ikebana international 50th anniversary essay … international 50th anniversary essay contest...

Ikebana International 50th Anniversary Essay ContestSelected Essays

“Ikebana International – and Me”

Jane Morrison, Philadelphia #71 20

Kazuko Ernst, Chicago #27 21

Kazue Knowles, Monterey Bay #231 22

(The late) Erika Schwalm, Frankfurt/Main Chapter #199 23

Maureen Booth, Birmingham, UK #83 24

Merle Schlesinger, Boston #17 25

Nafisa Tapal, Karachi #204 26

Olga Yudith, Moscow #256 27

Regula Maier, Basel #227 28

Ramani Viswanath Nambiar, Hyderabad #250 29

Ruby Claire CHAN, Hong Kong #24 30

Serapion S. Metilla, Manila #108 31

Shamala Reddy, Hyderabad #250 32

Shirley L. Winkler, Pittsburg #25 33

Sue Lean, Tacoma-Olympia #147 34

Susan Cano, Miami #131 35

Yoko Sonoue, Sendai #238 36

Contents

Preface 1

Mary Kaser, Philadelphia #71 2

Vivienne Pascoe, Auckland Chapter #68 3

Veronica Iorio, Philadelphia #71 4

Elizabeth M Higgs, Melbourne #29 5

Judith Setsuko Hata, New York #7 6

Maude Chin, Sydney #36 7

Ohryu Rekha Reddy, Hyderabad #250 8

Alice Sowray, Tacoma-Olympia #147 9

Amrita Mankad, New Delhi #77 10

Barbara Strauss, San Francisco #31 11

Betty Goodall, Adelaide #61 12

Chery Lungren, North Canton #54 13

Colleen Lewis, Wellington #158 14

Dorothy Hughes, Philadelphia #71 15

Eileen E. San Juan, Cagayan de Oro #163 16

Elaine Koo, Hong Kong #24 17

Geetha Reddy, Hyderabad #250 18

Haruko Crawford, San Diego #119 19

Preface

The Essay Contest entitled “Ikebana International - and Me” turned out to

be one of the most worthwhile projects to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of

Ikebana International. We successfully closed the application with 56 entries

from 16 countries. We are truly grateful to all the participants.

We were also very fortunate to have four distinguished members to share their

time and expertise to judge the essays: Ms. Anna Nakada, New York Chapter

- chief judge; Ms. Noriko Matsudaira, TFC; Ms. Midori Purdy, TFC; and

Ms. Helene Lanz, Biberach.

The judges read each essay referring to our judging criteria, without knowl-

edge of the contestant’s identity or chapter affiliation. Needless to say, it was

a very difficult job to judge the 56 essays, narrow them down and choose the

winners. The winners were determined according to the total scores given by

the judges.

This Contest is meaningful in that it reflects the wonderful footsteps of

Ikebana International’s 50 years. As we read the many enthusiastic and

impressive essays, we had the feeling that we were looking at beautiful flowers

of Ikebana International being sown and growing in many parts of the

world. We found how ikebana and Ikebana International have touched,

stimulated and enriched people’s lives with warm and diverse friendship.

One German lady passed away soon after she had sent us her essay, in which

she wrote how she had enjoyed herself, inspired other people and expanded

her own world through ikebana and Ikebana International. She ended her

essay and her life, wishing eagerly to inspire young people for this great

worldwide organization.

We are sure this amazing collection of essays will help all members, both writ-

ers and readers, to seek and share the significance of Ikebana International

in each life.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the entrants and judges for

their contribution and dedication which made this project so successful.

Ikebana International 9th World Convention Chairman Yoriko Ikezawa

Essay Contest Chairman Keiko Nonoyama

Essay Contest Co-Chairman Itsuko Nakayama

1

Ikebana International 50th Anniversary Essay Contest


Mary KaserPhiladelphia Chapter #71

The threads of ikebana were woven through my life long before they made a complete

pattern. Flowers had a special appeal to a tiny girl who wove clover blossoms into chains and

sucked the droplets of nectar from the base of the honeysuckle flower. During my teenage years,

flowers marked special occasions with corsages for dances and a nosegay for Sweet Sixteen.

Bouquets from beaus progressed to the most special bouquet of all, the wedding bouquet of fra-

grant camellias. My life’s path was later marked by garden flowers given when babies were born.

Flower arranging was limited to centerpieces or vases stuffed with flowers!

My husband’s job transfer to Japan took us to Tokyo where flowers took on a whole new

dimension. Studying Sogetsu advanced my feelings for flowers into a passion for expression and

creativity. From minimal basic arrangements to abstract sculptures, ikebana opened a whole

new world of loving flowers not just as flowers but going beyond their intrinsic beauty to

greater depth. The study of ikebana led to new friends and to Ikebana International, which

added another dimension not only to my life but also my world. Ikebana is studied worldwide.

The meetings and conferences extol the beauty and challenges of flowers and the artists who

arrange them. Ikebana International forms a flower chain around the world. Would I have

imagined living in Japan and making friends all over the world when I was a child making neck-

laces out of clover blossoms? No,indeed.

The friends I have made in Ikebana International are as varied as the flowers we study.

There is no end to their creativity. I have always been amazed that study group members can be

given the same flowers and branches and yet every arrangement is different. In our apartment

building in Tokyo, there was one container in the lobby. Once a week, a lady would change the

flowers. In four years, for 208 weeks, she never made the same ikebana arrangement twice. This

was both a marvel and inspiration to me. Over the years, I have collected dozens of containers as

they seem to be as much of a passion as the flowers, and yet that ikebana artist didn’t need the

inspiration of a new container. Her focus was on the materials alone.

The devotion of my teachers shows that ikebana and Ikebana International becomes a

life-driving force. They have devoted years to achieve their advanced certificates. My teacher in

Tokyo walked endless miles to teach all of her classes while my teacher in the States drives hun-

dreds of miles. They make personal sacrifices in their lives to attend national and worldwide

meetings, to keep studying themselves, and to devote time and provide patient guidance to their

students.

Ikebana International ties together the various schools and makes its members aware not

only of the beauty created in their individual school but also the beautiful styles of other ike-

bana schools. It inspires other art forms such as pottery, sculpture, music and dance to rise to

the challenge of the flowers. Ikebana International enables us to create wonderful, inspiring

exhibits that advance the art of arranging flowers. Most importantly, Ikebana International lives

in the perfect motto: "Friendship through Flowers". Friendship develops from having a com-

mon interest and in helping others achieve and grow in the art of ikebana. This friendship

stretches around the world and fosters understanding among members. Thanks to the hard

work and determination that keeps Ikebana International alive, our I.I. friendships are some of

the most beautiful flowers in our lives.

1st Prize

2


Vivienne PascoeAuckland Chapter #68

I once wrote a little IKEBANA book called,

FRIENDS FUN FLOWERS.

Perhaps I could call it “THE THREE FS.” These are the important things that have come

into my life through Ikebana International’s wonderful motto, ‘Friendship through Flowers.’

Ikebana International was formed through the inspiration and determination of Ellen Gordon

Allen. In 1956 she broke through the strict traditions of the separate ikebana schools, and

brought them together with a wider international concept. She had the support of Etsuko

Hattori’s father, and when the first meeting was called at International House, Fay Kramer was

surprised to find herself elected as the First President.

I remember the evening of the American Conference in New York in 1953 when, for the

first time, the three masters, Senei Ikenobo, Houn Ohara and Sofu Teshigahara demonstrated

on the same stage and the excitement at the end when the different styles of arrangements came

together.

Friends! What joy would there be in life without friends? I have had the wonderful expe-

rience of being able to travel the world, demonstrating and meeting up with people of different

nationalities with the same interests. To stay with them in their homes and be made to feel part

of the family. I look back on visits to Ellen and her husband in Washington and listening – yes,

one had so much to give. Friendship is a sharing of giving and taking.

A fun! To keep a sense of humour even when things don’t go right. To learn not to take

arrangements too seriously. One seeks for perfection but it is seldom achieved. In workshops

and exhibitions, it’s wonderful bringing together such different characters, all making individual

arrangements. I have had visits to Malta, adventures in Luxembourg, and enjoying using differ-

2nd Prize

ent materials in Zimbabwe. One never ceases to learn.

Flowers! These add the colour to our lives with their many shades and varieties. Ikebana

teaches you to look carefully at each flower. Just as two personalities are not the same so each

flower is different. The decisions – whether to use a bud here or a flower in full bloom.

Ikebana is a challenge to our imagination. But then life is one long challenge, a search for

truth, a seeking for perfection, chasing those elusive rainbows that lead men and women on, on

ever on. Some only search for the pot of gold. They are sure lies at the foot of the rainbow. But

others lift their eyes to the wonder of the arch across the sky and see the beauty of the merging

colours.

Ikebana International, for me is like a rainbow that has encircled the earth with its merg-

ing colours. Personalities and individuals coming together in a common interest and love of

IKEBANA.

As I will be 90 in April 2006, I doubt if I will be able to make the journey from New

Zealand to Japan for this special conference. Except for the first Conference in Japan, I have had

the great joy of attending all the International Conferences and have come away richer in every

way.

Now as Ikebana International celebrates its 50th anniversary my dream is that the world –

no matter what age, what school, what nationality, or what religion – will learn of the peace and

the joy that can come through.

FRIENDSHIP THROUGH FLOWERS

3


Veronica IorioPhiladelphia Chapter #71

My love affair with the study of Ikebana and Ikebana International began almost three

decades ago. It started as an opportunity to explore something new and different and coincided

with a move to a new home and a new environment. This Japanese Art and its Umbrella

Organization were both different and strange to me, but provided a welcoming embrace for

friendship with those who shared in a common love of arranging flowers.

Grasping the fundamental concepts of asymmetrical flower arranging was like taking those

first baby steps, ones which caused me to falter and to stumble, but I picked myself up and tod-

dled forward while learning the basics. As time went on, I experienced the protective, educa-

tional arm of Ikebana International, which was a natural progression.

Early in the process I met my best friend-to-be and we both joined Ikebana International in

the pursuit of a professional affiliation. In those first ten years, I eagerly embraced the organiza-

tion and its committee functions, learned the art of exhibition set up and display, and coordi-

nated my school's arrangers at every I.I. function. It was fun and gratifying, and along the way, I

made new friends and acquaintances that are now my dear friends and part of my extended

family.

Also, at that time when my children were young, Ikebana International filled a need for me to

expand my horizons, to talk to adults, and to cultivate my life long love of flowers, plants, and

their culture. Attending the group’s monthly meetings exposed me to members of other

schools, to different approaches and concepts, to new and exciting foods, and to Japan's most

recent initiatives. It was an eye-opening experience, a learning curve that has continued to this

day.

Then, in the early 1990's, as my children matured and left home for higher education, I had

more time for I.I. The first rewarding experience was utilizing new exhibition skills to orches-

trate and chair eighty exhibitors from around the world at the 1992 North American Regional

Conference which was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a wonderful and thrilling

accomplishment that still warms my heart. Another rewarding experience was chairing the

Ginza, or fund-raising arm, for my local chapter. It culminated in eight years of successful

shopping, buying, selling, and setting new standards in contributing working capital for my

local chapter. At the same time, the personal satisfaction of honing new skills was more than

ample reward, made possible through a supportive local Ikebana International Chapter Board.

3rd Prize

Although I had met my close friend the very first day of my Ikebana studies, we were both

too busy with family to cultivate the friendship we were to realize. We had worked together at

many Schools and I. I. functions, but circumstances kept us on different paths. Once we were

free to develop our personal friendship, we became a happy ikebana team. Carpooling to I. I.

meetings, strategizing and hostessing flower show exhibitions, or traveling to the 8th World

Conference in Japan created our ikebana history together. As my friend's health declined in the

years prior to her recent passing, I became her medical advocate and helped monitor her needs.

Today, I feel her contentment from above as I am blessed with the loving friendship of her

daughter and grandchildren, and with the knowledge that we “grew”together through I.I.

At a time when most people are settling into retirement, I find my personal life entering a

period of great change. I will be moving from the United States to the Middle East in the Fall of

2006 with no Ikebana or Ikebana International presence there except for neighboring Dubai

and Jordan. In the past three years I have been President of my local Ikebana School Chapter

and have recently co-chaired a North American Teachers’ Conference for that organization. I

feel I have the experience required to contribute my skills wherever I go through out the world.

How comforting to know that Ikebana International functions in so many countries; that I can

continue to be an active member, even if it means becoming an ikebana airways commuter.

This discipline and this organization have become my life’s passion!

Those baby steps taken so many years ago are now available for others to take, for them to

explore and develop new options, and to share the benefits of artistic expression in a new

Ikebana International experience. In October of 2006, I will meet new and old friends at the 9th

World Conference. This experience will complete the cycle of my first uncertain steps to the

now seasoned runner and traveler I have become.

As a long standing member of Ikebana International, I feel the organization has stayed on

course, and if it continues to do so, will enjoy the future success and longevity it seeks.

Throughout the years it has become a more sophisticated, more polished, and well run organi-

zation which offers new members the same resources and direction I received so many years

ago. Change is part of an organization's projected success that will take the group to new

heights, but I hope it never loses sight of past strengths, objectives, and accomplishments.

After all these years, the intensity of my affection for I. I. continues to bloom, and I remain a

loyal and proud member.

4


Elizabeth M HiggsMelbourne Chapter #29

More than fifty years ago an illustrated magazine article featuring exquisite, naturalisticflower arrangements caught my eye and gave me a fresh insight into the art of flower arrange-ment. I still treasure those images.

This, my first exposure to the Japanese art of Ikebana, led several years later to a construc-tive introduction to Ikebana when Mr. Norman Sparnon returned to Melbourne after residingfor twelve years in Japan. While there, he had as a student of Mr. Sofu Teshigahara, SogetsuSchool, and Mr. Fujiwara, Ikenobo School, become a dedicated and highly-qualified exponentof Ikebana and a Board member of the newly-formed Ikebana International.

Ikebana International was launched in 1957 by Mrs. Ellen Gordon Allen, whose visionwas to promote, through this traditional art form, a wider cultural understanding betweenJapan and other Countries. In extension of this vision Mr. Sparnon first visited Australia in1959 and later, upon being appointed ‘Counsellor-at-Large’ for I.I. by the first President, Mrs.Fay Kramer, undertook a World tour with demonstrations and lectures.

During Mr. Sparnon’s 1959 Melbourne visit it was my good fortune to attend his twoIkebana demonstrations and, as a result of the interest stimulated, to participate in his course ofsix lessons covering the basic styles of the Sogetsu School. I was captivated by what I hadlearned, and remained a student of Mr. Sparnon until his death forty years later.

Those first lessons concluded with the foundation of Melbourne Chapter of IkebanaInternational, registered as Chapter 29, the first Chapter in Australia. Mr. Sparnon’s subsequentvisit to other Australian cities led to the formation of additional Chapters in Australia and laterin New Zealand. After his World tour Mr. Sparnon took up residence in Sydney. From then,with regular communication through the Ikebana International Magazine, and with sound andregular teaching, students were well-placed to develop their understanding of, and skills in, thisunique art form.

I.I. Regional Conferences featured early in our Ikebana career, with Melbourne Chapterhosting the first, inviting as guests members from later-established Australian Chapters, begin-ning friendships and contacts from other parts of Australia. With the growth of Ikebana theseRegional Conferences were rotated among Australian States and, later, New Zealand; with helpfrom Ikebana International, Visiting Masters from leading Schools attended to demonstrate var-ious aspects of the art. These were rich and diverse experiences that have illuminated our visionand inspired our efforts.

World Conferences held in Japan add yet another perspective. The opportunity toobserve many Masters working on their home ground in one venue become a memorable expe-rience. For me, having an insight into the breadth of Japanese culture through numerous visitsto Japan, the I.I. Conference held in Kyoto, the birthplace of Ikebana, was an unforgettableoccasion.

Ikebana International has always been our ‘cornerstone’, featuring through its magazinesstyles of the varied schools of Ikebana, and insights into other Japanese disciplines. I own acomplete set of all issues of that magazine and, together with numerous books on Japanese cul-ture, they provide a starting point for further research into the history of Ikebana and otheraspects of Japanese lifestyleÅ|history, faiths and religions, art, crafts, ceramics and gardens.

The ethos underlining Ikebana and my approach to gardening are closely related.Revealing the beauty and character of plants is essential to both disciplines. I quote LuisBarragan, Mexican architect and landscaper:

The house is the heart of the home, the garden, the soul. The most important element ofdesign is serenity.

Ikebana that displays simplicity exudes wonderful serenity.

I have many warm and lasting friendships with Japanese people, who have welcomed meinto their homes, guided me through remote and beautiful areas of their country and intro-duced me to skilled artists and artisans. ‘Friendship through Flowers’ evolves in unexpectedways. Through a mutual I.I. friend we accepted an invitation to become ‘Australian parents’ to ayoung Japanese ballet student planning to study with the Australian Ballet. A successful careerdeveloped, leading to a Post-graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet from Melbourne University.We share with her parents pride in her achievements.

I have been privileged to welcome Japanese artists of many disciplines to my home.‘Friendship through Flowers’ has been a real and positive experience, not only to me, but to mywhole family.

I gained teaching certificates and taught Sogetsu Ikebana for many years, and over theyears have served as a committee member, and later as President, of Melbourne Chapter No. 29a great challenge but always rewarding experiences. One lasting memory of my term asPresident remains: that of welcoming the late Miss Kasumi Teshigahara to our city andMelbourne Chapter.

My most challenging experience came in year 2002, when, following a proposal I placedbefore the local I.I.Committee, I was appointed to plan and direct a public exhibition displayingthe evolution of Ikebana throughout the ages. This step-by-step history of Ikebana was titled“The Long River of Ikebana”and required twelve months of research and planning to ensuresuccess. Experienced members of our Chapter were each appointed to re-create an arrange-ment illustrating one of the steps in the historical development of Ikebana, from the earliestfloral offerings traditional to Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, through changing developments torepresentations of the modern Schools of Japan. To complement the Exhibition my researchwas translated into a colourful fourteen-page booklet revealing the evolution of Ikebana overthe centuries.

Over the two weeks of the Exhibition the response from the public, many of whom hadnot experienced Ikebana before, was fitting reward for the skilled and sustained contribution ofthe exhibitors, whose enthusiasm for every aspect of the Exhibition ensured its success.

For far-flung members of I.I. the dissemination of news of current developments inIkebana and its place within the cultural history of Japan is invaluable. It has stimulated andhelped develop my own talents, introduced me to a completely different cultural experience,and enriched my life with warm and diverse friendships.

Honorable Mention

5


Judith Setsuko HataNew York Chapter #7

The days and months and years pass by so quickly. I came from Japan and have since

spent 50 years in the United States. I started the study of Ikebana in Japan and have continued

to this day; teaching, demonstrating, and always learning. It is something that has come to

develop into a lifelong relationship with flowers.

I was first introduced to Ikebana International at the I.I. North American Regional

Conference in May 1964. It was a momentous event hosted by the I.I. NY chapter and three

headmasters – Mr. Sofu Teshigahara of Sogetsu School, Mr. Houn Ohara of Ohara School, and

Mr. Senei Ikenobo of Ikenobo School. It was an awesome event: It was unheard of, perhaps

unthinkable to have the three renowned headmasters shared the same stage. The auditorium at

the Roosevelt Hotel was filled with excitement. I felt as if I was in a dreamland.

It was at this conference that I first saw the late Mrs. Ellen Gordon Allen who founded I. I.

in 1956. Her small size didn’t matter. She was full of energy and driven with an idea of spread-

ing Japanese culture and the art of Ikebana across all schools, all people, all boundaries, and

throughout the entire world. I was so impressed by her enthusiasm which at its core was a wish

for closer relationships among all people. It was the early 60’s and the world was just beginning

to settle after World War II and the Korean War. Certainly, we needed to enjoy peace if anything.

For that, we have to have a better understanding of each nation and reach out with “friendship”.

I.I.’s motto,“friendship through flowers”, was inspiring. I wanted to join Ikebana International

immediately.

I was young then and now 47 years have passed. During those years, I became a very

active teacher of the Sogetsu School, teaching locally and traveling. Many years were difficult

because of a family illness and other years busy typical with raising a family. Through it all,

Ikebana was an opportunity for knowledge sharing, camaraderie, and personal growth.

Honorable Mention

I had the privilege to serve on the board of the New York Chapter as president to a won-

derful group, following in the footsteps of strong mentors and leaving it in capable hands. I’ve

traveled to or made contacts with people in many of its U.S. chapter locations – north, south,

east, and west and also to many countries beyond. I take the opportunity to talk about the art

of Ikebana and Ikebana International when conducting demonstrations and workshops. While

I am there to teach, I also come away with learning something new with each occasion.

I published a book titled,“Flowers are … East and West”. It was my lifelong wish. In my

own way, I wanted to show how that flowers are universal and making Ikebana arrangements

and sharing its beauty create friendships through its process.

One unexpected development was when the Hoya Crystal Company contracted me to

engage in a promotional event of their exclusive crystal wares with Ikebana. I was sent to San

Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, St. Louis, New Orleans, Milwaukee, more than a dozen

cities. Hoya Crystal wanted to combine the beauty of crystal and the art of Ikebana. These

events were presented in major cities across the U.S. where people were used to travel and had

knowledge about the world yet some people who came had no experience of Ikebana. The

world is an ever growing place, yet there are still many opportunities to talk about the art of

Ikebana and Ikebana International.

Truly, I made countless friends through flowers regardless of schools. Where flowers are,

friends exist. I am very happy to be a member and very proud of Ikebana International.

Learning and sharing Ikebana is a journey with many friends along the way.

6


Maude ChinSydney Chapter #36

It is with pride and pleasure that as a Member of Ikebana International we celebrate this

great occasion of 50 years of operation and growth, through the medium of Ikebana, the

Japanese Art of Arranging Flowers.

I feel grateful to Mrs. Ellen Gordon Allen, who founded Ikebana International in Tokyo in

1956. Through her dynamic and forceful enthusiasm, from a visionary start, Ikebana

International now has some 200 Chapters throughout the world, to foster goodwill, to cultivate

and perpetuate world friendship, and what better way to say this than with flowers, and carry on

the original motto of Ikebana International “Friendship through Flowers”. I know that many

valued friendship have been formed from this beginning.

I am one of many members outside Japan who have embraced the concept of Ikebana,

from the words “ike”-arrange,“bana”-flowers. My first introduction to this Japanese art of

arranging flowers was when I admired a display in the dining room of International House,

Tokyo, where I was staying during a Study Visit, my very first, to Japan some year ago. How I

wished I could place a few flowers in a container so creatively! It was much later that my “addic-

tion”took me to the study of Ikebana through the style of the Sogetsu School with Mr. Norman

Sparnon in Sydney, and to eventually become a member of Ikebana International Sydney

Chapter #36 Inc.

Since that first encounter and becoming a member of Ikebana International, I have pur-

sued this art form and have thoroughly enjoyed the creative instincts of putting flowers and

plants into an attractive arrangement. In particular, I learnt that the quiet communication

between nature and man is to embrace the whole universe in one flower arrangement – no two

arrangements are ever the same because of the materials used – to signify Heaven, Earth and

Man, in a triangular form. This relation is expressed creatively by the individual and is always a

joy to behold in any arrangement of whichever style of school to which one may belong.

I have found that Ikebana can be included as “healing art form”regarding it at a spiritual

level as well as an aesthetic one. The study of ikebana has given me an appreciation of what it

can do for one’s spirit or the lack of it! It has enriched my life and has given me a sense of style

in the arts, design, and specially in its attitude to flowers and plants in the home, the business

place, with creative minimal use of materials in their natural shapes and sizes, the space around

them, and the best way of displaying them.

Honorable Mention

Ikebana International has taught me many things but most of all, in a turbulent world

there is consolation in the beauty of nature, in her flowers and plants, and in adversity one can

still enjoy the beautiful blooms. Above all, I have learnt to appreciate nature at its best and try

to create peace and harmony within ourselves – we have life to enjoy – we have nature to enjoy.

To try to do both at the same time is often difficult but achievable, as I have found.

In this constantly changing world, Ikebana can be a sanctuary of goodwill and serenity,

for ikebana is an expression of heartfelt thoughts with spontaneity unmatched in other cultural

art forms. I thank Ikebana International for maintaining this concept in all its promotions of

ikebana.

During the past years, I have been able to enjoy and witness the skillful and informative

demonstrations, exhibitions, instructions, of Teachers, especially the visiting Japanese Masters

of the various Schools of Ikebana both locally and abroad. For me it is a constant learning

expedition of the art of ikebana whether in Sydney, Australia or overseas, and I hope I will be

able to continue on this expedition indefinitely!

My Heartiest Congratulations to Ikebana International on its 50th Birthday in 2006! The

success of Ikebana International has been achieved by the hard work and commitment of thou-

sands of voluntary individuals and members in the national chapters. Especially, it is the con-

stant application and dedication of all Past Presidents of world chapters to continually keep the

good will and friendly atmosphere among members and their friends. The long journey of 50

years has been interesting, exciting and successful in fostering Goodwill, Awareness of

International Cultures, but most of all, to enjoy the many friendships made through flowers,

both locally and throughout the world.

I thank the Tokyo Headquarters of Ikebana International for their help and continuous

support to all chapters of the world in keeping alive the feeling of being one International

Family, and maintaining the Motto of “Friendship through Flowers”.

My hope and wish is that “Friendship through Flowers”will always prosper and that many more

people will enjoy Ikebana International and the Art of Ikebana no matter where they may be in

the world!

7


Ohryu Rekha ReddyHyderabad Chapter #250

The world is infinite, in respect to the space it occupies, the people it houses, the cultures,

religions, traditions, thoughts and philosophies. A lifetime is not enough to experience the vari-

ety and values it has to offer. In such a vast expanse, one little organization has been growing

over the last fifty years, helping people of different nations bond irrevocably and sample each

others’ cultures with its excellent motto of “Friendship through Flowers”. Yes!! It is the Ikebana

International!

Having been part of this wonderful organization for several years, it now means the

world to me and to many others for sure. When Ms. Ellen Gordon Allen mooted the idea in

1956, little did she realize I suppose that it would gain such momentum and encompass thou-

sands of like minded people all over the world through the love for nature and ikebana.

In these times of ‘I, me and mine’ such an organization inculcates the much needed sense

of ‘WE’. With every trip within the country or across oceans to countries far spread, the sense of

being part of a larger family with warm hearted friends waiting at each place leaves a great sense

of comfort in the mind and a sense of belonging. A chance meeting, and connections form

immediately. Camaraderie follows and is continued even easier nowadays thanks to good old

postal mail and telephones or even easier, innovations like the e-mail.

Let me introduce you to a part of my Ikebana International family spread far and wide:-

From the land down under, Val in Auckland, Natalie and Rita in Christchurch, Rosemary in

Melbourne; from the far west, Cathy and Lorna in Cleveland, Carola from New York, Eunice in

San Diego and Cornelia from Toronto; Rumiko and Yuko from the land of the Rising Sun;

Marvina and Beverly from Singapore; Wiweik from Jakarta, Rita from Bangkok, Anna Marie

from Hong Kong; Joyce and Celia from Manila; from the middle East, Gity in Dubai; from

Europe- Erika in Frankfurt and Janet and Angela in London. Each one totally different in age,

culture and religions but bound inseparably through the beautiful and fragrant weaves of flow-

ers! What a unique way of fostering relationships!

Honorable Mention

In the years to come surely Ikebana International will gain an even stronger foothold in

different nations and play a role not only in spreading the art of Ikebana, but more importantly

reiterate its motto of Friendship through Flowers. We shall all, under its auspices help spread

camaraderie and peace through the world which in these turbulent times of unrest and sporadic

incidents of ill-will, is of vital importance.

Contemplating on Ikebana and the wonderful organization of Ikebana International, my

heart starts humming the following verses:

Each monsoon with its welcome showers

Heralds the year’s myriad leaves and flowers,

Lending chance to emote and create visions

An exotic way to streamline passions.

At every occasion make them the cynosure

Encompassing the beholder with sublime pleasure,

Enjoy living in close proximity to nature

Make it an interwoven part of the future.

A link to the natural is its essence

Soothing turbulent minds with its presence,

For many it may turn out to be manna

Yes! The lovely art of Ikebana!

And for people world over touched by its fragrance

A bond between them is formed ever so intense,

Strengthening ties amongst nations with such simple measures-

Is Ikebana International backing Friendship through Flowers!

Three Cheers to Ikebana International,

Hip hip hooray

Hp hip hooray

Hip hip hooray!!!

8


Alice SowrayTacoma-Olympia Chapter #147

Ikebana has been a way of life for me ever since I joined an Ikebana International chapterin the UK over 40years ago. There's been a great caring feeling through the association with ike-bana people, a warm and loving relationship. I have made so many friends throughout theworld and language has never been a problem.

I first became aware of ikebana in 1960 upon winning a prize at my local AgriculturalShow in Manchester, England, near where I lived at the time. The judges spoke with me aboutikebana suggesting I join the local chapter. It was a subject I knew nothing about and as I was abusiness woman with children, there seemed no way forward. But I read as many histories ofJapan and its various cultures as I could with the idea that someday maybe I needed to practiceikebana.

When the children were old enough to go on school vacations, I was intrigued by a maga-zine advertisement that said “Learn Japanese Flower Arranging in Interesting Surroundings.Write for Particulars. ” I did and soon enrolled in the Woburn Abbey School of Ikebana. Notfar from London, Woburn Abbey is a stately home owned by the Duke and Duchess ofBedfordshire. Classes were held by a small lake in a building replicating a Chinese dairy withbeautiful wood ceiling architectural details, a sunken marble floor and marble counters allaround the walls. Arranging flowers all day there every day for a week was like being in anotherworld.

Stella Coe introduced ikebana to England and it was one of her students, Mary Jackson-Allan who conducted these classes. We were allowed to hold beautiful exhibitions of ourarrangements in opulent settings at Woburn Abbey. By 1966 I held a certificate in the SogetsuSchool. The year before I was finally free to attend day time meetings and joined theManchester Chapter of Ikebana International. My studies became more various. I went to theLondon Workshops of Stella Coe and I also enjoyed London I.I. chapter demonstrations.

I took special lessons with Nan Walker, a member of the Manchester chapter. In April1970, I received my Teacher's Diploma in the Sogetsu School.

When Kasuya, Head Master of Ichiyo School visited Manchester in 1965 and gave specialworkshops I attended and then took a correspondence course. I also attended classes held atLiverpool. All the time having fun! In 1971 I joined the European Teachers Association andattended meetings in Amsterdam, Brussels and Dusseldorf.

In 1970 I attended the World Convention in Tokyo. I even managed to go to Kyoto onmy own beforehand. When the convention started, I was armed with knowledge of two schools.I absorbed knowledge and wonder and found new friends from all over the world. What a peri-od of joy!

I continued teaching in my home and visiting British ikebana symposiums where we hadpeople from all over the world, the locals being hostesses to the visitors. I was present whenSofu Teshigahara, Founder and Iemoto of the Sogetsu School was in London. I enjoyed hisdaughter Kasumi on two visits and his son Hiroshi who gave a workshop and demonstration inLondon. When I earned my fifth certificate, Sofu gave me my flower name meaning 1000Grasses.

In the meantime I put an arrangement in the Chelsea Flower Show under Ichiyo Schoolheaded by Joan Lutchco. I participated in the Liverpool Garden Festival. I made arrangementswith the Manchester chapter, which was responsible for a large selection of exhibits, for severalyears for shows at Southport, a resort town in northwest England.

I continued in this pattern giving classes at home and making many friends until 1986.Then my daughter, having moved to the USA, suggested I go to live near her. I made theupheaval and moved to Olympia, Washington where I still reside. On previous visits I hadstayed with her in Seattle. I attended the Seattle I.I. chapter on many occasions and had formedfriendships so I was already ikebana connected when I joined the Tacoma-Olympia chapter. Iwas honored to serve as president from 1998 to 2000.

Each year from September to March starting in 1990, I gave ikebana lessons at theOlympia Center for the Olympia Parks and Recreation program. There are so many youngerpeople with Japanese interests. Each February we staged a public exhibition for Ethnic Day.During this time period I took up the making of pottery at my daughter's art studio and sharedinteresting containers with my students. It was a cause for a little celebration when my studentsonce brought a beautiful red camellia to my home to plant in my garden.

In 2001 I had the privilege of preparing arrangements for the 100th anniversary of theUniversity of Washington, School of Law. To celebrate the occasion, they arranged with theWashington State Bar Association to posthumously admit a Japanese student who in 1902 hadbeen denied membership solely on account of race thus making it impossible for him to prac-tice law. Takuji Yamashita's descendants were present at this important international eventwhich was written up in the New York Times. “Friendship through flowers” is very worthwhileand this event gave me special comfort. It was a pleasure to meet the family on this meaningfuloccasion.

Now celebrating my 92nd year, I look back and remember all the friends I have enjoyedsince I first learned about ikebana over 45 years ago. Ikebana has allowed me to express myselfin this art which comes from the garden. You know when an arrangement is good, because itappeals to you. Free expression has to come from inside you, because what you think and feel isput into an arrangement. It helps me spiritually and I am grateful to Ellen Gordon Allen andthe ladies who founded such a splendid organization 50 years ago. May it flourish forever.

9


Amrita Mankad New Delhi Chapter #77

Flowers have always held a fascination for me right from my childhood. The line of abranch, the berries on a tree, the first bud in a rose bush, are things that have enthralled me. As achild, I was fortunate to live in homes with gardens, and my parents encouraged me to learnabout the gifts of nature that surround us, to appreciate them visually and even spiritually.

When I was sixteen, some of my friends asked me to buy myself a birthday gift fromthem. I got myself a kenzan from the only store in the small town I lived in that carried these‘exotic’ items. My mother had once given me a set of home made kenzans, and I had alwayswanted to own a proper one! I now had at least one piece of professional looking equipment tofurther my love affair with flower arrangements.

Some years later, I participated in a flower arrangement competition. I had no idea aboutIkebana then, except that it permitted use of unconventional material, and tried to convey afeeling of beauty and harmony in compositions. I attempted an arrangement of a guava branchwith some fruit on, and put flowers at the base. I used a vase which I now realize was of ‘morib-ana’ type. This was my first public brush with Ikebana.

Years went by and in 1977 my husband was posted to Tokyo. My parents and friends werehappy for me, feeling that this was God's way to give me an opportunity to learn it from thosewho originated this art form.

In Tokyo, we lived in Ikejiri Ohashi, a predominantly Japanese area, and the only gaijinsi.e. foreigners around were the five families who lived in our Compound. This proved to be ablessing, for I made many more Japanese friends than other diplomats' wives who all livedmostly in the Azabu area, and learnt more about Japan from them than any guide book couldhave taught me.

Shortly within moving to our house, I met a nice old Japanese lady at the corner soba(noodle) shop who helped me do some shopping, and as she spoke a little English, I asked if Icould find someone who could teach me Ikebana.

She introduced to me to her sensei and friend Mrs. Yasuke Yamguchi, who graciouslyagreed to teach me. This was true kindness on her part, as she spoke no English and had to trav-el a fair distance to come to our compound. Sensei was from the Ohara School. I really enjoyedlearning from her. She told me all about the philosophy of the school, which I found close to myheart and beliefs. Later, I got to know of other schools like Sogetsu and Ikenobo. I have greatrespect for them and have tried to learn from them also.

I requested my neighbors, who were from five different countries, to join the classes. Weformed a bond so strong that even today, after nearly thirty years, we are close friends and stayin touch. That was the first Ikebana.International.group I formed. Our sensei was, and remainsmy inspiration .She made me a member of the Ikebana International, Tokyo Chapter, helped meparticipate in the annual exhibition, and instilled in me the confidence and spirit of sharing andlearning. I see her and learn from her whenever I can manage to go to Tokyo.

We returned to India from Tokyo in 1981, and I continued to keep learning. In 1990, Iwas given the honour of opening the New Delhi chapter of Ohara School and made theFounder President. I visited many countries with my husband when he traveled on his officialwork, and at each place, I got in touch with the members from the local I chapter, of whicheverschool it may happen to be. Even though I would be meeting them for the first time, and theyspoke different languages, we never felt like strangers with each other, because we had the com-mon language and love of Ikebana as a bond.

We spent three years in Philippines from 2001, and my stay was made all the more enjoy-able because of Ikebana, thanks to which I soon became a part of the Manila Ikebana Groups,and then all doors were open to me to learn about yet another wonderful country and its veryfriendly and talented people. Now I have close friends there also.

Over the years, I have realized that the bond of friendship based on this common love forflowers and beauty can effectively bring together people of different nationalities, languages,cultures and schools in a harmonious composition of friendship, like an Ikebana arrangementitself.

Ikebana International is a wonderful organization. My one dream for it is for it to openits doors to the children of this world to let them learn to appreciate and share with each otherwhat God has so generously given us, and through Ikebana, learn patience, concentration, com-passion, and the appreciation of diversity. I have been using Ikebana as a medium of therapywith the elderly, infirm or depressed people. I wish it were used more for this also.

On this special day of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding ofIkebana International, let us promise ourselves that each day will be a day to make an effort toconnect with others through the language of flowers.

10


Barbara StraussSan Francisco Chapter #31

Looking at the photograph, with me clutching my wonderfully shy and generous ‘flowerfriend’ at our Naples Florida chapter annual exhibit, I again feel the warmth of gratitude for myIkebana International experiences. And now, seeing myself there in kimono, ignorant of thegross impropriety of putting a blouse beneath it instead of proper undergarments, I have to rollmy eyes in wonder that my Japanese friend quietly made me beautiful silk undergarments forthe ‘next time’ I attempted to wear traditional dress without any training. Now that I can smileat myself wearing what was really the equivalent of a tuxedo without a shirt, I am reminded ofall the kindnesses of my encounters with Ikebana, and the I. I. Chapter that buoyed me from myfirst exposure and enchantment, through a serious illness, and carried me to the Pacific shoreswhere I now happily practice this captivating art.I fell in love with Asian aesthetics when my father brought back the scent of Japan in his suitcasewhen I was a young girl. Every souvenir seemed imbued with grace and balance, color andintricacy that would continue to inspire me into my adulthood. A young mother when I movedto Florida from Chicago, I left a career and found my first teacher, Frances Groves, who adver-tised Sogetsu lessons in a church hall in Naples. With naive enthusiasm I purchased exactly onebloom from six different flowers for my first lesson: this amused my new teacher to no end.With this cafeteria-style purchasing, my eyes were bigger than even skilled creativity couldaccommodate- much less adapt to traditional ikebana instruction. Tolerant always, I began tounderstand what makes ikebana what it truly is- creating a line, and the attendant art of omis-sion. In short, it is orchestrated nature. And, I learned through real life, it is a reflection of lifeat its best and most vibrant.

It took a long time and patient teaching to help me recognize the soundless ‘sonata’ inspace that is ikebana. Along this ‘way’ I learned lessons in other aspects of Eastern culture; ike-bana attunes you to parallels in the micro and macroscopic levels of evoking nature's essence.The biggest lesson was staged right before my eyes: transformation is possible. Clumsy as I was,even I could sometimes take a handful of stems and make them into a breathtaking expressionof orchestrated beauty. What other art form requires so little (and yet great) effort for thebeginner? And what reward! I often brought arrangements to the new meditation group that Ibegan to attend, as a kind of offering. Buddhist practice blended seamlessly into my under-standing and deepening appreciation of ikebana's ‘message’.Our Naples chapter of Ikebana International brought me together with people of shared visionof this special kind of harmony between the natural and human design. For me, it is a confrater-nity of those who are touched by the chord of truth that is revealed when elements are placed ina way that reflects their deeper nature. We all recognize that effortlessness that is achieved in areally superb design- it sings wordlessly from its dais.I was fortunate to be named chair of our annual exhibit in 2002. Just a month before prepara-tions began, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I attended the exhibit with a cell phone in oneyukata sleeve and a pager in the other as I struggled to coordinate my surgery. We had several

hundred visitors, and even got a photo of the exhibit's banner I designed into the ChapterNews. The avalanche of duties and personal concerns was heavy, but it was matched and thenexceeded by my friends at I.I. I navigated it all with their unwavering support- even the flowersthemselves became allies.I had also begun Buddhist practice at about the same time I began Sogetsu study. One of itsfundamental tenants is to pause - creating space- by ‘non-doing’. I learned that by pausing, youcreate spaciousness that helps you arrive fully in the present. But ikebana teaches precisely thesame thing- our attention is deepened by attuning to the materials, creating literal spaciousnessin our design. Emphasis, I found, was given to the empty area- we ‘make room’ for each ele-ment so that it can shine or support the others with equal and inseparable grace. In our comingtogether at I.I., the almost palpable joy we take in others' creations doubles its intensity. Whereno formal competition exists, shared appreciation blooms and flourishes.Most importantly, ikebana has helped me bridge that false and nagging sense of separationbetween myself and others- what I think prevents us from being truly happy, whatever our cir-cumstances. It could not have been more tangible when I needed other's support, both emo-tional and physical, that first difficult year. I truly believe it was in part, because of I.I.'s foster-ing of this environment of mutual appreciation and community in the largest sense, that Irecovered. Since then I have been studying arranging with renewed vigor after a fortuitous moveto the San Francisco area. My new sensei, Soho Sakai (for whom the word ‘amazing’ is far toopaltry) and fellow students work at a fever pitch of scale and accomplishment. To my constantdelight, I too am becoming a better and more inspired student. The San Francisco chapter wel-comed me with open arms, even allowing me to exhibit my raku-fired ceramics. It was muchlike going from one branch (no pun intended) of the family to another.

The importance of asymmetry is one of my inspired Sensei's mantras. ‘Only love must besymmetrical! Each half of the heart must be equal, or love cannot survive’. This kind of wis-dom, woven into our lesson reminds me of the perfect marriage of balance and tension, formand emptiness, that Ikebana International offers its members. All we have to do is participate-the rewards and echoes in our lives are boundless!

Under the cherry-blossomsNone areUtter strangers.

-Issa

11


Betty GoodallAdelaide Chapter #61

In 1964 I was invited to a meeting of the Adelaide Chapter of I.I. and was impressed withthe friendship of the members and their Ikebana arrangements.Becoming a member at the next meeting provided a complete outlet from a life of bookwork formy husband's business and from that day I have found the motto “Friendship through Flowers”has very much been a part of my life.I attended my first Australia New Zealand Regional Conference of I.I. in 1966 in Sydney andhave attended each subsequent one. In preparation for that first Conference I received a letterfrom Joyce — a lovely lady who was to be my hostess. At our first meeting we became friendsand remained so until she passed away in November 2005.Although our homes were approximately 1400 km apart we kept in touch by letter and tele-phone, and took very opportunity to see each other — our friendship extended to our hus-bands.

In 1967 my husband Alan drove an Adelaide friend, Floss Bartram and me to Brisbane forthe 6th I.I. Regional Conference. Having time to spare Alan met up with some of the husbandsof members from Auckland, New Zealand. Clyde Sinclair and Alan found they had interests incommon and when I was introduced to Val, a friendship developed which has lasted to the pres-ent day. Unfortunately, Clyde passed away a few years ago, but we keep in touch with Val, andshe came to stay early in January 2006.

Adelaide hosted a Conference in 1971, and as Chairman I had the privilege of meetingmany members, which is wonderful to remember.Chapters in Australia are great distances apart, and meeting Ikebana friends cannot be an every-day occasion, but having once met there is always that memory.

As well as meeting people I have been privileged to set up Ikebana at each Conferenceand to view what other members have done. Always able to learn something, no matter whichschool is being represented.From the Adelaide Conference a special friendship evolved with Doreen Schofield ofMelbourne. Although 700 km. apart we have managed to spend time together over the years,and are fortunate our husbands are great friends. I have attended many Ikebana functions inMelbourne, and have been invited, at times, to set up an arrangement.These occasions have made it possible to further friendships with many other Melbourne mem-bers.

In 1980 it was time for Adelaide Chapter to host another Conference, and our memberselected me to be chairman again. Leading up to this Conference I needed to send much corre-spondence to the International President, Midori Purdy. We both felt from our correspondencewe knew one another, and that was evident when we met at Adelaide Airport.During her time in Adelaide, Midori persuaded my husband and me that I should attend the1981 World Convention, at the same time inviting me to set up an Ikebana arrangement repre-

senting Adelaide, at the Takashimaya Department Store.We met again in Kyoto in 1986, and have corresponded since. I have also corresponded withPast International Presidents Lynn Naegele, and Yuko Matsumura, whose late husband Matkindly looked after Alan, while I was busy with the Convention in Kyoto.

Approximately 1984 I received a letter from Headquarters inviting me to Chair theDiscussion Meeting at the 5th World Convention of I.I. I was very honored and agreed to workon the preparation, but unable to give a guarantee that I would be able to attend.When the work was completed it was nearer to 1986 and I could see my way clear to attend.

When I arrived at the Kyoto Convention Hall, Midori Purdy introduced me to YorikoIkezawa who kindly assisted me to find my way around that great hall in preparation for actingas Chairman of the Discussion Meeting.The 9th I.I. World Convention in October 2006m, with Yoriko Ikezawa as Chairman, will takeplace exactly 20 years after the 5th I.I. World Convention in 1986, when Yoriko kindly helpedme.I wish I could be at the 2006 Convention but am sorry that will not be possible, and have writ-ten to Yoriko explaining.Being invited to Chair that Discussion Meeting is the highlight of my involvement with IkebanaInternational. An event which is etched in my memory forever.

Liaison is another avenue to which I have devoted considerable time. In 1974 HelenColeman, Sydney Chapter, introduced the idea of forming Liaison in the Australia and NewZealand Region. A Liaison Officer elected from each Chapter has the duty to report the activi-ties of their particular Chapter to the Chairman twice a year. From these reports the Chairmanproduces a newsletter, which is sent to each Chapter. Many members unable to travel very farhave the opportunity to know what is happening in the region. Helen Coleman was the firstChairman, an appointment which lasted five years.I was elected by Adelaide to carry out liaison duties. This lasted for many years, during whichtime I succeeded Helen as Chairman for the next five years.Many of the people mentioned in the newsletters I have been privileged to meet over the years.Today after some 30 years it is still functioning very well.

With the rapid growth of modern technology, the world is changing, and many of ourfriends have passed away or can no longer take an active part in our activities; but my hope forthe 50th Anniversary and beyond, is that the simple pleasures will remain, and that many mem-bers will have the opportunities to meet as many Ikebana friends as I have, and “FRIENDSHIPTHROUGH FLOWERS”will flourish forever!

12


Chery LungrenNorth Canton Chapter #54

Ikebana is at once a gift we create for enjoyment by others and a gift we give to ourselves.

The study of Ikebana takes us along a path that asks us to feel the spirit of the material we use -

and to create what in Japanese culture is known as wa, a harmony within the ourselves as well as

within the arrangement. In the process, we hope to produce a sense of time, mass, space, mood

and atmosphere as expressed through the Ikebana we create, and which is at the same time

incorporated into our own hearts and minds.

It can be said that one of the meanings of the word Ikebana is Living Flowers. In my

mind, Ikebana also has the meaning of Living Friendships. While I can create Ikebana for my

own purposes, my Ikebana has more significance if it is shared with others and if I am open to

their interpretation, reaction and feeling regarding my work. I am always encouraged by my

local chapter friends, as together, we study Ikebana. I am in awe of the many dedicated sensei,

the teachers who take the time to carefully consider my work and offer criticism in a helpful and

positive manner. Together, we are in harmony and we learn from each other.

The art of Ikebana serves as a bridge connecting us to the past and to the future. Through

the centuries, Ikebana has developed and changed to address and reflect the culture and societal

structure of the time, and that evolution continues to this day. Certainly, the study of classic,

traditional Ikebana remains the touchstone for all Ikebana, including the contemporary free

form, imaginative abstract and avant-garde styles of today which rightly reflect our modern

technological and fast-paced society. As the study of Ikebana spreads around the world, it must

of necessity evolve in even more interesting ways as we seek to incorporate and promote new

materials and the unique cultural influences and traditions of the nations of our world.

Each Ikebana International chapter is a unique reflection of the whole of Ikebana

International, and the membership of each chapter reflects the diversity of its individual mem-

bers. Even though the women of my local chapter come from a variety of cultural backgrounds

- American, Malaysian, Japanese by way of Brazil, and Argentine - we all share a deep interest in

learning Ikebana and developing our skills. Through our love of Ikebana, we have discovered a

common spirit of unity. We support each other in times of sorrow and we celebrate together in

times of joy. Like a beautifully created Ikebana, we are connected in a harmonious whole.

Ikebana International is really a collection of its numerous world wide Ikebana chapters.

Each chapter possesses its own personality, strength and outlook. The whole of Ikebana

International can only remain a strong, growing and lasting organization if the individual chap-

ters are strong and the members are harmonious in their relationships.

At the time of the founding of Ikebana International in 1956, insightful women and men

dared to dream that national animosities and cultural differences could be bridged. They

strongly believed that intercultural understanding and world peace could take root through the

study and sharing of the beauty of nature as manifest through the art of Ikebana.

Today, it is up to each of us, as members of our respective chapters and of Ikebana

International, to hold high the hopes and dreams for peace through flowers as envisioned by the

founders of Ikebana International. Through the beauty of Ikebana we have the power to spread

wa - that inner tranquility, outward harmony and the living friendships so necessary and

important for peace in our own lives and peace in the world.

13


Colleen LewisWellington Chapter #158

Before Ikebana the mechanics of daily living, was for me without question, a matter of

insuring all necessary family affairs and household chores were well attended to. My world

encircling a very small space. This lifestyle was to change considerably during the year 1965

when we all moved to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. This would be our home for four years. I was,

at first, slightly apprehensive about how I would cope in a new and larger space but it was not

long before this new environment was to stimulate and enrich my life for all time.

Kuala Lumpur was not the large city it is today but was much smaller in size yet still a

bustling city, diverse in race and culture, with an abundance of charm. Having adjusted to this

complete different environment and lifestyle, I became part of the small community of

Europeans, who like myself, were able to take an interest in broadening friendships with coun-

tries other than our own. Not only were we introduced to the Malaysian culture, the wives of

the Diplomatic Corps also contributed, in sharing their customs and arts from their own

respective countries. One such art I encountered was Japanese Flower Arranging which immedi-

ately attracted my attention. Members of the Kuala Lumpur Chapter of Ikebana International

impressed me with their philosophy, friendliness and their goodness prompting me to be part of

their chapter. Eager to learn Ikebana’s history and importantly the rules of Japanese Flower

Arranging. My interest was total, my eyes opened to natures bounty, an enchantment I had not

noticed before, the bend of a branch, the shapes of leaves, the angles of stones and the intricacy

of flowers. So much to appreciate in the world around us.

During this time of learning I spent many long hours in the Chinese quarter of Petaling

Street, my venture to add a new container for my flower arrangements. To find the right shape

and size for use in the various lessons, quite a challenge. Many times even when away on other

business the question at home was ‘’Where is your mother? Is she out looking for containers or

attending classes.”During the month of May, 1969 this habit of mine became a concern for at

that time there was a period of unrest in Kuala Lumpur, an unsettling period with buildings

being gutted by fires, helicopters patrolling overhead, sporadic gunfire and curfews. I curbed my

roaming in Petaling Street instead I volunteered my services to the Red Cross in giving aid to

refuges at the Merderka Stadium. On my way home from the stadium I would take a detour and

visit my Ikebana teacher who graciously allowed me to continue my lessons, keeping me calm in

a less tense situation.

Later in years we were located to Ottawa, Canada where I had the honour of becoming

President of the Ottawa Centennial Chapter. My memories of this Chapter are very special to

me for I have found that when Ikebana has touched one’s life there is a conjoined feeling of har-

mony, a human endeavour to become a better person. Truly practiced by members of the

Canadian Chapter.

I have learned much from the art of Ikebana and since returning to New Zealand have

continued to experience the values of Ikebana. I am always on the lookout for variable materials

to use in arrangements. In my forays I have collected driftwood from the beaches around the

two islands, raging storms were no deterrent. Once having spied the remains of deer antlers in a

field I visualised them in a special arrangement. I did have a moment of trepidation with the

thought I may not be able to take them on the flight back home. Would they accept? Happily

Ikebana won the day.

The years have past since those first lessons in Kuala Lumpur and I have enjoyed a spiri-

tual well being in having taken part in the world of Ikebana. Its bond of friendship has certainly

enhanced my life through the years. The strength of friendship through flowers blooms forever.

14


Dorothy HughesPhiladelphia Chapter #71

I grew up in a near arctic part of the world. Spring and flowers came into bloom slowly in

this cold environment. I remember the joy of finding a sweet smelling woodland flower called

Trailing Arbutus blooming with patches of snow still tossed around it. Lilacs, Mock Orange,

Irises, Tulips, the old wizened crabapple tree and the lowly fragrant violet, all took their sweet

time coming into bloom. But I loved flowers and would pick them, as many children do, as a

bouquet for the jelly glass to be admired by all.

I was over half of a century old, and many miles from this northern home, when I was

introduced to the art of ikebana. (This was in 1995, 11 years before I.I. itself became a half cen-

tury “old.”)

From my first experience with Ikebana, I loved the combining of my life-long love of

blooms and branches with Ikebana’s artful techniques. Here in the northeastern part of the

United States, where I now make my home, I have an abundance of blooms. I no longer have to

wait for the slow unfurling of flowers from their winter hibernation. Flowers jump into bloom

and dazzle in their abundance. And now I am being taught a method that continuously

advances me beyond the jelly glass arrangements and helps me bring the joy of nature and art

into my home.

My first ikebana teacher shared her passion and love for ikebana and the possibilities in

the creative Sogetsu school. In these early classroom lessons, we were divided into the new stu-

dents (including myself) and the more advanced. I enjoyed learning the time-honored conven-

tions of the basic arrangements. I struggled to get the angles right and the basic lines of shin,

soe and hikae – while still making something original. The sensei and the advanced students

helped me see the future of building on the basic conventions and making a uniquely innovative

and beautiful arrangement.

Ikebana has been a wonderfully enriching experience. It has expanded my provincial,

small-town world of my beginnings. It has helped me to learn about distant cultures. It has

introduced me to an international group of men and women who have greatly enriched my life.

It has helped keep the focus of my life in a positive framework.

Ikebana has helped me to appreciate the beauty around me more than ever before.

Sometimes the beauty is in everyday works of nature such as I first appreciated as a child – and

sometimes in using the less appreciated works of nature, such as an old weathered branch. As

much as I loved flowers and nature, I had to learn to see beauty in unexpected places. I had

been overlooking weeds, pods, and branches in all states of disintegration. I had to be taken by

the hand and showed how these could create beauty in a vase or ceramic container and bring a

fresh outlook to an arrangement. It also showed me the beauty that could be created by making

an arrangement using everyday man-made objects. Before I took classes in ikebana, I never

have imagined how a piece of scrap paper or metal and a few flowers or branches could become

a sensational work of art.

As I told my sensei in a note of thanks several years ago: “You – and the art you represent

– touch my life in many ways and bring beauty, novelty, and inspiration to everyday life in this

part of the world.” Ikebana takes a spark of creativity and fans it into thousands of glowing

points of light that are then channeled to the wider world through its outstanding organization

-- Ikebana International. One of these sparks continues to shine on me in the small state of

Delaware – it shines in my home, in the places I take my classes, and in the exhibition halls

where I get to see the works of other students and masters. I am grateful for the awe-inspiring

world in which ikebana is brought and taught to me.

It is my wish that I can stay a part of this wonderful organization for years to come, and

to see it become a vital force in art and culture into its next 50 years and into the next millenni-

um. I am grateful for those who have nurtured the flame maintained by Ikebana International

and introduced me to the wide-wide world of flowers, friendship, and art.

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Eileen E. San JuanCagayan de Oro Chapter #163

Writing this essay gives me an opportunity to reflect on how Ikebana has become part of

me and how my experience defined Ikebana International’s motto of “Friendship through

Flowers”.

I have known ikebana in my grade school days when it was introduced in our ‘home eco-

nomics’ subject and further in some art classes. There was no mention of ikebana schools at that

time, except that it is part of the Japanese culture and that Ikebana is the art of flower arrange-

ment. I marveled and found the basic concept of ‘heaven, man, and earth’ very fascinating.

In my later years, I would hear and see more of ikebana from my mother, Elsie C.

Escobar, who became one of the founding members and a past president of Ikebana

International – Cagayan de Oro Chapter 163. She was so in love with ikebana that she would

stay up late nights to do arrangements. At times, I would find her making arrangements in the

wee hours of the morning. Watching her doing arrangements and helping her set up exhibits

has instilled in me the passion to do and join Ikebana International. After college graduation, I

had my own family, and I lived abroad away from my parents. This however, did not keep me

away from ikebana as mother would continually update me of her ikebana activities.

As soon as my family and I moved back to our hometown, mother immediately signed

me up with Ikebana International-Cagayan de Oro Chapter. For me, it was one of the greatest

gifts she has given me. It gave me an opportunity to learn ikebana and really experience the

sense of fulfillment in doing arrangements with various materials. She helped me in my

arrangements but never dictated on my thoughts, my ideas. In fact, she gave a lot of encourage-

ment and freedom in the creation of my arrangements. Like her, I was also a past president of

the chapter – an experience we both share as we gave our contribution in developing the organi-

zation. My mother’s passion with ikebana did not stop even when she became ill. She attended

meetings on her wheelchair and continued to do arrangements. I was so proud of her when she

joined the club’s 25th anniversary with her demonstration on stage using her favorite materials

– huge driftwood and anthuriums. It was a pleasure for me but found it quite emotional that I

had to actually put together her arrangement as she directed it from her wheelchair.

My mother passed away over a year ago. In her last few months, she stopped attending

other activities or events except that of Ikebana International Chapter 163. I felt her passion and

attachment to flowers and other materials was as strong as her bond and friendship with mem-

bers of the organization. My mother left me a legacy – that of friendship through flowers and

enjoying ikebana and its various levels of artistry. On Ikebana International’s 50th year, we look

towards creating and strengthening a bond among friends, among families, and among genera-

tions.

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Elaine KooHong Kong Chapter #24

My “flower life” in Ikebana International, I feel, is comparatively short to be contributing,

but in the few years that I have been involved, I have come to realize that Ikebana International

is the golden thread running through the many different schools and chapters, forming a beau-

tiful garland in over sixty countries throughout the world.

No doubt, as with other chapters, keynote events in our calendar are celebrations with

ikebana demonstrations, which always make a statement. In recent years we have had the

pleasure of receiving important visitors introduced through Ikebana International including

ikebana experts and iemotos from many different ikebana schools. This has special significance,

as in Hong Kong we have students mainly from the schools of Sogetsu, Ohara and Ikenobo only.

Through our close ties with Ikebana International, I feel blessed that our relatively small chapter

is looked after so well, with the exposure of the many different styles of ikebana and shown at

such an expertise level too.

Through Ikebana International, I have friends on whom I can count, and flower events

both local and overseas to enrich my life. On a recent impromptu trip to Tokyo, I was lucky to

have picked the one day in the entire year that the Ichiyo School was holding its graduation and

New Year celebration. I was overjoyed to be invited and very privileged to be so, as a special

event such as this is rarely witnessed by few non-Ichiyo School persons and from overseas too. I

particularly enjoyed the most amazing demonstration by Iemoto Akihiro Kasuya at the celebra-

tion.

Our “friendship through flowers”extends to many different possibilities and opportuni-

ties, including travel. Those representing the Hong Kong Chapter will attend the Ninth World

Convention in Tokyo in October. We are having fun planning our itinerary and have already

received tips on where and when to best enjoy the fall foliage in Japan, courtesy of Ikebana

International. We feel that we benefit most genuinely from the long arm of friendship that

extends through our organization.

I have the privilege of attending regional conferences each year offering the opportunity

of visiting interesting and diverse destinations to learn about places I would not necessarily have

the occasion to visit, which adds much joy and excitement. I have taken full advantage of these

opportunities, which tend to take up my entire quota that I have for traveling without my fami-

ly!

I appreciate the Ikebana International magazine, which is sent out three times a year, and

I must congratulate the contributors for a fine publication. Flowers, naturally, provide the main

focus, all beautifully illustrated, and the magazine includes many cultural and artistic elements

of Japanese life. This keeps us in touch and acquainted with so many engaging and varied top-

ics, which broadens our understanding.

It is comforting to know that we can receive much valued advice on some difficult issues.

I recall quite early on in my ‘flower career’ when I served the committee as Corresponding

Secretary, I was put to the task of seeking advice from Headquarters on whether the Hong Kong

Chapter should be a supporting member of an association for flower arranging societies. We

received clear advice in no uncertain terms that this would be deemed highly inappropriate, as

there were distinct differences between ikebana and Western style. I think it is so important to

have such guidelines so that the ancient and highly revered craft of ikebana is not adulterated in

any way.

I cannot reiterate how much Ikebana International has enriched my life and that of

countless others. It is difficult for me to remember my life without it! This is a significant year

for us all as Ikebana International celebrates its 50th anniversary. May I congratulate all those

who contribute in making Ikebana International such a significant and worthy organization

where “friendship through flowers”really works!

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Forty years later, my mother still makes lovely arrangements in the house. With the every

increasing popularity of Ikebana she is asked to make arrangements for large charitable organi-

zations.

My mother’s love of natural beauty and Ikebana rubbed off on my sister and me. I start-

ed admiring all the natural material in the garden. The thought of making an arrangement with

this material excited me. Everywhere I went I collected branches and twigs, and as soon as I got

home, I would look for a vase to make an arrangement in.

As the years passed and I had more time on my hands, I took more classes in Ikebana.

The concentration it took to make these arrangements; doing and re-doing them to my liking

calmed my mind. The satisfaction derived from looking at the end result was immense.

Apart from the personal gratification, Ikebana is also a way to meet people and make

friends. It is indeed a pleasure to meet people who share the same enthusiasm and love for this

art. So many friendships are forged during the various Ikebana exhibitions and conferences.

An Ikebana chapter member can go anywhere in the world and is always welcomed and

befriended by other chapter members. Ikebana International brings Ikebana enthusiasts from all

over the world together. In a world torn apart by war and strife, Ikebana offers a medium for

friendship and dialogue. And what better way to promote this medium than through Ikebana

International. Ikebana International has broadened the horizon of Ikebana. Enthusiasts of

Ikebana from all over the world can stay connected through this organization. I am truly

blessed to have been exposed to this art so early in life and to be part of Ikebana International.

Geetha ReddyHyderabad Chapter #250

My earliest memories of Ikebana were of my mother making beautiful flower arrange-

ments with a few flowers and a lot of greenery from our garden. This was in the 1960’s when I

was about ten years old, at a time when Ikebana, the Japanese form of flower arrangement, was

relatively new in India and few people were exposed to this art form. An Ikebana teacher

trained by another teacher in Bombay and in Japan had moved to Hyderabad and was offering

Ikebana classes at Raj Bhavan, the governor’s residence for those interested in Ikebana. My

mother was one of a handful of women who took these classes.

From this knowledge my mother, with an artistic bent of mind, started making arrange-

ments in the house on regular basis. She seemed to have a natural flair for this art, as her

arrangements were appealing and everyone who visited our house commented on the beauty of

these arrangements. The arrangements made the house look bright and lively and brought

nature indoors. We also had a lot of plants in pots around the house and these along with the

Ikebana arrangements gave the house a warm and wonderful feeling.

Our city, Hyderabad, was known for its roses. The climate allowed for roses to thrive and

various garden enthusiasts grew these flowers of different hues and varieties. A Rose Society

was formed which held a rose show in the city every year. During the Rose Show a competition

was also arranged for Japanese flower arrangements using the roses and other flowers. My

mother took part in this competition after a request from friends in the Rose Society to make

some arrangements. With just a few classes under her belt, a lot of natural talent, and a love for

nature, she walked away with prizes every year.

When we were in our garden, my mother would make us aware of the beauty and the nat-

ural curves and bends of the branches and twigs. When out in the countryside, during our

yearly tips to the village to visit relatives, my mother was always filled with excitement with the

abundance and beauty of the dry material there. We always stopped at least a few times during

our trips between the villages to collect dry material and would drive up to the next house with

twigs of all kinds piled up on top of the car! Once a worker in an uncle’s house that we stopped

at took all the dry twigs from the top of the car and used it for firewood!

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other organizations, and they introduce me as an Ikebana Ichiyo School Executive Master. Ihave no family in San Diego, but through I.I., I have many Ikebana friends throughout theUnited States. I am not lonely anymore. Haiku Master, Issa said,“Under Cherry Flowers, AllAre Friends…None Utter Strangers”. Our I.I. Motto is “Friendship Through Flowers.” That istrue.

In 1972, I attended my first Ikebana International North American Regional Conferencein San Francisco. I enjoyed it very much. Two of the demonstrators were Miss KasumiTeshigahara, Vice President of Sogetsu School, a very beautiful lady with feminine free stylearrangements, and Mr. Tsujii, Vice President of Saga Goryu, who presented great classicarrangements. I was excited to see many new ideas of free style arrangements and dignifiedclassic arrangements at this conference.

I wanted to have I.I. Regional Conference in San Diego someday. In 1988, my dreamcame true when the San Diego Chapter hosted the I.I. 11th North American RegionalConference at the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego. I was honored to be Co-General Chairmanfor this Conference. The Conference was a great success. Both Iemoto Designate NatsukiOhara, Ohara School and Iemoto Kobai Naruse, Chiko School, made outstanding arrange-ments. I.I. San Diego Chapter also performs public services for Elementary School in San Diegoarea. Every year, we introduce many Japanese arts and toys to the children and show them howto play with the toys. They are so fascinated, they do not leave the classroom. Ikebana teachersalso participate by showing Ikebana arrangements and by explaining “Heaven, Man and Earth”branches to make our basic triangle shape and filling flowers make complete arrangements.Some of students are very interested to try Ikebana arrangements, so we take plastic cups, oases,branches and flowers for their first experience in Ikebana arrangements. Each year, manyschool children visit our Spring Show and Cultural Programs. We have continued this programfor twenty years. Every other month, our teachers also donate arrangements for the“Tokonoma”at the Japanese Garden Exhibit House in Balboa Park, San Diego.

I.I. San Diego Chapter has invited many Iemotos for demonstrations. Each time, I havelearned very important lessons from each school: how to prepare the demonstration materials,combination for the arrangements and designs, and stage manners. As Ikebana teacher, weteach our students manners as well as Ikebana arrangements.

My students and friends honored me as I.I. Life Member #12 in June 1989. I was sur-prised and very happy, grateful, and proud. I.I. gave me this honor for my contributions toIkebana and support of Japanese cultural programs for 39 years.

Now I am 80 years old, but I will continue to be an Ikebana teacher and demonstrator aslong as I have my good health.

Haruko CrawfordSan Diego Chapter #119

The Japanese word “ikebana” is now well-known worldwide for the Japanese way or styleof flower arrangement. This is the great contribution by our founder, Mrs. Ellen Gordon Allen.She had a clear vision of I.I.’s future fifty years ago.

I first recognized the name of I.I. in Iemoto Meikof Kasuya’s Ikebana Class at the CampZama officer’s Club in Japan. Mr. Kasuya said to us “Ikebana International is a good worldwideIkebana organization. I would like to recommend to all of you that you join our membership.”Of course, many of us joined I.I. My husband, Harold Crawford, also wanted me to join.

The first I.I. meeting I attended was at the Hotel Otani in Tokyo. There, I saw IemotoHoun Ohara’s skillful demonstration which drew me to the beautiful art of Ikebana. Shortlythereafter, I became a serious student of Ikebana under Mr. Kasuya, Ichiyo School class. Before Ileft Japan, I was granted the title of Associate Master, 2nd Grade.

My husband was a civilian employee of the Army and retired in 1966. We came back tothe United States to live and decided that San Diego would be our home.

I was lonesome after settling into our home and felt that something was missing in mylife. I especially missed my Ikebana classes and I.I. meetings. I asked my friend about a nearbyI.I. Chapter. She told me that a San Diego Chapter would be established soon.

At New Year’s, I saw an “East Meet West”newspaper article and a picture of three ladiesstanding beside an Ikebana arrangement. Right away, I called the President of I.I. San DiegoChapter. She said “Our Vice President is living near you. She will contact you”. The VicePresident took me to an I.I. San Diego meeting held at a Rancho Santa Fe home with a very niceJapanese Garden. The owner of this home was a graceful elderly lady. She presented a programon “Wabi and Sabi”. I was so touched by her knowledge and feeling for Japanese arts. I was alsosurprised and ashamed of my knowledge of many Japanese arts. At that time, my English wasnot very good, but I began giving Ichiyo School Ikebana demonstrations and program onJapanese culture at I.I. San Diego Chapter meetings.

At Balboa Park in San Diego, we have a special building called the “Casa del Prado”. Allcivic organizations can use this building. I.I. San Diego Chapter reserves the 3rd and 4thWendsday of each month for our board meetings and general meetings. The 3rd weekend ofMarch is our Annual Ikebana Flower Show and Cultural Exhibition. Every year, we have morethan 2,000 visitors during our two-day event. About 50 to 60 teachers and students presenttheir best Ikebana arrangement each year.

As there are many I.I. Chapters in the U.S., I have been invited to present Ichiyo SchoolIkebana arrangements in venues outside of San Diego. I am grateful and proud when I visited

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try. We had been told at the airport to be back by 3:30 at the latest to get on the return plane.Unfortunately, we were delayed and did not get back until about 3:45. We could see the planeon the runway, but the man at the desk said “you are too late to board”and he could not be con-vinced otherwise. Back we went to the tour office to try to figure out how to get us to Jakarta sowe wouldn’t miss our flights home the next day. We could not hire a car – roads were too dan-gerous for night driving. One express train left at 7:00 PM that evening but all seats werealready reserved. No buses went at night. Our only glimmer of hope was the local train whichleft at 7:30 PM and arrived in Jakarta at 7:30 the next morning. Our guide warned us that itwould not be the best of accommodations, but Lucille and I were desperate to get back, so offwe went to the train station. We were supplied with biscuits and bottled water for the trip. Wewere told vendors walked through the cars and sold food, but we had no desire to be brave andtry local food. (We were being brave enough already!)

The train was not air-conditioned so it was hot, breezy, dusty and noisy since all windowswere open. As you can imagine, we were looked at very curiously by many people. It was notvery comfortable, but at no time did we feel threatened. At one time during the night I awokefrom dozing and a young man, long and lean, was sleeping peacefully in the luggage rack acrossthe aisle. I went back to sleep. My alarm clock later was the crowing of a rooster in the back ofthe car. Before long, we pulled into the station. We got a cab back to the hotel and were able toget to the airport in time for our flights home. (What a tale I had to tell my Filipino friends!)

My husband and I went back to the US in 1991, and I rejoined Philadelphia Chapter #71.Since then, I have taken part in most of their varied activities. In 2004, it was great fun to helpplan and attend our 40th Anniversary. Just last year, I gave a demonstration and workshop atthe Philadelphia Museum of Art, representing I.I. and the Ichiyo school. What a thrill!!

I have attended NARC meetings in Philadelphia, Hawaii and Canada. In Ottawa, I metup again with Lucille Evans who had traveled all the way from Hong Kong to attend the confer-ence. Her first words to me were “have you told your friends about our adventure in theIndonesian mountains?” Once more, our story about the Jakarta train ride was a hot topic ofconversation.

Yes, over the years since 1971 when I began the study of ikebana, I have participated in

many exciting activities of many chapters and met many wonderful people. And, I am not fin-

ished yet.... who knows what the next 35 years might hold for me?

Jane MorrisonPhiladelphia Chapter #71

My Ikebana Life

My ikebana life began back in 1971 when my husband’s company transferred him fromWilmington, Delaware, USA, to Osaka, Japan. We lived in Kobe where I discovered ikebana. Ijoined a group of ladies who studied with Ichiyo sensei, Mori-san. We had a class every Mondayafternoon.

Before moving to Japan, I had never heard the word ikebana. By the time we were trans-ferred back to the US in 1975, I had acquired from Master sensei, Mori-san, much knowledge offlower arranging in the Japanese style and a greater knowledge of flowers in general. What Ididn’t really know at that time, was what an influence this study of “living flowers”would haveon the rest of my life.

Kobe did not have an II chapter when we first moved there, but three II members whohad lived in Tokyo took up the challenge to start one. One of the ladies who worked so hard onthis project was Ann Perry. Little did I know back then that Ann and I would meet up againmany years later in the Philadelphia Chapter. She and I have worked together on various IIprojects over the years.

Our second move overseas was to Australia. I joined the Sydney chapter and met therenowned Ikenobo and Sogetsu Master Mr. Norman Sparnon and attended his Ikenobo class.Mr. Sparnon and his wife led a group to the 4th World Convention in Tokyo in 1981. What amarvelous experience having Mr. and Mrs. Sparnon as our guides for three weeks.

After Sydney, it was back to the States, then to the Philippines. What luck, while still inthe hotel after arriving I learned of an exhibit being held close by. Once again, my life was beingdirected by Ikebana International. I joined Manila Chapter #108 and in 1987, participated intheir 20th Anniversary celebration.

Mrs. Carmen Guevara was the matriarch and Founding President of the Manila chapter.She and others had worked diligently to have the Asian Regional Conferences established. I hadthe good fortune to be able to attend the First Asian Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1988.Akihiro Kasuya, Head Master of the Ichiyo school, was the guest Master at this conference. Ialso attended another Asian Conference in Sydney, and the 5th World Convention in Japan withmembers of the Manila Chapter. What marvelous times we had!

In Jakarta, Hong Kong II Chapter member Lucille Evans and I had a memorableADVENTURE. The conference had ended and Lucille and I went on a tour to Jag-Jakarta to seea very old temple up in the mountains. It was about an hour’s plane ride from Jakarta. Ourguide met us at the small airport at Jag-Jakarta and off we went for the drive out into the coun-

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The Chicago Chapter invited Mr. Houn Ohara, Headmaster of Ohara School in March 1963.In no time I was involved and working with the inner circle of the Chapter when they found Idesigned the cover of "Hana KaGami." Their passion for I. I is remarkable.

Many well known Ikebana masters from Japan were invited for either their Annual Showor special programs. I was working on planning the shows, setting up the shows, making flyersand artwork for the program, as well as demonstrating, making large arrangements, and lookingafter my students’ arrangements in the shows.

Our first attempt bid on the site for NARC was in 1968 at Boston. Lost against SanFrancisco. For the first time, I attended NARC and greatly impressed.

In 1988, 11th NARC at San Diego, an inspiration started me rethinking about bringingNARC to Chicago. I was Chapter President. I still believed that our invitational presentation at12th NARC in Philadelphia was great and beautiful. Even though, we lost to Hawaii. We triedagain at Hawaii in 1995 and lost. Chicago was not favorite city at all.

Five of us attended 14th NARC for our own pleasure. When Mrs. Meller approached meand said "Is Chicago next site," Dr. Staats heard same question from other delegate at the open-ing dinner. We were floored.

Until the fall of 2003, my primary concern was presenting Ikebana to the public. Ourmotto "Friendship through Flowers " did not have real meaning. Then at last, Chicago wasapproved as the next site of NARC. After many years of preparation and with the kind assis-tance from Mrs. Meller, other Chapters, the 15th NARC was opened in Chicago in October2003.

Over the years, I met many wonderful members through other conferences, but thosewho came to Chicago were dearest. Our motto is deeply in my heart.

Ikebana International has taught me so much: those beautiful sights: the importance ofthe distinct four seasons: the value of the traditional arts and crafts -- which we took for grantedin Japan. Ikebana International showed us to be appreciative of Japan.

When I look back, I wonder how my life would have been without Ikebana International.The new generation will carry on the tradition. And I wish for many, many more years of I.I.

Kazuko ErnstChicago Chapter #27

Looking back, I found two Ikebana International magazines, #6 and #10 from very begin-ning. They included my art work of the step by step ikebana arrangement by Master SaigetsuYamamoto and my report from Anchorage, Alaska. These old magazines, these treasures, revealthe long-standing relationship I have had with Ikebana International. My experience with I.I.describes my life: from the beginning of I. I. to forming the Alaska I. I. Chapter to Chicago inthe '60s and the NARC in 2003. to the lessons that I will give next week.

When Mrs. Hoga Fujiwara, Ohara teacher and the first Ikebana teacher of Mrs. Allenwalked in the door at the Officer's Wives Club at Sagami Engineering Depot in 1957, my lifewith Ikebana International began. From that moment on, I was deeply involved and committedto I. I.

In 1959 -1960, I was the director of special events under the second I. I. President Mrs.Carola Meller. I organized three Ikebana exhibitions: two at the Takashimaya Department Storein Nihonbashi and one at Chyano Yu International's Opening Ceremony at the Azabu PrinceHotel. For the Takashimaya, the I. I. Board suggested that I contact the Ikebana Schools andinvite the Senseis to create the arrangements -- instead of I. I. members. I learned the hard wayabout the gap between the new generation and the old. Takashimaya reject the Ikenobo's Rikka.This Rikka was reassigned to the Chyano Yu International Opening. In the photo of the event,you see Mrs. Meller's and Mr. Soko Sen, Urasenke tea ceremony master's smiling faces.Fortunately, my exhausted face was not in the photo.

In the fall of 1960, my husband was transferred to Anchorage, Alaska. I was disappointedthat I might have given up many years of vigorous training as an Ikebana teacher. However,thanks to I.I.H (a popular expression at the time, meaning Ikebana International Husband), myhusband found only florist in Anchorage. He convinced the lady owner that I could bring toher shop a new type of Christmas arrangement for sale. So, I did.

There I met the members of the Turnagain Garden Club. They wanted to see Ikebanademonstrations. I used I. I. magazines, slide show of I. I. demonstrations and my own trainingto introduce I. I. Through this club, I met many more residents and we began organizing an I.I.Chapter in Anchorage. With two large military bases -- one Army and the other Air Force - wereceived great support.

In October 1962, my husband was transferred to Chicago. On March 27th, 1964, a largeearthquake hit Anchorage. I knew my dream was shattered.

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bana and tea ceremony and I was too young to appreciate and understand true value of thosearts. I was more interested in the things of the West as a typical young girl in Japan.

After my husband retired in Tokyo in the late 1985, we came to U.S. to lead our retire-ment life. The farther away from Japan, the more I long for something traditional Japanese. Iwas then old enough and have had enough time to enjoy and to appreciate Japanese culture andI began to take lessons of Ikebana and tea ceremony. In 1994, when I got the U.S. citizenshipand also earned Sogetsu teacher’s certificate, I wanted to be a bridge between U.S. and Japan andstarted to demonstrate at garden clubs, women’s clubs, church and retirement community.

To demonstrate ikebana at the medical center of the retirement community where non-ambulatory, sick and old were living, it was a very moving and feel-good experience. At first, Ishowed flower to each patient and let her or him to touch and smell. I also asked about thename of flower. Through interaction with each patient, they began to smile and respond. Whatthey wanted was a warm, personal contact with people. I think I helped them to regain smile totheir faces by touching their souls through flowers.

Our chapter has made the commitment to place Ikebana weekly at Hospice (now it’scalled Westland House) in Monterey since the opening in November 1993. It is indeed arewarding experience to contribute ikebana to give comfort and respite to the terminally-illpatients as well as convalescing patients and their families, doctors and nurses there. Every timeI go there to arrange Ikebana, I get a wonderful compliment or thanks from people who walk bywhich makes me feel so good that I can’t stop doing that. This is a great ministry and service toour community. Flowers transcend anything and appeal to all regardless of age, gender, race,and creed. Ikebana as a common thread, we could become friends, we could make a better placeto live through our mutual love for ikebana. I’m so happy and proud in being a member of thisorganization whose motto is “Friendship through flowers”.

In May 2008, our Monterey Bay Chapter will host the North American RegionalConference to which we are working hard to do all aspects of preparation to welcome membersfrom other chapters in all parts of the world.

I would say that, given today’s difficult age of unrest and distrust, through our love forIkebana, could we make this world a more peaceful, beautiful and better place ?

Kazue KnowlesMonterey Bay Chapter #231

It was about 18 years ago in Pebble Beach, California when my husband and I were play-ing golf together with club member. Member’s wife, Carol Marchette, told me that she doesIkebana. I was surprised that this American lady knows Ikebana and she told me that shebelongs to Ikebana International which I had never heard before in Japan. She invited me to themeeting. Since we were new to the area, I was interested to do almost anything whatever wasoffered to me to get myself acquainted and connected to where I live.

My first exposure to the I. I. meeting was at the member’s home where I was introducedto all who were there. Each person I met was very nice and cordial. Where was ikebana? Idon’t remember at all if there was any ikebana! But I didn’t care because total ambience wasvery inviting and filled with warm atmosphere of friendship. On the spot, I decided to becomea member of this group. Within a year, I started to take Sogetsu Ikebana lesson from Carol.After studying six years, I got a teacher’s certificate. That means I came to U.S. from Japan tolearn how to arrange flowers in the Japanese way from an American.

Back in Yokohama, when I was a young girl, my mother was taking private ikebana les-sons from teacher who came to our house every month. But I wasn’t interested in Ikebana andit was only she who took lesson while I was upstairs and came downstairs to join them for teaafter lesson. I briefly studied ikebana with my mother. But it was not my cup of tea because itdidn’t appeal to me.

Everywhere you go, in the store windows, glass-encased corner of the stations, and banks,you’ll see display of ikebana. It was a kind of run-of-the-mill thing to me which I even didn’tstop, see and admire. It was almost like air which we breathe without thinking. There are somany things we take it for granted in Japan. One typical thing was Ikebana.

When I was working at the company, there was an in-house, optional ikebana class to theemployees. Ikebana teacher came with floral materials and taught employees how to arrangeflowers. There were even a couple of men who took ikebana lessons. Company paid fullexpenses for lessons to give employees to cultivate and enrich their minds for something beauti-ful to look at and to enhance their lives. In hindsight, I wish I had taken that lesson.

It was a prerequisite for young woman to know how to do ikebana before she married.So was the Japanese tea ceremony. However, I knew that nobody did tea ceremony and ikebanaafter they were married. They didn’t have time to do as well as they couldn’t afford to do so asbeing a mother and housewife unless one was a woman at leisure. To me it was a superficialthing to study ikebana and tea ceremony to just to get a better chance to get married. It was akind of my defiance to the establishment in Japan. I thought it was an old stuffy thing to do ike-

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Thus on the other morning we went in charming company to visit the Old Town of

Amman, bought spices and perfume and took pictures of the vivid life of this fascinating city.

Afterwards we had a delicious lunch with the complete family at her home. Then we took our

Ikebana scissors and arranged Ikebana in her living room. We cut material in the garden and

along the road and used her containers, which she sometimes had difficulties with. I will never

forget her eyes full of joy and surprise when we gave her some Sogetsu lessons. She was very

enthusiastic and inspired, as the flowers in her containers transformed – like crumpled time,

which opens like a book and gives the possibility to read something new…

We talked about the future of Ikebana International, and concluded that we older ones

should try to inspire young people for this great worldwide organization. If everyone helps to

motivate the young generation we could achieve juvenescence in 2011. A first step was done in

Frankfurt: A pupil of mine reactivated the Chapter #199 in Frankfurt/M with some younger and

some older colleagues. My last teacher aspirants I was able to motivate not only to become

members of the Sogetsu Teachers Association but also of the I.I. Chapter #199 in Frankfurt. To

reach an active young generation is my hope and dream for this great art, which accompanied

and shaped my life and gave me so much sense and joy.

(The late) Erika SchwalmFrankfurt / Main Chapter #199

“Ikebana International and me”- Hopes and dreams for the 50th Anniversary of Ikebana

International

Ikebana is an art full of secrets and offers space for reflection.

For 40 years I have practiced Ikebana and I received the "Riji" certificate of the Sogetsu

School, Tokyo. I was able to show my love to this art to many pupils and to educate them to

become outstanding Ikebana teachers. Some expectations in my life were exceeded by Ikebana,

e.g. the honour to meet and assist the 4th Iemoto of the Sogetsu School, Akane Teshigahara at

our jubilee near Frankfurt. Many times I dreamed of “Ikebana International”, a worldwide

organization with at present 8,441 members.

It was at "The First Middle Eastern Regional Conference in Amman”, capitol of the

Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan with the Amman Chapter as host. We had one free day left for

ourselves. At the Sayonara Banquet the evening before I had sat at a round table with Jordan I.I.

members, their partners and children. No foreign person sat their, only I.I. members from the

host country. An enthusiastic Ikenobo pupil on my left side, who was approximately 15 years

younger than me, told how difficult it was to get Ikebana tools in her country. She was very keen

on our Sogetsu work and on the creativity we showed in modern arranging. The whole evening

we had a very inspiring conversation. Finally I talked about looking at the picturesque Old

Town of Amman the next day. Spontaneously she offered her companionship and invited me to

her house afterwards. Gratefully I agreed to this nice invitation and asked, whether I could bring

along the president of our Sogetsu Branch, Heidi Gierschewski. She also was heartily welcome.

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Interest in Ikebana has not only taught me to look at the natural world but has also

encouraged an interest in ceramics and glass. The container used in an arrangement plays an

important role in the final result and as such needs careful thought. Nowadays there are some

very unusual containers around and these can be very exciting to use and help to stimulate one’s

creative ability.

Through Ikebana I have been introduced to Haiku and as a lover of verse, I have been

particularly moved by its beauty and simplicity. The words can be very evocative and I have

found it particularly exciting to see how the same verse can be interpreted in so many different

ways by a group of students.

What of the future for Ikebana International? It is imperative that younger people are

encouraged to become interested but this presents as a difficult task in the twenty first century.

The world moves at a busy pace and it would appear that people want instant gratification and

not the sustained patience that study of Ikebana requires. Technology is moving at a fast pace

and it will be necessary to try and link Ikebana into the technological world.

In conclusion I would say that it is a privilege to be a member of the Birmingham

Chapter of Ikebana International. I have found friendship and goodwill among the member-

ship and the teachers work very hard to achieve high standards of work from the students.

Ikebana has become a major part of my life and I hope that future generations will gain as much

satisfaction from it as I have.

Maureen BoothBirmingham, UK Chapter #83

Ikebana has been part of my life for over thirty years and membership of the

Birmingham UK Chapter of Ikebana International has been crucial in sustaining my love for

the subject. Ikebana has enriched my life in many ways and given to me an inner calm that has

sustained me through some difficult periods in my life.

I am a member of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana and owe much to my first teacher, Vera

Graham whose enthusiasm and communication skills were crucial in laying the foundations for

my love of Ikebana. Great importance was laid on the basic principles of Ikebana but at the

same time I was taught to look at the colours, shapes and textures in the natural world. I began

to look at trees and flowers in a new way and I particularly remember being very aware of the

beauty of trees silhouetted against the sky.

Membership of an Ikebana International Chapter has given me the opportunity to attend

workshops and demonstration and thus benefit from the expertise of others. Seeing the work of

the various schools of Ikebana has enhanced my knowledge and I have particularly enjoyed

receiving the lovely magazines from Japan. These are beautifully illustrated and are very inspir-

ing.

During difficult times in my life such as illness and bereavement, I have always found

some solace in Ikebana. Just looking at beautiful flowers has given me an inner calm and a feel-

ing that events are not really so bad. There is a wonder in nature that helps one to carry on.

The opportunity to use materials other than flowers and branches has led to continued

interest in Ikebana and this has been a particularly exciting aspect for me. I viewed the environ-

ment in a new light and it has been surprising how many unusual materials can be incorporated

into an Ikebana arrangement. It has been a challenge to find new materials and exciting ways of

using them.

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Several months after I started taking classes Mrs. Tanaka invited her students to an

Ikebana International program with Lucille Evans. Hers was the most dazzling and inspira-

tional demonstration that I had ever seen. I do an arrangement with Brussels sprout stalks

every autumn in honor of her. I joined I.I. at the end of the program. This gave me an oppor-

tunity to meet I.I. members from Ikenobo and Ohara schools. As with my Sogetsu class we have

shared sad and joyous events with one another. Often the ways in which we interact are not

necessarily public or profound. When I was struggling with helping my elderly parents find a

nursing home a kind word from a woman I barely knew at the time lifted my spirits and bright-

ened my day. Several years after joining I.I. when I had taken a board position as Treasurer I

was one of a small group of people invited to a dinner in honor of a visiting teacher from Japan.

I can say with conviction that this was one of the most spectacular meals that I have ever eaten.

In more mundane ways I have drawn upon the knowledge and experience of others to help me

expand the scope of my gardening efforts with an eye toward growing plants that can be used in

Ikebana. A third generation Japanese-American woman who is 19 years older than me has a

birthday a few days before mine. We always wish each other Happy Birthday and are very com-

fortable chatting about our lives and families in a way that makes the differences in our origins

and ages insignificant. Small acts of kindness, a brief phone call, an e-mail, a shared recipe, a

lunch out, an excursion to a glass studio on Cape Cod all contribute to the camaraderie that I

feel with I.I. people.

The five of us who are the loyal core of Tomoko Tanaka's class are all I.I. members. In the

almost eight years that I have been studying Ikebana we have provided comfort and solace for

each other through some trying times. From the untimely death of Toyoichi Tanaka, to cancer,

heart surgery, and divorce we offer one another caring and hope. On the other hand there is the

shared joy of a wedding and the birth of grandchildren. For two hours every week we have the

opportunity to socialize a little before we get down to the lesson we are doing. Then we allow

ourselves to be removed from the concerns of everyday life and to focus entirely on our flowers.

That we can invest so much of ourselves in the pursuit of something so transient is a tribute to

the power of Ikebana. One of my classmates claims that I have motivated her to create bolder

and larger arrangements. I take this as high praise. I am good at this. And the structure, disci-

pline, and focus required has given birth to creativity and fostered accomplishment. The art

that is Ikebana and the friendships that have been formed has made Ikebana one of the life

altering activities in my life.

Merle SchlesingerBoston Chapter #17

I was destined to study Ikebana. I just didn't know it. At least not for a very long time, I

was certainly an unlikely candidate. I was raised in New York City in a small apartment without

a tree or shrub in sight. Ordinarily this would not be considered a fertile environment for the

development of an interest in things botanical let alone anything as exotic as Ikebana. But as

they say location is everything. We lived two blocks from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. My

Mother took us for walks there quite often and by the time I was ten years old my best friend

and I knew every brook, island and path there was. The Washington Avenue entrance that we

used brought us directly into the Gardens in front of the small lake. To the left Daffodil Hill

provided a riot of spring time color. To the right stood the Japanese Garden with its severely

shaped trees, rock landscapes and a wonderful house built over the water. As young children we

ran around the pebble paths and in and out of this charming house. I would like to believe that

somehow I gained an appreciation of the serenity and style of this very un-American landscape.

The other lasting impression was that of the Japanese cherry trees. My elementary school was

just down the block and every spring we were dutifully marched to the Gardens with pencils

and paper and told to study the trees and draw them as we saw them. Even the most talented

artist in the class could not do justice to the exquisite beauty of these trees in a black and white

drawing. The results were always disappointing. Long, strong straight branches with little

squiggles for flowers taught me that some objects are best appreciated from a distance. Yet this

annual ritual with my classmates made it was clear that the enjoyment of the natural world was

enhanced when shared or experienced with a friend.

Many years passed during which I expanded my knowledge and personal interest in

plants beyond the houseplants that I knew as a child. Fast forward to the New England Flower

Show in the spring of 1998. My friend Helen and I went to the show together. When we came

to the Ikebana display we were mesmerized. We could not believe how few flowers were used to

produce such dazzling arrangements. Several days later my friend called to say that an Ikebana

class was being offered in an adult education program. We signed up. I came to the first class

with a small forest in my arms. I brought armloads of flowers to every class. I watched and lis-

tened. I cut and placed. We learned to study our plant materials so that we could coordinate

the color, texture, and form of the flowers to our container. I was hooked.

25


Ikebana International is an outlet for my natures love. When I am in the forest and I col-

lect and keep an eye out for unusual material and recycle my material. Ikebana International has

opened new dimensions of my thoughts, consciousness for the environment, ecosystem and

plant material responding to change temperatures in various ways in species composition.

More than floral arrangements being a member of ikebana International has meant a

whole more to me than floral arrangements.

Each step that I took in learning the art of Ikebana brought me closer to the essence of

not just Ikebana but of life itself.

Through the years, the balance and harmony sought in ikebana has flowed into my own

self, through it, I’ve come to be a more aware and appreciative person, able to express my own

creativity.

It has made me appreciate and enjoy more fully my moments of joy and deal better with

times of stress.

Interaction with ikebana practitioners from different countries has increased my under-

standing of various culture, it especially that of Japan.

As I became aware of how the essence of ikebana shapes the form and feed of the arts and

crafts of Japan, I was encouraged to expand my creative self-expression to include besides floral

arrangements, ceramics, pottery, painting and haiku poetry.

As life goes on, the essence of ikebana remains with me as a part of myself, bringing me a

peace which I wish could extend to the whole world.

Nafisa TapalKarachi Chapter #204

I have been with Ikebana International for the past twenty five years. I still remember when my

daughters and I made arrangements together. As life goes on happy and sad events occur.

Ikebana has been my form of self expression.

It is my good luck that I am with Ikebana International where I am at peace with myself

and with others as well. It’s therapeutic to spend time doing arrangements and understanding

others. Through ikebana international I was introduced to different arts of the world and got

involved in ceramic, poetry and others forms of crafts.

The Ikebana International’s motto “friendship through flowers”has taught me to live in

harmony and balance and respect others just like a flower. This is the true meaning of Ikebana

International. It is a one of a kind organization that brings so many nations together and turns

it into a global village. It connects the east with the west and the north with the south. We all

have one thing in common and that is a love of flowers and a love to arrange them.

Ikebana International has always remained a force for peace and fellowship amongst

nations and people. In a time of a nation’s crisis it is a healing power and balm for the spirit. It is

a reminder that friends in need are friends indeed.

My hope and my dream is a world with peace and harmony just like the harmony in ike-

bana. When we arrange flowers we except the naturalistic flow and try to balance them with

other materials. In the same way we should except and live in harmony with other nations.

Being a member of Ikebana International taught me to be with nature and honor the life

within the flowers. That is the true meaning of Ikebana. World over people love flowers and

make them part of their lives. They give us hope in times of sadness and in times of happiness

they delight us.

Being an Ikebana International member I have enriched my experience in friendship,

gone through stimulating workshops and improved my arranging techniques. Monthly meet-

ings gave me confidence and the group of support of the I.U chapters ladies gave me confi-

dence. The gorgeous magazines have given me a new avenue for my creative ideas.

26


Then there was an unforgettable trip to Copenhagen to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of

Ikebana International Copenhagen Chapter. Having learned about coming jubilee and the most

interesting events that will take place in these days I wrote about my wish to attend them to the

participant of the conference in Amman from Copenhagen to Mrs. Irene Schmidt. The motto of

the organization “Friendship through Flowers” is very effective – few days later I got an invita-

tion to come to this festival! Everything was perfectly arranged - demonstration given by mas-

ter-instructor from Japan Mr.Ohky and workshop. It was worth learning from the President

Ikebana International Copenhagen Chapter #93, Mrs.Inger Tribler and her colleagues!

Having got acquainted and made friends, my colleague Marina and I spent the last night of our

stay in Denmark at her hospitable country house. We were enjoying her beautiful garden and

forest that surrounds her house, among her family members and colleagues had dinner and dis-

cussed the present and future of our chapters and the organization as a whole. And I was fol-

lowed by the thought that just few days ago we were not acquainted, and thanks to I.I. member-

ship we sit together at a cosy table and tell each other about progress of ikebana in our respec-

tive countries, exhibitions, classes...

When people from all over the world, who are united by their love to art and creative

work meet, such concentration of positive energy descends that there is a feeling that there are

no borders between the countries, no language barriers and it is the «Beauty that will save the

world». I had this feeling during all the events that I used to attend. And these meetings take

place thanks to the organization of really world scale –« IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL» and the

future of our planet belongs exactly to such organizations. It has become even more important

when the whole world learned about terrible acts of terrorism in Amman exactly at the same

hotel which hosted our meetings!

To unite in the name of peace and beauty by joining the I.I. members – that is my wish to

all people who are engaged in ikebana no matter what country they live!

And what if we dream... Time will pass and our country will play host to Regional Conference,

many interesting people will come to see and participate in it. There will appear many young

and experienced ikebana masters and they will please with their art. Then, they will tell their

students...

All this will definitely happen. You must only believe in it and wish very much.

Nowadays, on the eve of celebration of the Ninth World Convention 50th Anniversary, I look

forward to my trip to Tokyo to sink into the atmosphere of friendship and beauty and feel con-

nection with this festival. The festival of creative art about which my Teacher used to tell me

about many years ago.

Olga Yudith Moscow Chapter #256

Ikebana and my life... It has been for more than 10 years that I study this art and with

every passing day I reveal something new for me, comprehending the mysteries of this miracu-

lous world of that enigmatic beauty.

My passion to nature and desire to artistic creation merged together and with time Ikebana has

become an important part of my life. I have acquired a lot thanks to Ikebana Teachers from

whom I learned and keep on learning. My primary teacher was Nikolaenko Nina. She was the

most interesting person, complete epoch passed before her eyes. She accompanied in the trip

around the country, then the USSR, the first iemoto of the Sogetsu School Sofu Teshigahara,

had a meeting with the 2nd Iemoto Kasumi Teshigahara and the 3rd Iemoto Hiroshi

Teshigahara. She founded and chaired the Moscow Ikebana Club for a long time. The govern-

ment of Japan rewarded her with the Order of the Holy Treasure of 5-th grade for the develop-

ment of the cultural relations between Japan and the USSR. At her advanced age, having visited

Japan and later, speaking about her trip, she recollected it as the event that left an indelible

impression of her participation on invitation of Iemoto Hiroshi Teshigahara of recurrent

Ikebana International World Convention that took place at that time in Tokyo. I cannot forget

that excitement with which she used to describe her meetings and sights, which impressed her

most. Since that time it was her dream to found out a chapter of this excellent organization in

our country.

The time has passed, now I am a President of the Moscow Ikebana Club + and I am

proud that the Moscow Prosp. Chapter No. 256 was registered in 2004, the very first in our

country and I was elected its President. Proceeding with legacy of my Teacher, my colleagues

and I try to narrate about the art of Ikebana and international organization « IKEBANA

INTERNATIONAL» to as many people as possible, by organizing exhibitions, seminars, lectures

and master-classes in central halls of Moscow.

Our chapter is too young, but so many interesting events have taken place during this time!

First of all it is the trip to Amman to the “First Eastern Regional Conference”, where I was lucky

to be introduced to the International President Mrs. Shizuyo Nakayama, make a lot of new

friends from different countries and communicate with old ones, participate in the exhibition

and take part in perfectly arranged events. Feelings of festive, love and friendship atmosphere

did not abandon me all these days.27


Ikenobo, Adachi, Ichiyo and Misho. We were very exited and enthusiastic about our I.I. work.

Before long I found myself as elected president of the Zurich Chapter.

Extraordinary memories of that time are the guided tours during the first exhibitions in cooper-

ation with the Rietbergmuseum Zurich (Museum for Asian art).

I.I. Zurich was allowed to use the Haus zum Kiel, a patrician house from the 18th century to

show the Ikebana of the different schools. We prepared short lectures to explain Ikebana to visi-

tors. It was a success in Zurich. And for me the study of the different Ikebana schools with their

special styles and expressions gave a broader knowledge of the art of Ikebana.

Some years later friends, teachers and students from the Basel area decided to form a new

I.I. chapter in Basel. We started the prospective chapter with almost 50 members. Some of for-

mer Geneva members joined us and brought in their knowledge and experience of the I.I.

Organisation. I was elected founding president of a new dynamic chapter, the third one in

Switzerland.

During the following years together with my team we have been organising many activi-

ties: I.I. workshops, exhibitions, lectures on other Japanese cultures and excursions to the neigh-

bouring chapters or other Ikebana related exhibitions. Also my Ikebana Misho School was

growing, my students became members of I.I. and some of them are now in the board of I.I.

Basel.

The highlight on my KADO was definitely the 6th European I.I. Conference in Basel in March

2004. Prior to the conference memories of the earlier European Conferences were still alive, but

no other I.I. reunion was in sight. After many years without a European Conference I tried to

convince the presidents of the chapters Basel, Berlin, Biberach and Zurich that we should go for

it together. The result was an association of the four chapters to prepare the 6th European

Conference. The conference was a great success, which easily let us forget the hardship and

problems during the preparation time. We enjoyed the wonderful exhibition, the principal

guest masters demonstration, many short presentations of different Ikebana schools and the

social happenings. It was the time to set up or renew friendships among the Ikebana family.

Unfortunately I myself had almost no time to talk to my friends, but I was happy to feel the pos-

itive resonance of the event.

Through Ikebana International I met many friends from all over the world and I learned the

Japanese way of studying art. With all my I.I. activities I hope to have given some of what I have

received back to the many people, who are enjoying the wonderful art – IKEBANA.

Regula Maier Basel Chapter #227

Today, 25 years after my return from Japan to my home country Switzerland I am looking

back to the start of my hobby, the Japanese Art of arranging flowers. During the past years

Ikebana has become more a devotion than a hobby – and sometimes a demanding part time

job.

It all started when my husband was sent to Japan by a Swiss company and I - with the

attribute “accompanying wife”- entered a new world with completely different backgrounds in

culture, philosophy and religion. During our stay in Tokyo I took lessons in Sumi-e.

Additionally we have read many Japanese literature books, almost all those available as English

translations, and we visited lectures about the Japanese society at the OAG (German East-Asian

Society).

After two years in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo we moved to Kobe. Our German neighbour took

me to the Ikebana class with the goal of having a fresh flower bouquet every week at home. It

was the Misho-Ryu Ikebana that I started to learn. After some years my teacher asked me to

help her printing a booklet in English about the basics of classical style Ikebana. This was the

best motivation for my European academic mind to analyze the Japanese Flower Arrangement

and understand at least parts of the philosophy of KADO (Mein Blumenweg).

After studying for 5 years in a traditional Japanese house, kneeling on the tatami while arrang-

ing the flowers, I joined IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL in 1978.

During my two years membership of I.I. Kobe I enjoyed the demonstrations with masters of

different schools in Kansai. I strengthened my interest to continue on the path of Ikebana.

We decided to leave Japan in 1980. When I was back in Basel there was not much Ikebana

around. I wanted to renew my I.I. membership in Switzerland, but there was only a chapter in

Geneva, which is quite far from my living area and in the French speaking part of Switzerland

and that was quite a challenge as German is my native language.

Although not being an I.I. member, I started to teach Ikebana in a small group with some

friends and neighbours. Soon Zurich Chapter was founded, where I signed immediately and

was very happy. It was a young group of teachers from different schools: Ohara, Sogetsu,

28


the challenge head-on. I interacted with the senior most member of Ohara School of IkebanaHyderabad-Horyu Meena Anantnarayan. Such active participation in the community wasinstrumental for me in the community to start an Ikebana International chapter in Hyderabadalong with my friends, which we did with great success. The Ikebana International Hyderabadchapter was formed in 1997 with 10 members. We have now grown close to a fifty memberstrong association. Over the next few years, I extended my experience by having the wonderfulopportunity to attend the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Asian Conferences and the 8th WorldConvention.

At the 6th Asian Regional conference in Delhi, I had the honor of being a committeemember. Subsequently, I had the privilege of being elected the chairman at the Breakfast discus-sion committee at the 9th Asian regional conference. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 9thworld conference in Tokyo, for which I am already registered. I swell with pride when I looktowards 2007, when the Hyderabad chapter will host the 10th Asian Regional conference as thechairperson and president of the chapter. I strive and look forward with earnest towardsIkebana international to bring in many more youngsters into the fantastic family of Ikebanainternational to appreciate the art of flower arrangement and develop cherished friendships allover the world.

To me no other art form symbolizes the perfect harmonious balance of the three ele-ments- earth, sky and mankind. The words of Late Ellen Gordon Allen is mellifluous music tomy ears as it echoes my very sentiments about the true vision of Ikebana international to pro-mote Art and friendship through flowers.

As I bask in the glorious experiences that Ikebana brought into my life, I realize howIkebana has become an integral part of my familial virtues. It has over the years instilled in meaesthetic appreciation towards every insignificant object that I would have taken for granted-objects like a piece of wood, a dry shoot of bamboo, a blade of grass- things that I would havedismissed as inanimate objects, had it not been for Ikebana. Ikebana instilled within me a senseof discipline, a certain degree of compactness that contains beauty within itself. Ikebana hasintegrated in me a deep appreciation for nature and its immense immortality.

As a 1st grade Somu in the Sogetsu school, as I look back at all these unforgettable years, Iam extremely grateful to the wonderful world of Ikebana International for giving me memoriesworth a lifetime, friendships all over the world, and a colorful outlook on life. I am thankful toIkebana for the valuable principles that Ikebana has lent to my appreciation for art in variousforms.

But most of all, I am thankful to the wonderful world of Ikebana International for bring-ing that little girl from Kerala, India a long way in life.

Ramani Viswanath NambiarHyderabad Chapter #250

As a little girl born into a family in Kerala, little did I have in terms of opportunities toenjoy an urban lifestyle, complete with the luxuries of life. Back then, the art of flower arrange-ment and its appreciation was not quite the first thing on my mind. But the natural resplen-dence and verdant greenery of Kerala laid its seeds in me to enjoy and cherish nature from myearly days. Rather than a basic formal education in flower arrangement, the elders in my familyformed the basis of my enthusiasm for gardening in my formative years. I learnt to respectnature, and appreciate its true gems of adornment- flowers.

Years later, well into my married life, I moved with my family to Delhi. It was the winterof 1988 and little did I know back then that the move to Delhi would end up becoming a turn-ing point in my career. It was an advertisement for an Ikebana exhibition in the local newspaperthat caught my eye then which would carry me to where I am today. The Ikebana arrangementorganized by Delhi Chapter of Ikebana International at Hotel Ashoka was a revelation.Experienced exponents of Ikebana had displayed numerous arrangements, putting on a stun-ning show.“So expressively powerful and yet so elegant”, I thought to myself. I knew right thenthat Ikebana was what I had yearned for.

Nothing less than the best teacher would have quenched my thirst to learn this wonderfulart. So I started my formal Ikebana education under the guidance of the reputed Sogetsuteacher Mrs. Uma Rao. To hone my technique, I joined the Delhi chapter of IkebanaInternational. After a few years of education and contributing to various local showings, Idecided to take it one rung up the ladder. I knew I had to take it to the international level. Iattended the 5th Asian Regional conference held at Bangkok, Thailand. The experience of meet-ing so many Ikebana proponents from various Southeast Asian countries was an experience of alifetime. I learned various techniques and styles that were local to various regions and cultures.It was an experience of an eye opener. I came back to Delhi, now armed with good internationalexperience. The shows that I conducted then attracted bigger crowds than before. But I yearnedto learn from nothing other than the cradle of Ikebana itself- Japan. And the opportunity pre-sented itself in the form of an invitation to the 8th World convention at Nagoya, Japan. My joyknew no bounds. The Nagoya experience, in retrospective was the summit of my Ikebana erudi-tion. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the best in the art from all overthe world, and learn from them. I took the occasion to rekindle my friendship with fellow-Ikebana artistes from the Bangkok conference.

When I moved to Hyderabad, I left behind not a legacy of an established Ikebana com-munity in Delhi, but a tremendous opportunity to promote Ikebana in Hyderabad. I took upon

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richly artistic and friendly ambience. As a consequence, ikebana learners would very likely studyunder the teachers who would kindly and truly impart to them ikebana teaching. More thanthat, there is often a forum for cultural exchange to enable ikebana learners and professionals toenhance their artistic vision and technique. In the study of ikebana in this context, I myself haveincessantly advanced in skill and enhanced sensitivity to art. More pleased to me, my acquiredtaste through the study of ikebana has a positive impact on other aspects of my living. Graduallyhas the quality of my living been enhanced in general!

Ikebana International Hong Kong Chapter gives me an insight into the concept of volun-tarily serving the community by means of our skill. To my enlightenment, we should make useof our skill not only for earning living or personal enjoyment but also for rendering voluntaryservice to others. My experience of serving the Hospital through the medium of doing ikebanaworks has always brought me true happiness. However, because of contracting arthritis, I findmy fingers incapable of easily bending and cutting branches, plants and flowers, and thus sel-dom make floral arrangements nowadays. So much do I miss those sweet moments when doingmonthly ikebana works for the Hospital at its entrance hall and making numerous floralarrangements for sale at its annual fund-raising fair! I have since then borne in mind the con-cept of voluntarily rendering community service by using diverse skills which I possess. Byattempting another mode of serving, I may, at the moment, regularly render voluntary serviceto other people in the community. It is a blessing upon me to have acquired an approach to ren-dering community service in any manner.

To conclude, I would say that Ikebana International Headquarters and its Hong KongChapter both provide me with life education.

My hope and my dream

May I hope that I would again be physically able to do ikebana work as an art for appreci-ation and as a medium of conveying goodwill to others! In my view, whenever we arrange flow-ers, for any purpose whatsoever, we should at the same time do our utmost to promote the artof ikebana by displaying our professionalism deriving from the art and its peculiarity.Furthermore, we need to be conscious of appropriately integrating the trend of the time withthe design of our ikebana work. To broaden the vision of ikebana artists, cross-cultural forumbe regularly held for all those professionals whether from ikebana or from other forms of art. Inthe meantime, it appears necessary for those concerned in the matters relative to floral arrange-ments to put into practice the concept of environmental protection, for the sake of keeping theworld habitable.

Finally, would my dream come true that harmony and peace be attained among peoplesby means of practicing the ideology of “Friendship through flowers” in our daily life?

Ruby Claire CHANHong Kong Chapter #24

My acquirement through Ikebana International

Through Ikebana International, I realized and subsequently pursued the systematic studyof Japanese-style flower arranging, commonly termed ikebana. The late Mr. Sofu TESHIGA-HARA, founder of Sogetsu School, said in his writing ’Kadensho’,“Ikebana is not just aboutflowers, it is also about the person who arranges them.”In this light, I interpret that ikebana is aform of art representing the creator’s aesthetic and philosophical expression by means of flow-ers, plants and so forth. An ikebana work may be lacking in uniqueness if its creator’s individualstyle is not revealed in the work. To be able to create a stunning ikebana work, one needs to bewell versed in the knowledge of the nature, its flowers, plants and so on, to be well equippedwith the technique, and more specifically to have sensitivity to beauty combined with philo-sophical awareness. Besides that, an ikebana artist needs to be aware of the essence of creating afloral arrangement appropriate to the surroundings in which the arrangement is placed.

As a member of Ikebana International, I may keep on enhancing my capability in creatingikebana works by attending the demonstration, exhibition or workshop as hosted by the HongKong Chapter once in a month. In addition, I may attend the Regional Conference and theWorld Convention from time to time. Naturally, I can be inspired by the works of those partici-pating artists, thereby possibly enabling me to develop my latent potentials. Apart from that, Imay always peruse the Ikebana International magazines. These magazines provide readers withinformative articles on ikebana as well as on the related arts and cultures, and simultaneouslyserve as a source of inspiration. To my great impression, the Hong Kong Chapter takes it as amission to render community service, mainly to The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital atSandy Bay. Generally, the Chapter renders to the Hospital weekly ikebana works, donations ofChristmas gift and money, in addition to participating its annual fund-raising fair. I feel blessedthat I have had an opportunity for being the Hospital volunteer to do monthly ikebana works,and to make floral arrangements and gift baskets for sale at its annual fund-raising fair. In doingso, we can show our concern for the sick in the hope that their discomfort may be somehowrelaxed. How perfect it seems that ikebana, not just an art, but can be a medium of showingconcern towards others, communicating with others and helping others!

My reflections

Ikebana International at its headquarters steers cultural exchange among membersthroughout the world, and furthermore promote its motto,“Friendship through flowers”. In mythoughts, the spirit of this motto is that living activity pertaining to emotionality such asarranging flowers would bring forth true goodness and perfection among human beings. Insuch a way, Ikebana International has created for us a good cultivating environment filled with

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Traveling abroad was far from reality. But because of Ikebana and bonsai, Mr. Pacagnellaof Bologna, Italy offered me free round trip transportation, accommodation plus salary to doservice for his bonsai and demonstrate Ikebana among his friends. It was a culture shock for methat on arrival in Bologna , the Italians didn’t shake hands with me after being introduced. I feltoffended with the thought that they probably look down on Asians or is it because of my browncolor? Any way I dismissed that idea and just went on working in the garden.

I soon discovered that a knowledge of Ikebana and bonsai commanded respect. That wasthe week when Pacagnella arranged my lecture-demonstration on bonsai and Ikebana to thepublic. Held in an auditorium, more than 200 people attended, all in formal attire. After mydemonstrations, they came up the stage, gathered all around me and took pictures with me.Since that time, whenever we meet, they greeted me with a bow. That made me feel like acelebrity with invitations for lunches, dinners and other occasions.

Ikebana International has given me the opportunity to gain more knowledge, meetIkebana members worldwide and exhibit in regional conferences in Hongkong, Bangkok,Adelaide, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Taipei. In 1996, I had the chance to partici-pate in the I.I. World Conference in Nagoya, Japan and took a 3-day seminar workshop in theIkenobo Headquarters in Kyoto.

In 1987, the government of Salo in Lago de Garda, Italy, held an Oriental Arts exhibitsthat included bonsai, Ikebana, calligraphy, origami and ancient artifacts from Asian countries.The Italian Bonsai Society headed by Pacagnella requested me to demonstrate bonsai andIkebana. To recall, when I approached some of the ladies arranging their exhibits, I wassnubbed. The following day, just after my lecture-demonstration, they became very friendly andrequested me to help with their arrangements. Sincerely apologizing for not recognizing me, Iwas then highly respected and the best part of it, I was one of those honored as special guests ofthe City Mayor together with the Japanese Consul General and high ranking officials.

Taking a train to Germany to visit my nieces and nephews, Pacagnella got for me a firstclass cubicle with two double deck beds. Wanting to befriend the other passengers, I introducedmyself that I came from the Philippines. I could sense in their eyes a “cold reception”attitude,but when I added that I was invited to Italy to demonstrate bonsai and Ikebana, their faceschanged to a “welcome mood”. We then had a lively conversation and I later learned that theyoung handsome man I have been talking to was a stage actor on his way to Germany to per-form. Before we parted, we exchanged names and addresses, feeling happy that Ikebana andbonsai has indeed helped me develop international friendship.

With credentials as a professor in Ikenobo Ikebana, I pledge to keep on disseminatingIkebana art to all walks of life “till death do us part”.

Long Live Ikebana International!

Serapion S. MetillaManila Chapter #108

It is an understatement if I say that because of Ikebana, I am now enjoying the beautifulworld of living art. There’s a lot more that Ikebana has done to change my life. I grope for wordsto express that not only has it brought me immeasurable happiness, Ikebana has also broughtme glory, prestige and dignity.

First, let me explain my background. Born to poor “no read, no write”parents in anisland without electricity, higher educational system and modern facilities, it was a struggle tosurvive to finish the elementary grades. Just after liberation from World War II, I left home towork as a houseboy without pay in Cebu City which can be reached two days by sailboat.Barefooted with just sweet potato, corn or ripe banana to sustain for the day, I went to schoolwith the strong determination to finish high school even with just two short pants and threeshirts recycled from the fatigue uniforms, parachute, and canon’s camouflage begged from theAmerican soldiers. Aiming to be an asset, not a liability, I did odd jobs as a gardener, peon tocarpenters, washed dishes in restaurants, ran errands for neighbors and acted as nanny for myteacher’s child on off days.

God is indeed wonderful for He has pushed me up giving me courage in the midst ofpoverty. Now I can proudly say that poverty is not a hindrance to education.

Having graduated high school, I was hired as an emergency teacher. To upgrade myknowledge I took summer classes and in no time, I was appointed as a temporary teacher. WhenI became Civil Service eligible, I transferred to Manila to seek better opportunities.

My Introduction to Ikebana International

Living in Metro Manila has given me the opportunity to learn some cultural arts. Aflower lover, I was naturally drawn to the floral exhibits of the Ikebana International, ManilaChapter. A lowly paid employee, I was daunted by the thought that Ikebana was only for theelite and the rich. But because I wanted to know more about Ikebana art, I volunteered to serveas security aide and as messenger during their exhibits without compensation. There I metfriends and eventually invited me to join them. Knowing my financial capacity, the ClubPresident that time offered to pay for my membership fee. Through self study, I learned notonly Ikebana but also bonsai culture and other plant arts. Thanks for God’s continued blessingsI was able to pay for my memberships not only in Ikebana but also in other plant related organi-zations.

Learning the techniques and styles of Ikebana, I participated in the annual exhibits of theI.I. Manila Chapter. Recognizing my expertise, I am now regularly assigned to give demonstra-tions not only in my mother chapter but also in the provincial chapters.

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felt thanks once again. It is in fond hope that this will bring everyone closer to each other and

shelter all from the rain of violence, terror and unrest. May the spread of this umbrella expand

to cover all humanity spreading its wonderful message. Who knows, like the UN Peace Keeping

Force, we may have our very own Ikebana International members helping around such cause

with their motto!

Having tasted the pleasures of Ikebana, it is delightful to see that the interest has passed

down to my daughters and grandchildren. Apart from the familial bond, this bond of all of us

being part of the Ikebana International family draws us all even closer! My daughter’s interest

in this art and organization which started as a hobby has now become a passion. My grandson

potters around in the garden everyday and finds twigs and dry material he or I may use in

flower arrangements. It is nice to be part of a family which is in tune with nature.

None should deny themselves the simple delight of being part of the wonderful organiza-

tion called Ikebana International. If you still haven’t had a taste of it, embark on it now. Life will

never be the same again!

CREATE!! SUSTAIN!! ENJOY!!

Shamala Reddy Hyderabad Chapter #250

—Friendship with Flowers and Friendship through Flowers—

The unforgettable images of Japan and the reverence of its people for all things beautiful

especially nature, are breathtaking. The myriad manifestations of their aesthetic sense, stunning

gardens, flowers- their care and arrangements have made an everlasting impression on me. This

was since the year 1959 when I first visited Japan.

In the land of the Rising Sun, the manifestations of a nation whose aesthetic sense is

famed the world over is mesmeric. It lingers in the mind of the beholder like a subtle fragrance

all through life.

To me who had fallen hook, line and sinker for the art of Japanese gardens and flower

arrangement-Ikebana-, the most exciting news a few years later, back home in India in 1964 was

that Ikebana had made its entry into my city of Hyderabad. An advertisement in the paper said

that an Ikebana Master, Ms. Meena Anantnarayan would be giving classes at Raj Bhavan which

is the Governor’s bungalow. The thrill was absolute and the suspense nail biting until the next

day. I was to call and make sure that I too would be fitted into class and not politely turned

down as it was already bursting at its seams. And to a few classes I went. In a city which had not

heard of the Japanese style of flower arrangement, the art was well received and eventually

lapped up. Thus started my friendship with flowers and the plants that bear them. My tryst with

destiny!

Ikebana has now gone international with Ikebana International providing the link

between all schools of Ikebana and the people practicing them. A charming link between

nations and nationalities. What better way to foster friendships than Friendship through

Flowers! The Ikenobo school, the Ohara school, Ichiyo school, Sogetsu, school, Misho ryu and

Koryu school. These schools and so many more with their centres and chapters in several cities

of countries spread all over the world are giving an opportunity to thousands of members enjoy

activities of their chapters and programmes of the region. The organization is one large umbrel-

la which covers people of different schools in several nations. Mrs Ellen G Allen and her like

minded peers who opened out that lovely umbrella for so many of us to enjoy deserve a heart-

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I have been studying and teaching Ichiyo School of Ikebana for thirty-five years and it

brings a harvest of joy and happiness to me.

In 1982 I founded the Ichiyo Pittsburgh Chapter. Our members are very active, full of

enthusiasm and I’m very proud of our achievements. I encourage all our members to join

Ikebana International and to enjoy a very special international organization.

Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter #25 members are dwingling. We find our

members are aging, retired, moving to warmer climates and need transportation to the meet-

ings. We do have new young members that are very interested and I know they will continue to

carry on the lovely tradition of “Friendship through Flowers”. Our culture programs are excel-

lent; workshops continue to impress us by skilled instructors of Ikenobo, Sogetsu, Ohara and

Ichiyo. It is a beautiful world of ikebana here in Pittsburgh.

All ikebana members need to look to the future and inspire all nationalities to the

Japanese way of arranging flowers for aesthetic enjoyment. Japanese arranging evokes the word

“shibui”meaning simplicity, aesthetic joy and elegance. The simplicity of ikebana is everlasting

and we all look forward to a fruitful future of joy and happiness that ikebana brings into all our

lives.

My ikebana husband encourages me to teach, give demonstrations; exhibitions and I have

a beautiful Japanese ikebana garden from which I use all materials. My life is consumed with

the beauty of Love, Mother Nature and Ikebana.

There are hundreds of languages in the world but with a smile and the beauty and fra-

grance of a flower brings “Friendship through Flowers” this truly is

“Ikebana International - and Me.”

Shirley L. Winkler Pittsburg Chapter #25

Living in Kobe, Japan for 6 wonderful years and being a Founding Member of Kobe

Chapter #181 and a member and Past President of Pittsburgh Chapter #25, I do have an essay to

write.

Following Ellen Gordon Allen’s dream of becoming a butterfly after death, to be able to

flit around the world to visit the Ikebana International Chapters and to meet new friendships.

In life, I am trying to do just that. It is truly exciting!

Living in Japan, visiting the Asian countries and visiting the Ikebana International

Chapters, returning to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, visiting many USA chapters, teaching Ichiyo

Ikebana, demonstrating, exhibiting and attending most of the Ikebana International

Conventions and Asian, Australian and North American Regional Conferences, I do feel like a

colorful and grateful butterfly. I have met many wonderful friends from around the world and

each of us proud to be Ikebana International members.

I am very fortunate to have known Ichiyo School’s Founder, Iemoto Meikof Kasuya and

Mrs. Kasuya. He was very talented and creative and set the pace for new designs in ikebana.

Such as the crossing form and designing large stage productions. In 1975 he presented me with

my Instructor’s Certificate in Kobe.

Iemoto, Akihiro Kasuya has followed designing the no kenzan arrangement and creating

the floral designs using bamboo in many clever ways and in large stage productions. My most

precious moment is when Iemoto presented me with the Executive Master Certificate in 1998,

that is the highest rank for a non-Japanese.

Iemoto Akihiro Kasuya has visited Pittsburgh four times. Each time demonstrating to

large crowds and followed by workshops. His first visit he demonstrated at the Pittsburgh Civic

Garden Center 1987, Heinz Hall 1993, Chatham College 1997 and Butler Country Club 2003.

We look forward to his son, Iemoto Designate, Naohiro Kasuya giving us a demonstration

and workshop this year. How lovely to have the third generation so talented and knowledge-

able.

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However, there are no camellias in bloom at this time of year. No florist can order themfor you. Desperate, I bought a big plant with buds showing red color. I had to try to bring itinto bloom in my house. Warm air from a hair dryer, frequent misting and good light forcedthe buds into bloom just in time.

Then, on February 28th, the day before what was to be a big international event, thenorthwest was hit with a 6.8 earthquake. The Temple of Justice was damaged and unsafe. TheYamashita family was on their way from Japan. The event could not be canceled.

Over 300 guests were called and advised that the event would be moved to the FederalCourthouse in Tacoma, Washington, 30 miles north of Olympia.

Everyone came. Chief Justice Gerry Alexander of the Washington State Supreme Courtmade heartfelt amends; the response of the Yamashita family was deeply appreciative. The NewYork Times and the Christian Science Monitor, leading US newspapers, covered this historicevent.

Everyone admired the ikebana arrangements, particularly the Yamashita family. I believethat ikebana conveyed the sincerity of this international gesture of friendship.

The exhibit was taken that evening to Seattle where it was to hang in the Wing Luke AsianMuseum until it could be placed in the new law school building (then under construction). Thedirector asked to take the flowers for the reception. To me, these ikebana arrangements exem-plified the motto,“friendship through flowers.” It was a happy day, a worthwhile occasion. Ourpart was small, but Alice and I were exhilarated.

I planned to take ikebana lessons from Alice, but time passed and I had not. Then oneday in 2003, her daughter told me that Alice was having her 90th birthday in June. I could waitno longer.

Alice is an extraordinary teacher, trained in both the Sogetsu and Ichiyo schools, havingbeen interested in ikebana in 1960. She has a gentle, respectful way of trimming a branch andturning a leaf or a flower ever so slightly, changing an arrangement from nice to exquisite. Isoon joined the Tacoma-Olympia chapter of Ikebana International and made new flowerfriends.

Then in January 2005, a most remarkable thing happened. On a sunset sailboat cruise tosee whales in Maui, I happened to sit across from a Japanese woman to whom I spoke, naturallyenough, of ikebana. It turned out that this was none other than Yoriko Ikezawa, chairman ofthe Ikebana International World Convention in Tokyo in 2006! What a pleasure!

Last October I enjoyed the Seventh North American Sogetsu Seminar with AkaneTeshigahara sensei in Portland, Oregon.

Ikebana allows me to visually express my appreciation of the plant world. Makingarrangements keeps my mother’s memory close to me.

I extend my congratulations and gratitude to Ikebana International in this 50th anniver-sary year!

Sue LeanTacoma-Olympia Chapter #147

If anyone had told me in 2001 that within five years that I would be an active student ofikebana and the corresponding secretary to Japan for a chapter of Ikebana International, Iwould have been most surprised. This came about in an unusual way.

As it happened, the year 2001 was the 100th anniversary of the University of WashingtonSchool of Law (which my husband attended). As an exhibit planner, I am very interested inanniversary history and how to make these special occasions original and important.

When researching the history of the law school, Steven Goldsmith noted that somethingquite wrong occurred after the second class graduated in 1902. A brilliant young student fromJapan completed the requirements for graduation only to be denied entrance into theWashington State Bar Association solely on account of race. This meant he could not practicelaw. Takuji Yamashita bore this misfortune with grace. He stayed in Washington and became astrawberry farmer on Bainbridge Island where he raised a family. When World War II came,they were sent to a camp, imprisoned at Minidoka in northern California.

Mr. Goldsmith came up with an outstanding idea. Could this Japanese man, TakujiYamashita, be posthumously admitted to the state bar in a ceremony with the presence of hisdescendants? Plans were made. An event would be held at the Temple of Justice in Olympia,the state capital, on March 1, 2001.

It was my privilege to be asked to create an exhibit of historic photographs. This wouldprove to be a large black lacquer shadowbox with red silk matting and a gold kanji, shinnen,emblematic of Yamashita’s commitment to equal rights. There were wonderful photographs ofthe young Takuji in traditional dress, of his family present for his leave taking by ship fromJapan, and of his 1902 graduation class of just ten students. Another photo showed Yamashitaand three of his six children under crossed American flags. Documents for the posthumousadmission to the bar were included.

The story was touching and Emily Kate framed the exhibit beautifully. But, flowerswould be needed for the ceremony and the reception afterward. I knew from my mother whohad learned about Japanese flower arranging from her garden club programs, that ikebanaarrangements would be appropriate. I set out to find someone who could make them properly.At the time I thought this was rather like decorating with red and green at Christmas. I did notyet know that ikebana was a way of life with symbolic meaning attached to every flower.

At the Olympia community center during the Heritage Festival, which features many eth-nic groups, it was my good fortune to find a room filled entirely with ikebana arrangementsmade by students of Alice Sowray. She was, surprisingly, a British woman. She respondedwarmly when I asked her to make ikebana arrangements for the Yamashita ceremony.

Alice knew exactly what was needed for the event: iris with their sword-like leaves for theyoung Takuji; large chrysanthemums with the three gentlemen of winter: plum, bamboo andpine; and camellias with pine to represent Japan. I was thrilled.

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My creative energy continues to be developed and inspired by my travels around the

world including my attendance of many conferences of I I in the North American Region, the

Asian Region, the Australia/New Zealand Region, and the European Region, as well as several

World Conventions in Japan. Each event is a new experience where I encounter many friends,

old and new, who share my enthusiasm and passion for this wonderful art form.

I have always felt a responsibility to give back with my leadership and teaching skills to

this art form, as Ikebana has brought so much joy and beauty to my life. I have demonstrated

Sogetsu Ikebana and conducted workshops in many cities in Mexico and in the United States. I

was also privileged to act as the Resolutions Chairperson for the 8th World Convention in

Yokohama, Japan, in 2001.

Over the years, Ikebana has become my passion. I am thankful for the support of my

husband and my three adult children. I enjoy encouraging students, both new and experienced,

to develop their skills, and several of my students are now prominent teachers of this wonderful

art. I am grateful to Ikebana International, as well as to the Sogetsu School, for the relaxation

and peace of mind Ikebana has provided me as well as for the wonderful people I have had the

privilege to meet all over the world.

Susan Cano Miami Chapter #131

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., I moved with my husband and children to

Bangkok, Thailand, in 1972. During my 10 years in Thailand, I grew to appreciate and admire

Asian culture and in 1977 attended an Ikebana International sponsored demonstration by Mr.

Mori Iemoto of Enshu School. I was so excited I joined I I the same day. I studied the Kofu

School, obtaining the level of assistant teacher. Later, I studied the Sogetsu School under Mrs.

Cynthia Boughton, a very creative British lady who inspired me to achieve the level of 4th grade

teacher in 1982. During my studies of both the Kofu School and the Sogetsu School, I became

very active in the Bangkok Chapter 177 of I I, and served as its President for the 1981 term.

When my family moved to Mexico City in 1982, I began teaching Sogetsu Ikebana in a

new community. In 1986, I met Renee Pena Alfaro who had been a member of the Geneva

Chapter and together we founded the Mexico City Chapter 228 of I. I. I later served as its

President during the1990-1991 term. Ms. Fukushima of Sogetsu Kaikan and Mrs. Kanzaki of

Sogetsu New York both honored our Chapter in Mexico City with highly successful demonstra-

tions and workshops in the early 1990’s and again later in the same decade. Mrs. Kanzaki, my

very dear Sensei, has given me advanced instruction to further my Sogetsu Teacher Levels. It is

very rewarding that the Mexico City Chapter of I I has flourished and grown.

In 2001, after nearly 30 years overseas, my husband and I moved to Miami, Florida.

Leaving so many Ikebana friends behind was really tough. But, I became active in the Miami

Chapter 131 immediately, making many new friends. I I, as in the past, served me as a support

group to facilitate my adaptation to a new environment. I came to realize that this worldwide

organization of such a culturally diverse group of ladies and gentlemen with a common interest

truly embodies “Friendship through Flowers”. Ikebana friends very quickly become lifelong

friends. Once again, I was fortunate to serve as President of the Miami Chapter 131 for a two

year term from 2003 to 2005.

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The Ikebana Exhibition in I.I. conference is a fun event for me. The setup place for

Exhibition gives me a very good chance to get close to other members. At the Exhibition setup

at Basel, there was a member from Basel who was arranging with dry black and fresh yellow

bananas. I did not recognize what those were at a first look. I asked her what those were and she

explained that that was the banana letting itself dry for half a year at the cellar room until it gets

entire black. I was impressed with her positive spirit to make a unique material by herself. She

said “This is a IKE-BANANA”and we laughed. People in the room seemed to be released from a

certain kind of tension. I was making my Ikebana with spring small flowers in three small bas-

kets and there was a German lady watching mine beside me until I finished. We glanced each

other and smiled and she said,“I like your Ikebana and this reminds me of a field of Alpine

flowers.” I replied “Thank you. I am very happy to hear that.” I am not good at speaking English

but I can make friends with this small conversation like this. I like the environment of setup

place.

I learned “the Heart of Ikebana”by meeting with I.I. members. I learned I could make

friends by mutual curiosity and by taking care of others.“IKEBANA“ and “Flowers”are playing

a role of Cupid to make new friends. I would like to continue to be a member of I.I. hoping that

IKABANA brings a peace of world. Lastly I really appreciate Ms. Ellen Gordon Allen, founder of

I.I.

Yoko Sonoue Sendai Chapter #238

I love to join I.I. because I can learn many things and can have fresh surprises and good

impressions by meeting with I.I. friends. I have been in the member of I.I. for 12 years and I had

the unforgettable wonderful chances to meet at the World Convention and Regional Conference

that I would like to share.

I was in Basel joining 6th European Regional Conference in Mach, 2004 and I selected to

join “HANAMAI-Dancing flowers” from many Ikebana workshop choices, which was conduct-

ed by Irene Hofstetters, President of I.I. Chapter Basel and a teacher of Ohara School, where 23

people from Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Greece, Jordan and Japan with different

Schools attended.

The different container and materials were prepared for attendees. In the workshop I am

in, we usually use the same container and materials so this was a fresh surprise. Everybody cre-

ated the unique wonderful Ikebana keeping the HANAMAI method, stimulated by “Create your

own Ikebana”by Irene Hofstetter. My material was a sapling branch with beautiful sprout and

a lovely purple pink rose. Fadime Tosoni, I.I. chapter Basel Members of the Board, looked at my

Ikebana and said “Oh, this is Tango.” I was surprised to hear this comment because I thought

styles and methods were important and I did not think so much about what I really wanted to

express through Ikebana. I carefully watched my Ikebana and found that those two were surely

dancing and a petal and the spout were gently touching. I was pleased to find this and replied,

“This is my first kiss.”People in the room were in a happy romantic moment to see my Ikebana

and my comment. Everybody in the room then pleasantly explained their own Ikebana and

what they wanted to express. This was my first experience in my 30 years Ikebana history.

I have been teaching Ikebana as a volunteer to the non-Japanese staying in my town,

Sendai. There was an American student actually quit Ikebana within a couple of months with

saying “This is not my Ikebana, I actually imitate your Ikebana”. I was deeply worried about the

person with my lack of instructions for a long time, but this workshop really helped me to find

what I lacked. I leaned unique enjoyable “Ikebana”other than styles and arranging method

from I.I. I am teaching my class “Create your own Ikebana!” learned at Basel.

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