Ikebana. Even its name is flower-like. It’s described as the Japanese art of flower arrangement – but it is so much more than simply putting flowers in a container. Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Like most things Japanese, it’s an employment of minimalism. Over the seven centuries of its evolution, Ikebana has developed many different styles of arrangement and hence there are many different schools. I was fortunate enough to learn from the teachings of Sogetsu. Sogetsu School of Ikebana was founded by Sofu Teshigahara in 1927. The well-known sculptor and Ikebana master gave new impetus to modern trends, so that modern and abstract arrangements are made. His motto was ‘Ikebana anywhere, anytime with any material’.

Working with exceptional teachers, I have completed the full-time curriculum and achieved the Teacher’s Course 2nd Grade certificate. I continue to learn and advance my Ikebana techniques and am now one grade away from achieving the Riji teacher’s diploma, one of the highest master degrees of Sogetsu School.

Ikebana is no longer just a hobby or a passing interest. It’s a way of life for me. I hope you will be able to share my passion through my arrangements in the pages of this book.