Ikebana, life's ballast

Text and pictures Angu Rajendran

Do you never want to grow old? Do you want to make thousands and thousands of beautiful friends? Christopher Lim, the Singaporean advisor to Ikebana chapter 262 in Colombo, says that Ikebana or the Japanese art of flower arrangement is really the language of nature.

Ikebana comes from within your soul. Harmony among the materials, the container and the setting is very important. Space and balance also play a major role. And of course colour is the not spoken about but subtle keyword.

Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws attention toward shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form.

The main rule is that all the elements used in design must be organic, whether they are branches, leaves, grasses or flowers. The artist's intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece's color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the usually implied meaning of the arrangement.

The natural artists were at work at the very impressive Ikebana exhibition 'Blossoms of Hope" that was held on the 15th and 16th of June at the Monara Hall. The proceeds from the tickets were to be given for the welfare of the young cancer afflicted patients.

Sri Lanka that is naturally beautiful is an ikebana artist's dream destination. And the ladies of Ikebana chapter 262 exhibited their outstanding works of art. These beautiful creations that have inspired the many ladies not only of Sri Lanka but a trio from Pakistan, are truly therapeutic even for the onlooker.

The clever juxtaposition of flowers and leaves, the balance and space that was achieved in each of the exhibits was remarkable. As Christopher Lim says 'when I look at the flowers they talk to me. They simply flow.' Christopher produces arrangements within few minutes. And a number of them were on display. He also adds his own personal touch to better each artist's arrangement, giving them a certain flair.

The ladies were all excited and bubbly as they displayed their exhibits in the tall vases or the shallow bowls on the opening day. For most of the Ikebana artists there is nothing more therapeutic than creating an arrangement. 'Ikebana never fails to elevate your mood,' says one of the members.

'It occupies your mind whenever you are traveling around the country, whenever you glance at an unusual leaf, or piece of driftwood or even a coir of rope, one is inspired to create,' says an ikebana artist.

Like art, Ikebana too follows certain rules. Inspiration comes from within but the rules of the Shin the Soi and the Hikai have to be taught and many of the ladies are teachers too. And as some of the teachers explain 'some ikebana artists produce bold strong pieces.

Some of them are delicate, some are clever, some are elaborate and some are stunning in their flow and simplicity. Each of them is a reflection of the ikebana artist's soul.'