EXPRESSIONS OF SUMMER

In a recent Geelong class, Jo's exercise was to make a freestanding structure with bare branches. Then she had to re-position the structure with, or in, a vessel. Finally, she was required to add fresh materials. This is the "Two step approach" which requires the student to practise fixing techniques and makes them observe the materials closely.

Jo's branch material was a bit tricky to work with as it was heavy as well as being very dry and brittle. However, the task was completed when she created a focal point with three Oriental Lilies Lilium. 

I recently set my advanced students in both Geelong and Melbourne the task of making an ikebana on the theme: "Expressions of Summer". By not setting a Sogetsu curriculum exercise, my intention was to encourage the students to use their imagination. The exercise allowed for free interpretation of the theme.

Eugenia brought an unusual plant she found growing by the wayside. It has very weak, but rich-pink succulent stems and pale green leaves. It appeared to have been growing in a very shaded situation. My subsequent investigation suggests that it may be Basella alba. Because of the weakness of the stem, Eugenia borrowed a tallish celadon-glazed vase by Anne Geroe, so that the stems could trail. She then added two branches of Hawthorn Crataegus, with deep red berries.

Jacqueline's ikebana represented summer roses, with longed- for rain drops and a cooling breeze blowing. The materials are: roses, Gypsophylla and Dietes leaves.

Marisha imagined the heat of the Australian summer sun and the robust plants that have developed characteristics to survive the heat and low rainfall of summer. The materials are: Banksia prionotes with unidentified Eucalyptus branches.

  

Aileen brought a number of dried pieces of twisting vine which she interlocked to create a writhing mass. She then added some inflorescences of Pineapple lily Eucomis comosa. The original vessel she brought to class was too small, so she borrowed this vessel by Tom Cockram. 

After returning home, Aileen reworked the ikebana in two vessels from her own collection; thereby creating a more dramatic result.

In the garden at Torquay... 

 

 

... one of the two sedums plants has flourished. This may be a Sedum spectabile  cultivar called "Brilliant". If so, it is well named...

...as this close-up shows. 

About a week ago, I gathered some Dock weed from the creek because it had turned a quite rich pink on the side facing the sun. I did not have the time to arrange it immediately and was surprised yesterday to find that it had retained its colour.

I thought these two plants would make an interesting combination for my ikebana. I have arranged them in a triangular-shaped, tall black ceramic vessel that has openings on two sides. The materials hug the vessel, which has become a backdrop to them, thus helping to emphasise their colour.

Greetings from Christopher

8th March 2025