Ikebana Now

10/31/2024

The lesson today was to use only one material. I received two tall stocks of okra. Since I couldn’t just place two stocks into the container, I cut pieces of the okra and pinned them back onto the stalk in various ways to give it more volume.

10/31/2024

Ikebana class at the Sogetsu Headquarters taught by Misei Ishikawa Sensei. Lesson 1-19: Variation No. 2, Slanting Style Nageire and Lesson 4-4: Using One Type of Material.

10/16/2024

Ikebana class at the Sogetsu Headquarters taught by Sakaguchi Sensei. Lesson 1-18: Variation No. 2, Slanting Style Moribana and Freestyle Arrangement using Seasonal Material. Arrangements shown here are by Sakaguchi Sensei. So many containers to select from in the classroom.

10/11/2024

“The Aluminum Garden” at the Shimokita Night Art Moon event. Toshihiko Mitsuya,  A Berlin based artist is known for his sculptures made of aluminum foil. In recent years, he has been researching the structure of plants.

10/10/2024

“Autumn of the Sogetsu” ikebana show. Installation by the Tokyo South Branch.

10/10/2024

“Autumn of the Sogetsu” ikebana show. Installation by the Tokyo West Branch. Title: Moonlight at Dusk, Nice Sounds of Insect Voices"

10/10/2024

“Autumn of the Sogetsu” ikebana show. Arrangement by members of the Kanagawa Prefecture Branch.

10/10/2024

“Autumn of the Sogetsu” at the Takashimaya in Tamagawa. Installation by Akane Teshigahara, Iemoto (Headmaster of Sogetsu School). Title: DANCING IN THE SKY.

10/06/2024

TSUKI NO MATSU (pine tree of the moon), Ueno Park. The tree and its shape became famous when it was picked up by Ukiyo artist, Hiroshi Hiroshige in one of his 100 famous views of Edo. The original pine tree was unfortunately destroyed in a storm during the Edo period. The current tree only dates back from 2011.

10/06/2024

While in Japan, I was able to attend the demonstration by Ms. Kosa Nishiyama, Master Instructor of the Sogetsu School at the Tokyo Founding Chapter of Ikebana International.

06/28/2024

Jane Suiei Naito creates an altar arrangement inspired by the colors on the pride flag.

06/02/2024

I had a full day today at the Sogetsu Ceramic Kiln. With the help of Kishimoto Sensei, I was able to complete three more pieces. I was also able to watch Kishimoto and Iida Sensei work on their own pieces. I wish I had more time. It's so peaceful here.

05/26/2024

Jane Suiei Naito @ Sogetsu Ceramic Kiln, Echizen, Japan. Thank you to Kishimoto Sensei for taking my container idea and helping me to make it into a reality.

05/26/2024

Visit to the Sogetsu Ceramic Kiln located in Echizen, Japan. Hiroshi Teshigahara the third headmaster of the Sogetsu School opened the kiln in 1973. Today it is open to all Sogetsu students.

There is a saying that “We can be one with those who passed away before us in the voice of the Nembutsu” - I believe this to be true and today I felt Teshigahara Sensei presence as I walked thru his garden and worked in his studio. Namo Amida Butsu. Jane Suiei Naito

05/26/2024

Jane Suiei Naito’s arrangement created at the Sogestu West class in Kyoto. Lesson 5-10, was on Complementing an Art Work. The lesson says to be inspired by a visually appealing art work, make an arrangement by incorporating it into the space.

I took this Modrian print and turned it on it’s side. Then used it to inspire this ikebana piece using peony and bulrush.

05/26/2024

Sogetsu West Class taught by Ishikawa Sensei. Demonstrations were on Book 1-7 Basic Slanting Style Moribana and Book 5-20 Complementing an Art Work. So many materials and containers to chose from. I loved taking a class at Sogetsu West. The teachers and staff were all so helpful and kind. I hope to be back soon!

04/15/2024

Wisteria in full bloom at the Temple.

03/25/2024

Invited Ryley Gaulocher of Stone Gold Crafts to give a talk to our Sogetsu group about the Art of Kintsugi. During the demo, Ryley repaired a container made by Betty Jetter.

03/25/2024

Jane Suiei Naito's large scale piece using dried Agave century leaves from the Ruth Bancroft Garden for the San Francisco Ikebana International show. Stunning.

03/18/2024

Sogetsu Branch arrangement designed by Sahshah Kosen Middleton.

Sogetsu School's arrangement for the Ikebana International Show in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The white palm were carefully brought back from Japan.

Designer Sahshah Kosen Middleton
Assistants Pia Horei Groth, Sharon Suimei Doi

03/15/2024

Jane Suiei Naito will be exhibiting along with her ikebana friends. Please come see.

2024 Ikebana International Flower Show!!!

When: March 16 & 17, 2024
Time: 10am - 4pm
Where: County Fair Bldg. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
9th & Lincoln Ave, on MLK Blvd.
Join us for our biannual flower Show where you will see beautiful arrangements displayed by 8 different school of ikebana. We will have fresh flower arrangements, ceramics, ikebana supplies for sale along with auction.
Each day there wil be 2 demonstrations: at 12 noon and 2pm by talented ikebana artists.
Demonstration schedule:
* Sat, March 16, 12noon: Ohara: Mitsuko Maruyama & Setsuko Iwami
* Sat, March 16, 2pm: Sogetsu: Kika Shibata & her students
* Sun, March 17, 12noon: Wafu: Susan Okada
* Sun, March 17, 2pm: Ikenobo: Sandra Hatcher

Tickets: $8 presale/ $10 at the door.

02/17/2024

Agave as Art Exhibit - Long-time Curator, Brian Kemble, is will showcasing his passion for Agave plants in this brand new exhibit. His photographs are being displayed on metal and canvas prints that capture the unique, sculptural beauty of one of Ruth’s favorite plants.

02/10/2024

My cousin, Leslie Wall’s ikenobo arrangement at today’s ikebana international - SF chapter event.

01/03/2024

Happy plants after an evening of rain.