Thursday 2 January 2014

Why I would like to finish this blog



As, at the beginning of 2014, this blog – according to the counter – has had nearly 10.000 viewings, it is time to look back and to consider why I wanted to create it in the first place.
It has certainly confirmed that it has been helpful for people to understand a little more about Ikenobo Ikebana, it has brought some people from all over the world with the same focus on flowers and beauty, together, and it has helped me to keep track of what has been achieved in 4-5 years.
I have learned a tremendous and precious amount, but now it is indeed time to move on and to let go.

I am most grateful to my teacher here in Holland and to the few teachers in Japan I have had the pleasure to meet. I understand that a system of teachings can only reach such a respectful age when there is a certain emphasis on tradition and strict regulations. I also understand why Ikenobo has given birth to numerous schools of Ikebana. Expression and creativity are innate qualities in every individual and everyone seeks a path to let these qualities bloom in his/her own way.

A certain amount of discipline is essential to continue the Ka do, the path of flowers. Whether I want to find a different school or other means to go on and not to remain on one spot, is what I want to find out in the future.
I wish all the readers of this blog the best for the New Year.
May it be filled with sunshine and happiness, creativity and flowers!


Tuesday 21 May 2013

Welcome!



Renewed and updated 18 September 2013, new photos and text added!
Please scroll down for the new additions!

Welcome! Although I have been in love with flowers and plants all my life, it is only 6 years ago I became an Ikenobo addict. This is rather a late start for someone who will be 67 this year, but my teacher Noriko van der Linden-Momose reassuringly tells me that one life is not enough to learn all about Ikenobo. I think I am very fortunate to have found such a good teacher.

I manage to sit down at home about once, sometimes twice a week to arrange flowers, but it is during Noriko's lessons I learn the most, especially from my mistakes. There are plenty of flowergrowers in the Netherlands and consequently material for flower arranging is abundant, varied and not too expensive. The beginners lessons are given at the Shofukan Japan Centre in Rotterdam. The more advanced and ( longer lasting) Rikka lessons are given at Noriko's home during weekends.

As soon as you enter the Shofukan Centre, you feel inspired because a beautiful and genuine Japanese garden welcomes visitors and the interior of the building (an old school) has partly been japanised. In April 2012 the festive opening of a tea-house took place. The structure was built in Japan, shipped to Holland in parts, then re-assembled here. The result is very authentic and the tea-garden is now a true oasis in busy Rotterdam. The Centre offers tea ceremony classes amongst many other activities.



                                          Tea-garden and tea-house at Shofukan, Rotterdam

Every year Shofukan hosts an Ikebana Ikenobo exhibition in September, see the website for dates.


               The Dojo at Shofukan with the Autumn exhibition in the process of being installed

A workshop is organised every 3 months in the middle of the country and on average 30 members of our Ikenobo Chapter Nederland attend. It is a good opportunity to chat with other Ikenobo addicts and to be inspired.



Spring workshop 2012: shoka shimputai

I have only received my Jyunkakyo (3rd grade instructor) certificate recently, but I am an enthusiastic student and eager to climb the Ikenobo ladder (gradually). I have experienced that the old Ikenobo publication: "An invitation to Ikenobo", is helpful but I realise that this study is all about practice and more practice and Noriko reminds me often that Ikenobo teachings change all the time reflecting life itself. This is exactly why I want to continue with Ikenobo Ikebana: it is deeply rooted in century old traditions but by no means static or old fashioned.

My passion for Ikenobo is certainly supported by my interest in Japanese aesthetics, (Zen) Buddhism and a long journey I made to Japan in 1978.

I will post photographs of various arrangements in the hope that it will motivate people to learn more about Ikenobo Ikebana and to promote an exchange of ideas, tips and tricks for those who already are as enthusiastic as me. Most of the arrangements were made under guidance of my teacher. However, some created at home were deemed good enough to post on this blog.

I will revise and update this blog quite often as some arrangements that were created in the past are judged differently now as I gain more experience.



Ikenobo Chapter Nederland Exhibition 13-15 September 2013







Our Chapter has been looking forward to the exhibition which it planned for 13-15 September 2013 to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Our poster (in Dutch) mentions the exhibition's theme : "Beauty and Harmony". We have been working hard to illustrate this theme but all with great pleasure and anticipation.




The exhibition was an enjoyable experience. The venue was an art gallery in a modern church. We enjoyed the ample space and the art exhibited was often complementary to the arrangements. The weather did not completely cooperate but we were pleased with the number of visitors.



Creating our arrangements: Noriko did the corrections to ensure a high standard of quality.



Opening speech by Mrs Doris Diels, honorary member and founder of Ikenobo Nederland Chapter.


It was fun for everyone to help complete a group arrangement. There was a good team spirit throughout the whole weekend of the exhibition.


The space was well used with the arrangements mostly displayed on white pedestals.


Visitors are starting to come in.



My Shoka shofutai Nishu-ike with bamboo and chrysanthemum.


It has been a pleasure to be able to contribute to the demonstrations. 


My demonstration arrangement (Shoka shimputai with Rodgersia leaves, Kniphofia flowers and inflorences of Persicaria filiformis) completed.

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