July 27, 2023
The Art of Ikebana: Beauty in Simplicity
Ikebana: the Marie Kondo of the floral world. The belief that minimalist arrangements nurture spirituality, capturing a moment in time and evoking place-specific feelings.
It's a centuries-old Japanese art form deriving from 'Ike' meaning living, and 'Hana' meaning flowers, and while minimalism goes against everything we do at G&T – have you seen our deluxe bouquets? – it's a practice we can totally get behind.
With life a bit of a struggle for everyone at the moment, we could all do with a little bit of flower-induced Zen, and that's exactly what Ikebana's all about: finding that deep connection with nature and some next-level spirituality.
So what's Ikebana all about?
Unlike Western flower arrangements that often include a variety of blooms and foliage, Ikebana focuses on simplicity and minimalism, with arrangements typically consisting of three main elements: the Shin, the Soe and the Hikae (representing heaven, humanity and earth respectively).
But why?
Ikebana practitioners believe that every flower has a spirit and that by arranging them, they can communicate with nature and the divine, taking into consideration what's happening in the here and now.
Unlike Western flower arrangements that often include a variety of blooms and foliage, Ikebana focuses on simplicity and minimalism, with arrangements typically consisting of three main elements: the Shin, the Soe and the Hikae (representing heaven, humanity and earth respectively).
But why?
Ikebana practitioners believe that every flower has a spirit and that by arranging them, they can communicate with nature and the divine, taking into consideration what's happening in the here and now.
Is it just flowers?
Pretty much. Artists often use seasonal and locally sourced flowers and foliage to connect the arrangement to the current time and place. Vase choice is pretty crucial, too: the flowers are the main attraction, so its container needs to big up the arrangement without getting in the way, just like the ultimate wingman.
If you fancy giving it a go, then come get yo' Zen on at our Ikebana Workshop on Saturday 16th September. Click here for more details.
Pretty much. Artists often use seasonal and locally sourced flowers and foliage to connect the arrangement to the current time and place. Vase choice is pretty crucial, too: the flowers are the main attraction, so its container needs to big up the arrangement without getting in the way, just like the ultimate wingman.
If you fancy giving it a go, then come get yo' Zen on at our Ikebana Workshop on Saturday 16th September. Click here for more details.
