A European in Japan

Event Organized by Kalapa Ikebana Society - joining heaven and earth restores the life-giving spark between human and nature.

"If as artists, we never give up, we can have an effect on the rest of the world."

—-Chogyam Trungpa, founder of Kalapa Ikebana (Society)

This event includes a presentation by our guest ikebana artist from Belgium, Ilse Beunen, followed by a film “7 1/2 Weeks with Ilse Beunen” directed by Ben Huybrechts.  7 ½ Weeks with Ilse Beunen is an ikebana documentary. You will follow Ilse from inspiration to installation, thoroughly enjoying an inside look into the life of a professional ikebanist.  A question and answer session with both artists.     This event is an ideal occasion to learn more about the ancient Japanese art of Ikebana.

GUEST

Ilse Beunen | Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher

The ancient Japanese art form, ikebana, reconnects you to nature and to yourself; it brings you into the moment while your creativity gives flowers and branches a second life.  Ilse's mission is to inspire, educate, and empower people to connect with nature and express themselves through the creative art of ikebana, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of self and the world around us.

Ilse studied landscape design in Belgium. Her Sogetsu ikebana career began when she moved to Japan in 1989 for 11 years. She became a teacher in 1997 and opened her Antwerp studio in 2000 upon her return to Belgium.   She has her 1st-grade Jonin-Somu teaching certificate and received the 90th Anniversary Commemorative Overseas Akane Teshigahara award. She is known for her weekly newsletters, amazing teaching videos online, and ikebana books. 

SCHEDULE

6:30 PM: arrival/check-in 

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM:  Presentation 

Please come early to ensure parking. 

Organiser:   Alexandra Shenpen, Kalapa Ikebana Society, ashenpen@gmail.com