International class with two students from Sydney
Mrs Hosono was my Sensei today demonstrating the use of driftwood as subject. I have tended to steer way from using driftwood especially with my students because it can look so heavy.
Sensei proved that is a total misconception saying the driftwood should be used as component rather than a ‘lump’ in the container. Treat it as a 3D piece of material and the fresh material should become one with it not look as if was added. I suppose if you think of how you would find driftwood in nature – grasses and plants grow up through or around it making it one. Take particular care in looking at driftwood before picking it up to see how ‘nature’ has used it in an arrangement.
Ms Hosono’s arrangement using driftwood
Because there is no set theme for the International class I chose to work in a Tsubo container again. I want to perfect the fixing method but every time I have attempted this arrangement I have had to look at a different style of fixing because each branch has not been like the one before in any form (weight, form etc). In my eyes problem solving is an integral part of ikebana, every arrangement creates a new problem to be solved.
I was delighted to have Rosie a member of the Sydney branch, plus Maude my student from Sydney in class. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed today’s lesson especially working with cherry blossom, certainly a real treat.
