All the teachers used Gymea leaves only. Each participant made a initial arrangement and then re-used the same material to make a second work. In most cases the two works by the same teacher are paired so that you can see the development. The first two photo's are of Mr Umemura's demonstation.
A workshop for practising teachers was given by Mr Yoshiro Umemura on the theme of 'One Kind of Material'. All the teachers used Gymea leaves only. Each participant made a initial arrangement and then re-used the same material to make a second work. In most cases the two works by the same teacher are paired so that you can see the development. The first two photo's are of Mr Umemura's demonstation.
The next two are by Lara Telford
Emily Karanikolopoulos
Emily Karanikolopolous
Elizabeth Angell
Christopher James
Reiko Ito
Theresa Feile
Thea Sartori
October 18th 2013 (pm)
In the afternoon of Friday 18th October Mr Umemura gave a workshop for members of the Victorian Branch on the theme of using Monstera and Gymea leaves only. The participants were encouraged to 'change the appearance of the material'. Below is a slideshow of many of the works.
Ther are two further slideshows below this of the workshops given by Mr Umemeura on Saturday 19th october.
In the afternoon of Friday 18th October Mr Umemura gave a workshop for members of the Victorian Branch on the theme of using Monstera and Gymea leaves only. The participants were encouraged to 'change the appearance of the material'. Below is a slideshow of many of the works.
Ther are two further slideshows below this of the workshops given by Mr Umemeura on Saturday 19th october.
October 19 2013
The first work shop on Saturday 19th October was on the subject of deconstructing and re-assembling materials. This is Mr Umemura's demonstration example on the left. An additional challenge was added to the exercise by the participants exchanging their materials and vases.
October 19th 2013
The afternoon workshop had the theme of an arrangement 'using straight and curving lines'. The arrangement on the left is Mr Umemura's demonstration example from the previous day. This exercise was made additionally challenging by again exchanging materials and then exchanging vessels that were brought by a different participant (therefore not chosen with the specific material in mind).
The afternoon workshop had the theme of an arrangement 'using straight and curving lines'. The arrangement on the left is Mr Umemura's demonstration example from the previous day. This exercise was made additionally challenging by again exchanging materials and then exchanging vessels that were brought by a different participant (therefore not chosen with the specific material in mind).
Saturday 10th August
Create a shape using metal with the addition of green leaves.
Mrs Carlyne Patterson lead the workshop and was assisted by some of her students who demonstrated assemblage sculptures created from 'found objects' to which leaves were added.
June 3rd 2013
'NAGEIRE MECHANICS and TECHNIQUES' Mrs Emily Karanikolopouls gave a workshop on this topic to an enthusiastic group of 21 members of the Victorian Branch. Using a cylindrical glass vase she demonstrated a number of techniques for securely fixing materials.
'NAGEIRE MECHANICS and TECHNIQUES' Mrs Emily Karanikolopouls gave a workshop on this topic to an enthusiastic group of 21 members of the Victorian Branch. Using a cylindrical glass vase she demonstrated a number of techniques for securely fixing materials.
In the two photos below, Mrs Karanikolopoulos shows how the Shin branch touches the side of the vase, the rim and intersects with the vertical fixture in the centre of the vase.
Below a completed, Slanting Variation 2 by Mrs Karanikolopouolos using Ginko branches and pink roses.
Critique and discussion time at the workshop.
May 4th 2013
'CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES' In a follow up to his 2012 workshop Christopher James demonstrated fixing techniques including: doweling, wiring, and screwing to create a structure that could be then incorporated into an arrangement or form the basis of a larger freestanding sculpture. He was assisted by his senior students Helen Quarrell and Christine Denmead.
February 11th 2013
'A NEW SLANT ON AGAVE AND SUCCULENTS' Mrs Toula Karanikolopoulos
In a follow-up to her October 2012 workshop Mrs Karanikolopoulos demonstrated her further explorations with these interesting materials.
'A NEW SLANT ON AGAVE AND SUCCULENTS' Mrs Toula Karanikolopoulos
In a follow-up to her October 2012 workshop Mrs Karanikolopoulos demonstrated her further explorations with these interesting materials.
19th November 2012
'BASIC NAGEIRE TO FREESTYLE' Thea Sartori
Mrs Sartori demonstrated by making two nageire arrangements that she then deconstructed and using the same materials created a freestyle arrangement. In the second example illustrated below she re-used the same container for the re-worked material in the freestyle arrangement.
October 13th 2012
'WAYS WITH AGAVE' Toula Karanikolopoulos
Mrs Karanikolopoulos explained techniques she has developed for cutting, carving and curving agave, as well as methods of drying succulent materials to bring out their inherent character.
'WAYS WITH AGAVE' Toula Karanikolopoulos
Mrs Karanikolopoulos explained techniques she has developed for cutting, carving and curving agave, as well as methods of drying succulent materials to bring out their inherent character.