Iemoto's Log Vol.26 Guided by the Flowers

As August arrives, I wonder if some of you are struggling with the ongoing heat. I sincerely hope you are keeping well.

I myself have been feeling a bit tired these days.

However, I recently decided to make a fresh start. I had been walking regularly for some time, but at some point, I suddenly stopped. I suppose I was using my busy schedule as an excuse and wanted to spend my time on other things.

Yet, most of my daily travel is by car, and I realized that some days I barely walk a thousand steps, which frightened me. The evenings in Yokohama have been relatively cool lately, so I have started walking after dinner. Walking gives me time to reflect on various things, and I find it quite a pleasant experience.

As I mentioned in my previous column, just recently we held the Meiryuten exhibition at Yokohama Takashimaya. Continuing from last month, when I start arranging my work, the first thing I decide on is the flowers. Except for special occasions, I never place special orders. I visit the florist, look at the flowers they have in their refrigerator, and pick out those that inspire me to arrange. At the same time, I usually decide on the vase, and I start envisioning the arrangement in my mind.

For non-classical styles, I do not prepare the base arrangement in advance. So when I begin arranging at the venue, the final result often differs from my initial image. However, the flowers and vase rarely clash. I place each flower into the vessel so that it fits the space perfectly.

It is like painting on a white canvas.

When I arrange, my thoughts are solely focused on where each flower will shine best. It is almost a state of no-mind.

I constantly move left and right, aware that the view changes depending on the angle. I never arrange focusing only on the front.

Classical style ikebana requires a different kind of attention, which I hope to discuss another time.

Since the exhibition was held during the hot season, I wanted to create a refreshing feel. From the flowers I chose—the vivid purple artichoke, hydrangeas in matching tones, countless baby’s breath, and the heavy palm seeds—I decided to use that light blue glass vase. By combining cool colors, I believe the piece turned out to be quite refreshing. Now, as I look at the photos, I’m already imagining how I might rearrange it !!

There are many restrictions in size and space for the works displayed at department stores, which makes it challenging to create exactly as I envision. Next month, we will be at Yokohama Takashimaya again, but my spot should be in a better position, so I’m looking forward to it.

What flowers will be waiting for me next time?

Everyone, please don’t let the heat get you down. I hope you find comfort in flowers and visit Yokohama Takashimaya.

75th Kanagawa Prefecture Ikebana Exhibition — Click here for details (Japanese only)

梶井宮御流　Kajiinomiya Goryu

第二十一世家元　21st Headmaster

一松斎 藤原素朝　Fujiwara Socho