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Living chrysanthemums!

Posted by Sogetsu at 6:32 PM 1 comment: The monstera blooms and fruits 24th February

In my garden for the first time I see a monstera in bloom.  That is what I thought.

Only to discover that it is a fruit that is edible! 28th Feb

Posted by Sogetsu at 5:19 PM 1 comment: 
February workshop on geometric themes

February 21st 2015

The Study Group met for its monthly meeting at ABK AOTS Dosoka.  The theme of the workshop was to display geometric shapes either through the container or through plant materials and colour.  Nine members attended.

All senseis were requested to do one demonstration on the theme. Only 2 senseis were present and  Malathi sensei demonstrated before the workshop.  She chose a black compote. which had a circular top and a cylindrical neck, and a jar like lower part. She expressed a minimal composition using Cypres alternifolia (umbrella plant) to form a triangular shape, complimented with a parallel line with a sharp angle and one gerbera for colour.

Molly sensei used golden coloured wires in geometric shape, helconia and many leaves.  However, unfortunately, nobody seems to have taken a picture of the arrangement!

Divya Selvam used a black semicircular container, tall and wide which had openings on the circular side, and a flat rectangle on the other side, in which she used many triangular shapes supported with a bunch of white plumeria, and looked good from all sides.

Bhuvana and Rupa are new students  doing their first book, but both of them understood the theme and made a bold attempt at it, and it is worth congratulating them for their work.
Posted by Sogetsu at 6:10 PM 1 comment: 
A fond farewell to Mr and Mrs Nakano

Feb 2nd 2015

Consul General Nakano and Mrs Nakano leave Chennai this month.

The Sogetsu Study Group hosted a farewell tea for them.  They have been appreciative and encouraging of our work in their four years in our city, and it is indeed sad that they have to leave so soon. The tea was well attended and we all enjoyed chatting with Mr and Mrs Nakano about their experiences in India, practising Ikebana with local materials and the commonalities between Inda and Japan. The Consul thanked us for our hospitality, and appreciated our efforts in popularising Ikebana in Chennai.  He mentioned that he was very impressed at how we managed to use local materials while so beautifully adhering to the art principles. The Madras Club was a lovely setting for the gathering, and a group photo on the rear verandah completed the evening.

Posted by Sogetsu at 10:29 AM 1 comment: