Early Spring Yellow

IOR welcomed in March with a burst of yellow. Elizabeth Biddle, a Level 10 Instructor of the Kado Sensho Ikenobo (KSI) School, treated IOR members to a celebration of International Women’s Day and a demonstration highlighted by yellow blooms. Accompanied by a slide presentation featuring an overview of the KSI School and tips on conditioning, Elizabeth demonstrated six artistic designs using seasonal materials.

The KSI School is based on the Philosophy of Wa (harmony), Kei (respect), Sei (purity) and Jaku (tranquility) which are integral parts of each design. As well as movement, depth and negative space. Kado is used instead of Ikebana because it refers not only to the beauty of the flowers but also requires manners, techniques, mental and physical training. It is considered to be one of the ”ways” of Japanese beliefs. The school focuses on a quick simple approach befitting today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Elizabeth delighted the audience with her sense of whimsy and her creative use of line materials and flowers. Her sense of joy was expressed in all her arrangements as well as in comments to the audience.

Download IOR March 2024 Slide Presentation

Arrangement and photo by Sandy Haigh
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Gift Shop

Enhancing Nature, Basically Workshop

The afternoon workshop lead by Elizabeth Biddle was attended by 21 students representing six of IOR's schools, new members and guests. Sensei Elizabeth's instruction centered on components of Kado Sensho Ikenobo arrangements - line, angle, placement and their significance or meaning. Starting with a calming chime for all in the room, she taught by illustration and by demonstrating with the plant materials. Her line materials were pussy willow or poet's laurel and the flowers were daffodils. Students then enthusiastically chose from the line materials available and began their arrangements. The results were all beautiful and quite varied. With expert and kind guidance, the arrangements were then critiqued. Often overheard was "does your arrangement give you joy?"