Post by Lisa Xu
To most people, hearing the words “flower arrangements” would bring up a mental image of a vibrant bouquet that can be found at the local florist shop.
To the Japanese, floral arrangements are more than a collection of pretty flowers. Ikebana, literally meaning “create flower”, is a form of art that captures the essence of the nation’s intimate bond with nature.
While both kinds of arrangements showcase the beauty of flowers, “ikebana tries to create space by materials… [while] on the other hand, [Western] flower arrangements [try] to fill up space,” says Master Koka Fukushima, a Master Instructor at the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.
To give Ottawans an opportunity to learn more about the cultural practice, the Sogetsu Ikebana Ottawa Branch in cooperation with the Embsssy of Japan will be proudly organizing an ikebana demonstration taking place at the Canadian Museum of History theatre at 7pm on Saturday, October 1st.
Audience members will get a chance to see a well-seasoned practitioner at work, using natural materials to create beautiful minimalistic art pieces. With more than 50 years of experience under her belt, Ms. Fukushima has travelled around the world giving demonstrations.
Nowadays, ikebana is well-known globally, but its popularity dates back all the way to the 9th century.
“It started with an offering of flowers to Buddha, so it [has] a religious background,” says Master Koka Fukushima. “But as the centuries [went on], the element of [religion] turned into an element of everyday life.”
Artists can exert their creativity by using a myriad of materials, from branches and flowers to metals and plastics. The materials are then meticulously arranged to highlight their natural shapes and graceful lines.
Originating in a nation that harbours a love and appreciation for natural beauty, ikebana has its philosophy rooted in developing an intimate bond with nature. Artists can choose from a myriad of natural materials, from flowers to branches to grasses to create their arrangement with.
Ikebana has not only aesthetic appeal, but also symbolism. The plants are meticulously aligned so that there are three main lines that symbolize heaven, earth, and humanity. There is a deliberate asymmetry to the art pieces that relate back to the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi: imperfection.
“This kind of flower arrangement is connected with the form of architecture where the ikebana is put,” Master Fukushima said. “So it’s really connected to the environment.”
Though ikebana may seem like a challenging task that requires artistic prowess and knowledge, it is not limited to those with experienced.
“Anybody can do it!” Master Fukushima says.
The demonstration will be held Saturday, October 1st, 7:00 pm, at the Canadian Museum of History. Tickets are $25 and must be bought in advance. To reserve your seat, please contact Claire McCaughey at 613-852-4522 or cmccaughey@rogers.com.
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