I've always loved flower arranging in Japan because it goes so far beyond a vase. This arrangement, which I made in a recent class, was created by pushing wire enforced (so they bend easier and stay standing longer) flowers and leaves into green water-retaining foam. The entire arrangement symbolizes a climb towards heaven as well as the relationship between heaven, earth and humans (the Sunflowers). It also hints at the Japanese ideal of subtlety as you have to look closely to observe the yellow roses at the bottom. After taking my arrangement home and staring at it for a few hours, however, the abstract nature of the summer grass started grating on me and I had to take it all out.
I am much happier with this version of my arrangement, although I can't help feeling that it looks very western compared to the first one. My favorite aspect of either version, and this particular experience with flower arranging, came at the very end of the class when our teacher told us to take all the flower scraps on the table, including stems and leaves, cut them up/apart, and use them. We weren't allowed to leave any scraps on the table and I absolutely loved it! I have a veritable forest at the base of my arrangement from perfectly good leaves and stems that I would have thrown away otherwise.
Another fun thing about this class was seeing how differently everyone's arrangements turned out despite following the same directions. The roses especially seemed to bring out personalities as some people displayed their roses prominently above all other foliage, while others buried them as deep as possible. Regardless of how the flowers were placed, however, the arrangement wilted within about 24 hours. Overall, it was a neat lesson in spiritual symbolism, subtle beauty, conservation, individuality and impermanence - oh, and flower arranging.
I've always loved flower arranging in Japan because it goes so far beyond a vase. This arrangement, which I made in a recent class, was created by pushing wire enforced (so they bend easier and stay standing longer) flowers and leaves into green water-retaining foam. The entire arrangement symbolizes a climb towards heaven as well as the relationship between heaven, earth and humans (the Sunflowers). It also hints at the Japanese ideal of subtlety as you have to look closely to observe the yellow roses at the bottom. After taking my arrangement home and staring at it for a few hours, however, the abstract nature of the summer grass started grating on me and I had to take it all out.
I am much happier with this version of my arrangement, although I can't help feeling that it looks very western compared to the first one. My favorite aspect of either version, and this particular experience with flower arranging, came at the very end of the class when our teacher told us to take all the flower scraps on the table, including stems and leaves, cut them up/apart, and use them. We weren't allowed to leave any scraps on the table and I absolutely loved it! I have a veritable forest at the base of my arrangement from perfectly good leaves and stems that I would have thrown away otherwise.
Another fun thing about this class was seeing how differently everyone's arrangements turned out despite following the same directions. The roses especially seemed to bring out personalities as some people displayed their roses prominently above all other foliage, while others buried them as deep as possible. Regardless of how the flowers were placed, however, the arrangement wilted within about 24 hours. Overall, it was a neat lesson in spiritual symbolism, subtle beauty, conservation, individuality and impermanence - oh, and flower arranging.
2 comments:
Recycling what u have too, unless u already said with your big fancy words. lol Lovely job. I think u could have another career. Well done.
Have fun!
Sandra
I loved both of the arrangements and thought they were very creative. You will have to share your talent with us when you come back to the states....YEAH!! I noticed all your flowers were yellow which I feel is for sunshine. Love you and Tyler..
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