As a former university professor, fine artist, and Sogetsu ikebana teacher, my view on art and ikebana is that these two disciplines are interconnected. Ikebana is art and depending on who you are determines how far you'll push the boundary.
Recently, I had a solo exhibition at Surface Gallery in Colorado. The exhibition, titled Ode to No.41, is inspired by my grandmother's 1962 ikebana exhibition catalogue. Both my grandmother & I practiced this art form, however, I did not discover this connection we shared until this catalogue was given to me a decade after she passed away.
After cleaning out my grandmother's garage, my parents came for a visit and dropped off a few boxes. They believed the contents might interest me. To my surprise, the boxes were filled with ikebana treasures. I dove into the box and discovered an exhibition catalogue specific to the school of Sogetsu Ikebana. This was mind blowing and gave me chills.
I had so many questions. On the inside of the catalogue it said, "organized by Sofu Teshigahara"; So, did my grandmother meet Sofu? Did she have a conversation with him? I wish I could ask her these questions and we arrange an ikebana together, but instead, I created an exhibition in her honor.
The gift of my grandmother's catalogue was a surprise in which I derived inspiration from. Most of the arrangements in the 1962 catalogue are photographed in black and white. Pulling from this aesthetic, I created white high relief ikebana arrangements while using the interaction of light to help cast tones and shadows. In addition, the black and white photographs of my arrangements balance out the larger works.
It's been a beautiful journey to collaborate with my grandma and to derive inspiration from ikebana in an unexpected and unique way.
Heidi Almosara
Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher
Multidisciplinary Artist with Botanical Focus.
Colorado Springs, CO
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