In today's fast-paced, stressful world, an outlet for creativity could be just the tonic to sooth your inner soul. Our ancient ancestors were fully aware of this and used all of nature's gifts to their creative best. Out of their already beautiful gardens came even more beautiful flower arrangements. This ancient and soothing art is still available today and readily accessible to every modern-day gardener.

Recently, an exhibition at Long Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans focused on one of these ancient arts. I was privileged to attend and learn all about Ikebana from the gracious ladies who were members of Ikebana International.

Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging and actually translates to "living flowers." It is an art form that balances form and shape with line and space. The practice of Ikebana goes back to 6th century China, when offerings to Buddha consisted of flowers arranged in front of his statue. A Japanese scholar, Ono-no-Imoko, was studying in China and is credited with bringing this art form to Japan. There he refined it even further; the intricacies of the art form are still being taught in Japan by a headmaster who is the 45th descendant of the founder. In Japan today there are about 3,000 schools that help to pass this practice from one generation to another. Most of the participants are still men, but women are not excluded.

Originally, Ikebana was quite simple in design and considered a temple art. Today, it is practiced all over the world. There are many different styles and each style has a specific name. Rikka is elaborate. Seiko means free. Maribana translates to piled up or low, and Nagure would be tall. One can also follow different schools of design. Ikenobo is the classical approach; Ohara, the natural; and finally Sogetsu would be the modern theory. To study any form of Ikebana is to embark on a journey of true introspection.

"Flower arrangements are the mirrors of one's soul," states an early proverb. Plants are endowed with moods and languages in Ikebana. Gerberas suggest sadness; hostas, devotion; hydrangeas, conceit; narcissus, self-love; and pansies, friendship. Sentiments are conveyed from the arranger to the viewers through the use of specific materials. The way in which the materials, forms and colors interact becomes the artist's expression, tempered by the viewer's own experience.

The longer one gazes at a harmonious and unified composition, the more one becomes enamored with the subtleties of form, balance, contrast, proportion, scale and rhythm. Those who become enamored may find themselves becoming collectors of things to create their own living self-expressions.

Anyone with a garden and a storage closet need only find the time and dedication to experiment their way to a new peace and relaxation. Treasured containers can be found at garage sales in the form of boxes, cans or even simple jars. The simplest material can become an integral part of the design. Leaves and sticks from the yard can add excitement when paired with a beautiful flower. There is no end to the combinations a flower arranger can produce. Just as Buddha smiled down long ago at the beauty strewn in front of his statue, you too will find that same happiness by gazing at a beautifully arranged composition.

If you would like to learn more about Ikebana, you may contact the New Orleans chapter of Ikebana International at (504) 392-0760. You may be pleasantly surprised to find you have an ancient artist locked within yourself!

Copyright 2004-2006, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.

bigeasyonline.net