On Saturday 3rd September Laurie and I attended a demonstration at the National Gallery of Victoria by the Iemoto Sen’ei Ikenobo. He was in Australia to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Ikenobo chapter in Melbourne. In addition to the demonstration there was an beautiful exhibition of works in the Great Hall of the gallery, by Melbourne and international Ikenobo ikebanists. During the demonstration I was particularly struck by the Iemoto’s references to the function of the concepts of ‘In’ (negative) and ‘Yo’ (positive) in ikebana. I feel this is a principle that is central to understanding ikebana and think in Australia it is essential to teach the idea to students because it is not part of our western world view. Only this morning I was reading ‘The Art of Setting Stones’ by Marc Peter Keane and came across the most lucid explanation of the concept on pages 108-110 that I have ever read.
From Wednesday 7th for five days the Melbourne Chapter of Ikebana International held an exhibition at the Kazari Gallery in Malvern. I contributed a work of two largish spheres I had made from ornamental grape vine, one of which held a low black vase with three Waratah flowers. The Waratah is the state floral emblem of New South Wales. The sphere on the right is actually about half the size of the one on the left and both are made from a vine I had to prune very hard this year. I connected the two spheres with two gymea leaves.
The placement of this work made it very difficult to photograph. It was in a long narrow entrance space against a window, outside of which was a red car. I have 'smudged' the background because it was very busy and distracting.
To continue the theme of using vine, here is a one from our garden that was labeled 'snow bells' when I planted it, I think it is Pandorea Pandorana. I have arranged it in a Bizen hanging vase. The flowers have a lovely foaming appearance because of their fluted edges. I have done quite a lot of pruning of these branches
I have also re-set last weeks exercise with some changes suggested by an 'advisor'. I think the work and in particular the 'splashes' show better against the lighter background.
For the Michaels in Florida here are close ups of these two Bizen vases that I bought in Okayama.
Greetings from Christopher
11th September 2011
Christopher, appreciate the added views for our view. Such beautiful pieces. You have such a great adventure in Japan, 3 full months. I hope to some day follow in your foot steps in some small way, I have sen the Iemoto demo several times, in Japan, Florida, and in Toronto and I am always amazed at his creations. Yin and Yo are such import concepts and the Shinputai Skoka arrangements allow the user to define and play. It is such fun! Thanks for sharing again, The Michaels..... :)
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