Beyond Ikebana Elements Level 3:4 Lines X Pattern (29 October 2022)

October 16, 2022

 

 

Always remember that you are aiming to go beyond simply designing an ikebana work to create ikebana through meditation. Following the three-step learning model is recommended: start with a small aspect of design (Line X Pattern in this session), think of all aspects of design until new ideas emerge, and then follow the direction of your new ideas to find poetry in your work.

During this kind of creative meditation, it is hoped that you will learn to talk to the flowers rather than thinking about designs analytically (Refer to Shoso's essay, A Flower Arrangement in Search of Poetry). 


In this session, 3.4: Line X Pattern, please focus on creating patterns using lines. 


As we learnt in Pattern 1 & 2, pattern is a regular arrangement of repeated (or alternating) elements or motifs. In ikebana you may arrange shapes, lines, or colours repeatedly to create an interesting effect.


There are many strategies to create patterns. You may explore your own strategies. But following is an example of a basic creative process.     


Objectives in Line x Contrast

  1. Find various lines in natural materials (leaves, stems, branches, flowers etc). 
  2. Create a motif using line(s) first. Manipulating (cutting, bending etc.) or weaving materials can be very effective.    
  3. Make similar motifs. Meditate on how to repeat and arrange them to create your pattern.
  4. Is your pattern effective (interesting) in relation to your container, other materials, negative space etc?    
  5. Check your work in terms of other design principles, i.e., movement, contrast and pattern. You may not be able to apply all of the principles but trying to incorporate some of them may help improve your work.
  6. Meditate on your work with your selfless mind, without thinking about designs. Make adjustments. 
  7. In some Ikebana workshops, you may hear comments such as "you failed because you did not show contrast well." That is not our approach. We value design but we aim to go beyond design. In Level 3 our goal is to achieve harmony, which is higher than design in our definition.   

What's Next? - Get Feedback

1. Book to join Zoom Ikebana Dojo by the deadline. That is the first step. Follow the instruction on the page. 


2. After receiving confirmation of your booking, we send you links to access our video tutorial & our Zoom session. Our detailed video (members only) will help you analyse sample works, and help you make your Ikebana work. 

  

3. Make you own work and send the image of your work to Zoom Ikebana Dojo (ikebana.dojo@gmail.com). 


4. Join Zoom Ikebana Dojo. Enjoy friendly feedback from our facilitator and other participants. 


5. Rework after the Zoom session. 


6. Post your work to Ikebana Gallery Award.


News: Application has opened for Level 3, Part 2. Check prerequisites and Book now.