IKEBANA PRACTICE

I practice Sogetsu Ikebana, a dynamic and evolving form of the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Rooted in philosophy yet open to boundless creativity, Sogetsu Ikebana embraces individual expression, unconventional materials and the idea that ikebana can be created anytime, anywhere, by anyone. It is an art form that invites personal interpretation while honouring its cultural heritage.

My Ikebana performance theme: Live in the moment. Embrace transience.

In Ikebana, we delve into mindfulness, presence, and the search for calm in the balance and connection of elements. It’s a gentle nudge to be wholly present, to treasure the here and now, and to channel our vitality away from dwelling on the past and fearing the future. Ikebana embodies impermanence, speaking through nature’s fleeting beauty, encouraging us to accept change, to embrace transience, to savor each moment rather than cling to what once was. This philosophy of ephemera extends beyond aesthetics, it shapes the way I choose my materials.

Sustainability is an essential part of my practice. I advocate for mindful Ikebana by repurposing found objects, selecting materials with intention, and giving new interpretation to discarded elements. Twigs, withered leaves, and fallen petals hold as much artistry as fresh blooms, embodying renewal and resourcefulness. In a world of excess, Ikebana offers an alternative, a return to mindful consumption, deep appreciation, and harmony with nature.

The connection to nature and sustainability aligns with Ikebana's philosophy, which is rooted in Japanese tradition yet speaks a universal language of harmony, impermanence, and the human-nature equilibrium. It fosters cultural exchange, honouring the past while embracing the future. Through this practice, we connect with history and reinterpretat it for the modern world, bridging the old with the new.

Ikebana is more than an art form; it’s a way of seeing and being. Like nature, we too are constantly evolving; and in that transformation, there is beauty.