Ikebana Freestyle Inspired by Kid's Art

As a student of Ikebana, most arrangements are regulated by the sequential lessons in four instruction books. Free style arrangements allow for creative expression, so I am inspired by and full of gratitude to use ceramic vessels created by my children in their elementary and high school art classes.  

So many facets of art lessons carry over into adulthood: visualization, prepartation, organization, coordination, attention to details, practice . . . . Art class played a big part in preparing our children and me for college and careers-- industrial design, pre-med, mechanical engineering and urban/transportation planning. 

Thanks, Ms. Gaskins (MCN), Ms. Grant, Mr. Magoto (SUV), Mr. Nicaise, and Ms. Probst (SUA) !!!  RIP, Sr. M. Reina (NDA).

Sculpture + Zen

Backlit Morimono Project (Book 2-16).
Material: eggplant, dragon fruit, radishes, mandarin leaves 

Ikebana

My first goal in retirement was to center myself before making major decisions and setting long-term goals.  Mastering the Sogetsu style of Ikebana, serves that purpose while exercising creativity. Now four months in and over 30 arrangements, I immediately get to a still frame of mind with every project. 

The easiest way to describe Ikebana is ‘Japanese flower arranging’, but that doesn't cover it.  Ikebana cultivates a connection between nature, art, and the soul.  Personally, the study of Ikebana fosters in me a calm yet forceful pull to practice continuously for its soothing effect. 

Tranquility overrides the chaos of daily living in the time that I focus on form, angles, shapes, color, and movement. It’s not unlike the cathartic inner peace I get from sculpting, but working with natural material is more intuitive and just ‘Zen’. Stay tuned for more compositions.