Ikebana & me
Where did ikebana begin?
The practice of Ikebana started hundreds of years ago in the temples of Japan. The placing of offerings at temple altars had been a practice in Japan since very ancient times in both the Shinto and Buddhist traditions. This included the offering of flowers to honour and please the Gods, Saints, Ancestors and Spirits. Eventually the monks and priests making these offerings began to arrange them in ways which they felt were both pleasing and that represented the beauty of the natural world. Over time this became the practice of Ikebana, spreading from temples to the homes of nobles and wealthy merchants eventually coming to be enjoyed by people from all walks of life in Japan as we know it today. Over this time a number of different styles and approaches to ikebana have become formalised into specific schools each with their own particular aesthetic sensitivities, tools and practical skills. Sogetsu Ikebana is one of these and is the school of ikebana that I have been studying for a number of years.
What makes ikebana special?
Ikebana is the approach by which we take something from nature and seek to reveal its essential character, natural perfection and beauty in ways that are not possible in a garden context. The flowers and materials we work with in ikebana are not only 'arranged' but are brought to life by the skilled hands of the artist. In this sense it is far from simply placing flowers in a vase and even has quite a different approach to working with materials, both natural and unconventional, than the practice of western floristry. Through Ikebana we can see and experience the transient and fragile beauty of flowers and natural materials in their most pure essence, bringing delight, surprise, elegance and joy, uplifting mind and spirit in the process.
A little bit about me
I've been studying Ikebana since 2014 in both Canberra and Sydney as well as having had the great privilege of attending some lessons at Sogetsu Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. I’ve also had the pleasure of attending classes with Sensei Koka Fukushima at her studio in Meguro as well as Sensei Takenaka in her Mita studio. I’ve also participated in various demonstrations, exhibitions, festivals and workshops both online and in person.
My professional background is in Graphic Design and I worked in that industry for over a decade, still occasionally doing some projects here and there. I presently hold the rank of Jounin Sanyo in the practice of Sogetsu Ikebana. I have attended a number of formal workshops as well as having participated in exhibitions in both Canberra and Sydney as well as online exhibitions in Japan as well as being published in international publications on ikebana.
Through continued study I have qualified as an Officially Accredited Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher, and have been teaching students the official curriculum of the Sogetsu School. This gives students the opportunity to work their way through the accredited curriculum as well as introducing them to skills and techniques I’ve acquired through my ikebana journey that are additional to the text books. I still offer informal instruction in Ikebana on request, (though informal study does not contribute to certification).
My hope is to help you start an ikebana journey that will bring you great joy and excitement for years to come. By offering study tailored to each student you are able to pace your learning in a way and mode that suits you.
After studying with Hanakuma Ikebana you will have a sound appreciation and understanding of what ikebana is and some foundation skills and knowledge that will enable you to make ikebana arrangements that you can enjoy at home or even in your workplace!