Orientation

Description:

This is an Orientation class for those who are interested in studying the Sogetsu Ikebana Curriculum.  Topics that will be discussed: brief history of Sogetsu Ikebana, curriculum, certificates, class structure, expectations, and goals.  The curriculum consists of Book 1 & 2 which focuses on foundations, Book 3 & 4 which focuses on visual elements such as line, color, and mass, and Book 5 which focusses on four key words “technique”, “materials”, “placement”, and “creation”.  Participants will have the option to preview and purchase the first book based on their level of interest. 

The Curriculum:

Book 1 and Book 2 focuses on the foundations.  In Sogetsu, Ikebana basics are learned through a method called Kakeiho (a method of starting from basic forms).  It is designed to familiarize you with various kinds of plants to understand their characteristics, and to learn the basic rules and techniques for composing shapes.  It allows even beginners to create a beautiful arrangement with ease.  Kakeiho gives various styles of combining three main stems (called Shushi) into different lengths and angles to create a variety of compositions.  Two styles, basic upright and basic slanting are the foundation of all variations.  Students will create 20 moribana variations, 18 nageire variations, and a few freestyle and special occasion arrangements.  Collectively, Book1 has 20 lessons and Book 2 has 20 lessons. 

Book 3 and Book 4 deepens the understanding of ikebana by focusing on the visual elements such as line, color, and mass.  Create compositions with the full awareness of these elements by emphasizing the beautiful lines of the stems, by presenting the well-coordinated colors of the flowers through their color combinations, or by massing flowers to express the sense of volume.  Experiment with how the visual elements play a role in ikebana.  As you study, it is important at this stage to ask yourself, “What do I want to express and how?” “What visual elements or materials do I like most?”.  Begin to think about who you are in ikebana.  Collectively, Book 3 has 20 lessons and Book 4 has 20 lessons.

Book 5 is composed of the four key words “technique”, “materials”, “placement”, and “creation”.  The themes of this textbook are setup as a process to realize the spirit of Sogetsu which has been handed down throughout the years.  The important point is that each theme is not in itself the objective or the final goal.  It is more of a starting point or a step for gaining and expressing individuality, creative thought, and seeing your arrangements in a whole new way.  Collectively, Book 5 has 30 lessons.