Ikebana in Japanese Friendship Garden

Ikebana in Japanese Friendship Garden is set to go Saturday and Sunday. I first post these two arrangements. More will come later.

Exquisite Kyoto dinner, 1/11/2010

Theme: Welcome to Spring

Sogetsu headquarter

Isono Gaho and her demo

using the materials left over from holiday season

Valuable lessons from Sogetsu headquarter

In my recent trip to Japan, I managed to take two classes at Sogetsu headquarter. On Jan. 8, Friday, the master instructor for man's class was Isono Gaho (五十野 雅峰). It was a busy evening. There were about 13 students, and a crew of camera and news staff from Asashi Shinbun. They were taking pictures and videos, and interviewing with each students. I wish I could be on. Her comments on my arrangement was honest, right to the point. Every line serves a purpose. Depends on what you want to express, some lines are essential, some are not so good, or confusing. If one line creates confusion or distraction, it has to be removed. What a lesson I learned. That comment alone is worth $60. (Just joking.)
She is extremely patient when students have questions or technical problems. There were some beginners. She was very encouraging, and teach to the level of each student. She won't over correct to try to make the student's arrangement perfect, just to make her point acrossed. So the students will learn each lesson with something focused. I also learned a lot from the way she teaches.
On Jan. 15, the master instructor was Hinata Yoichi (日向 洋一). This is not the first time I took his class. His complimentary comments make you feel good. On the other hand, he would point out the direction how you can do better. He's also very gentle, patient, and very approachable.
Man's class started from Hiroshi Teshigahara. He recognized that less men are studying ikebana. He created the program to help man cultivate the interest and creativity in ikebana. It has been kept since. I love the individual attention I can get from the man's class.