ikebana and life in japan

a blog about ikebana and life in japan

10/3/12

Freestyle Ikebana with Bare Branches

Unryu weeping willow, monstera, Dendrobium phalaenopsis

Freestyle arrangements are one of my favorite to do (it seems like I say that about everything I post!). There are no rules as to where the materials should be placed, how long the branches should be, what types of materials should be used -- everything is free.

For this arrangement, I wanted to show off the unusual curves of the weeping willow. The branches are not contained within the container, but stretch out, around, and under creating a sense of movement. I used two monstera leaves to add some weight and mass to the work, creating an unbalance with the lines moving around the container. One leaf is inside the vessel, and the other is outside. This also creates a sense of movement and wonder, drawing the viewer into the work, trying to figure out how the materials are placed within the arrangement. Finally, to add a little color, I used three single blossoms of Dendrobium. Two were placed between the leaves to add a mass of color, and one was placed near the back to help draw the eye to the movement of the weeping willow.

a view slightly from the right side


 This view from the top shows more of the movement of the lines. Notice that the front has strong, bold lines that flow to the back of the container, which has thinner lines that are jumbled up. These opposites are important in ikebana. This unbalance creates a sense of balance -- the magic of ikebana.


"By observing the beauty and quietude of nature; the play of opposites, of yin and yang (in and yo in Japanese); and the asymmetrical balance of line, mass, and empty space, the ikebana practitioner strives to incorporate peace, harmony, reverence, and a feeling of centeredness into his or her arrangement and into daily life."  Joan D. Stamm

As always, feel free to leave a comment bellow.

4 comments:

nadia said...

Thank you for your post. When I read what you write, it makes me smile because I feel exactly the same way. When you said it is my favourite, and in brackets it seems I say that about everything. I know how it feels.
It is always interesting to read your blog. Very enjoyable, thanks again.

nordic lotus said...

Nice arrangement and interesting explanation. The quote from Joan Stamm really complements this arrangement.

Unknown said...

nordic lotus,
thanks for the comment. i thought the quote was also very befitting for this work.

Unknown said...

Nadia, thanks for the comment. I'm glad you enjoy reading the blog. I can't help but like everything!
(I don't know what happened to my original comment, do I will try this again, hopefully it will post this time!)