“Ladies in bloom”
Sun.Star Davao,
Aug. 16, 2014
With the theme, “Nature: A
Blessing for Ikebana”, the thirty-two members of the Ikebana International
Davao Chapter 133 showcased their ingenious floral art creations in a
world-class exhibit recently at the SM Lanang Premier.
Now on its 46th year, the
society’s Davao members are especially bound by a common passion for
self-expression through the breathtaking art of ikebana.
Ikebana is the well-loved
Japanese art of flower arrangement. However, unlike the conventional way of
arranging flowers, ikebana enthusiasts express their creativity within certain
rules of construction. They utilize organic materials such as branches, leaves,
grasses, flowers, among others, to come up with their works of art. The final
‘masterpiece’ is considered a “living thing where nature and humanity are
brought together”.
This Kadayawan, be
amazed at the ladies in bloom of Ikebana Davao as they share their blossoming
love affair with ikebana!
DANNEY
BARNETT
President, Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 (2012-2014)
*How
did you get into ikebana?
Señora Esther de Jesus invited a
group of Latinas to attend a meeting of Ikebana International Davao Chapter
133, but I couldn't understand anything since I didn't speak English, but thank
goodness all the ladies didn't mind and accepted me as a member regardless of
the language barrier.
*How
long have you been a member of this group?
From 2004 to the present…10 years!
*Were
you always a creative person (into art/flower arrangement/crafts)?
I do not consider myself creative
(with my hands) but I do have a lot of energy and a drive for event organizing
and activities. I have the gift to encourage people and inspire change and
involve everyone in the process.
*If
you are a beginner, what necessary materials/tools should you invest in when
doing ikebana?
When you are a beginner your heart
and personality are your main and necessary tools and materials. After you've
defined your tendency and style of work, you can move on to other tools and
materials. With just any vase (from kitchenware to a bag), a kenzan, and the
beautiful diversity of flowers and plants in Davao, and our gardens, you can
create wonders.
*Note: “A kenzan,
also called ‘spiky frog’, is a specific device used in the Japanese art of flower
arrangement, ikebana, for fixing the flowers in the container. It consists
of a heavy lead plate with erected brass needles where the stipes are fixed”
(Source: Wikipedia)
*Why
do you love ikebana?
I love ikebana because Ikebana Davao
welcomed me with arms wide open when I had no clue about English or ikebana.
When I was pregnant with my daughter Zury, a teacher who came from Japan said I
had a life inside and explained the connection between the life of my daughter
and nature and beauty and creativity, after all, 'Man is nature's guest'. In
addition, when my house burned down a year ago, plus other problems I've gone
through, the members of the I.I. Davao Chapter have always been there for me.
*What
was the theme of your two works during the recent exhibit? How did the materials
and design represent your theme?
The styles I used for my arrangement
belong to the school of Sogetsu, which is a school of Ikebana International.
The first arrangement I created
represented my personality, shin (heaven) and soe (man) with my trademark curly
hair. For hikae (earth), I used the cattleya orchid, the national flower of
Colombia because I’m Colombian. The two ceramic shoes symbolize my hobby of
dancing.
The second arrangement, the broken
electric fan, is my way of telling the world that even recycling materials can
be used to express the beauty of nature, imagination, and conservation of the
environment.
*You’ve been the Ikebana (Davao chapter) president for two years, how was your experience, so far?
I had to work on my conversational
and comprehensive English, as well as to continue the relationship between the
Filipino, Latin, and Japanese cultures because ikebana is an art originated
from Japan.
I also had to start learning about
the native trees, plants, and flowers of the Philippines. Ever since I became
president, I have been lucky to have the unconditional support of Honorable
Japanese Consul Koichi Ibara and his
lovely wife, Madam Mariko Ibara.
I have been invited to participate
in the King of Festivals, “Kadayawan”. I also had the opportunity to travel to
other provinces and institutions that were affected by the typhoons Pablo and
Yolanda.
I have also visited other countries
to represent the Davao chapter, which has let me meet new people. They have
immensely helped my growth as a person.
*What
were the highlights of the recent Ikebana event?
I am grateful for my family's
support, especially my husband Roberto Barnett, and my kids Eric, Harry and
Zury.
To see every single member's work;
to see their passion, imagination, and heart left in their arrangement; seeing
the effort and love exerted by both the new members as well as the older
members such as Ms. Dally Soriano and Mr. Boy Guino-o was such a joy!
I was in awe seeing all the members
dressed in Filipiniana for the most important event of the chapter. It was
overwhelming to stand in front of the exhibition and marvel at the rainbow of
colors and emotions. I had that peaceful feeling which was transmitted through
nature's gracious hands.
We were also privileged to have representatives of the Ikebana
International (I.I.) Manila Chapter 108, I.I. Cebu Chapter 145, and I.I.
Cagayan de Oro Chapter 163, join us for the exhibit.
DR.
JENNIFER CHRISTINE LIM
*How
did you get into ikebana?
I was invited by the Ikebana Davao president Danney
Barnett, who is the patient and friend of my dentist-husband Chin.
*How
long have you been a member of this group?
Almost a year, I
joined the group last Sept 2013.
*Were you always a creative person (into art/flower arrangement/crafts)?
I have always loved arts and crafts
but I haven’t dabbled in flower arrangements until now.
*Why
do you love ikebana?
After several workshops, my perception of plants and
flowers has changed! My appreciation of nature was elevated to a whole new
level.
*What was the theme of your work during the recent exhibit?
I made sure to infuse the Filipino theme to my Japanese
arrangement. My theme is “Maria Clara”. I used lisanthium and fox tail to symbolize
the Maria Clara ladies who are very simple, elegant and lady-like. The papyrus
represents the strong Filipino men. I was fortunate to have found an antique
vase that went perfectly with my theme.
VANESSA ANN PATIÑO ONG
*How
did you get into Ikebana?
Dr. Jennifer
Lim was the one who invited me to join ikebana with her since they were looking
for younger members for the group.
*How
long have you been a member of this group?
I have been a
member since October of last year.
*Were you always a creative person (into art/flower
arrangement/crafts)?
I’ve
always been interested in the arts. I am into water color, painting,
scrapbooking and crafting. In college, I had a subject in flower arrangement
because I took up Interior Design. However, it was totally different from the ikebana
style.
*Why
do you love ikebana?
I love the minimalist elegant style
of ikebana; using different kinds of materials that can be unique; and one you
can't imagine to actually look really good together after being arranged.
*What
was the theme of your work during the recent exhibit?
I utilized
variation no. 2, slanting style (moribana) for my work. Since the theme was
recycling materials, I used a vintage vase from my grandfather, a wooden tray
from a serving plate I had at home, and foliage from my father-in-law's garden.
As for the flowers, I especially ordered Colombian roses from Waling Flowers.
LEA TIONKO IMPERIAL
*How
did you get into ikebana?
My
grandmother, Carmen M. Soriano, was the founder of Ikebana Davao Chapter 133
and a certified ikebana teacher. I grew up seeing her make arrangements daily.
She used different materials. When I was 10 years old, she taught me Ikenobo.
We only had a few sessions though. I did not appreciate it much at that time
since I would prefer to do other things.
Last
year, my mom (who is also a longtime member) made me join the Sogetsu workshop.
After that, I joined Ikebana Davao together with my other two cousins. We were
all new.
*How
long have you been a member of this group?
One year
*Were
you always a creative person (into art/flower arrangement/crafts)?
Not really. I had to get out of my
comfort zone once I learned the basics. I had to research and use my
imagination to create the arrangement that I had in mind. Sometimes, it comes
out the way I like it. Sometimes, it doesn’t. Nevertheless, I learn from it.
*If
you are a beginner, what necessary materials/tools should you invest in when
doing ikebana?
A pair of garden scissors, kenzan,
flat vase or container and a tall cylindrical vase. If you don’t have the flat
vase, a square or rectangular Pyrex will do---but just for practice.
*Why
do you love ikebana?
I love ikebana because I discover
something new every day. I have become observant with the plants around me, looking
for lines and leaves. When I am making my arrangement, I lose track of time
because I am fully occupied with the task and having fun at the same time.
*What was the theme of your work during the recent exhibit?
First of all, I wanted to do a
slanting nageire. I wanted something in full bloom, something rich, simple yet
elegant. I definitely wanted pink. I found my lines in the garden. It’s golden
duranta. I used it for the Sogetsu workshop last month. After that, I had it
dried. The container was simply gorgeous. It was perfect for the slanting
style. I borrowed it from my mom which originally belonged to my Lola. For the
flowers, I bought 2 dozens of pink lisianthus. I bunched it together to make it
look as a big flower. It matched the lines and container very well. The
arrangement came out as how I wanted it.
AMELIA CRUZ VALLE
*How
did you get into ikebana?
By invitation
from the current Ikebana International Davao Chapter president Danney Barnett
*How long have you been a member of this group?
Less than a year as a certified
member
*Why
do you love ikebana?
It's a good feeling! Whatever you make surely brightens
up any place.
*What was the theme of your work during the recent exhibit?
I can't really
say I have a specific theme aside from nature that is common to all
arrangements. Using what's available at home is always a thought in
mind. With my dear husband's insistence, I started with the use of this
very long acquired dried green turned yellow fern. He said I should think of
incorporating it with my arrangement as it's quite unique and different. The
same goes with the dark-coloured slim branches that blend well with the fern
colour. Those fresh branches of variegated leaves came from our garden while
the red-orange flowers are store-bought liliums. Now, to add an accessory to
the arrangement, I chose this upside-down bamboo table to add some point of
interest and to show a twist in continuity of the materials used. The black
lunch box cloth-wrap was so placed to add a sense of calmness and emphasis on
the colours used. Whether dried or fresh or processed, you can take note that
the materials came from nature.
JOSIE GEMPESAW BARCIA
*How
did you get into ikebana?
Ikebana has
always been a part of my life. For as long as I can remember, my
grandmother, the late Doña Carmen Soriano, has always had a passion for the
art. Lola Carmen loved the art so much that she wanted to share her
passion with others here in Davao. She eventually became the founder of Ikebana
Davao Chapter.
At the same time,
my mother, Sonia Gempesaw, was also just as passionate about the art. So you
can imagine all the materials that were lying around the house and of course,
the beautiful arrangements that came out of the flowers, twigs, and leaves.
We always had such gorgeous arrangements at home made from freshly-cut
materials coming from the gardens.
This was something I took for granted
until I finally decided to join the Ikebana Chapter here in Davao late last
year.
Little by little,
I began to familiarize myself with the art and found that I was beginning to
enjoy it. That’s how I got into it.
*How
long have you been a member of this group?
I joined Ikebana Chapter 133 in September of last year,
along with my two cousins, Lea Tionko-Imperial and Tina Peralta-Tionko.
*Were
you always a creative person (into art/flower arrangement/crafts)?
I believe creativity exists in everyone. For some
people, this is expressed through writing, painting, or the creation of
handicrafts. In my case, I have always been interested in expressing
myself through arts and crafts. Long before I joined Ikebana Davao, I was
already into making my own topiaries during the holidays. I think that my
grandmother had a strong influence on me and my other cousins.
*If you are a beginner, what necessary materials/tools should you invest in when doing ikebana?
The basic materials needed for ikebana are the following:
a good kenzan, different coloured and shaped vases (these need not be
expensive), good garden scissors, and of course, flowers and other materials
such as leaves and twigs.
*Why
do you love ikebana?
Ikebana is the art of creating symbols of nature through
arrangements. I love ikebana because it allows me to be creative.
It gives me the silence I need to create and share a piece of my soul
through the arrangements. Just like my mother and my grandmother, my love
for nature is expressed through ikebana. Even as an amateur, I enjoy
being able to create a piece that captures my take on nature. I’m lucky
enough to have been exposed to the different ways of presenting arrangements
which has helped me develop an artistic eye for the art. I think that the
ikebana arrangements make a house look pretty and homey.
*What was the theme of your work during the recent exhibit?
The theme of my
work during this recent exhibit is to show the uniqueness and beauty of nature
through my arrangement. It is a symbol of nature as seen through my eyes.
I chose materials that were not very common. For this year’s exhibit,
I also chose colors that represent nature well. Yellow is such a happy
color. The patch of yellow represents the brightness of the colors of
nature. The leaves from the box plant represent nature’s sturdiness as
well. The deep green color of the box plant’s leaves is so pretty and is
a great contrast with the brightness of the orchid.
Special thanks to Kenneth Hao for the photos of Danney
Barnett and the Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 group.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit
www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.
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