Ikebana in Maine & Ecobana

Condolences: The Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake

2011-03-17T13:50:00.007-04:00

I would like to extend sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to the victims and families of the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake. I would like to dedicate my Ikebana flower arranging to them. I deeply respect all rescue workers and greatly appreciate the support from overseas. I hope they can find recovery means immediately. I have been receiving words and encouragement to the people of Japan from many American friends. I truly appreciate your kindness and thoughtful gestures.

I chose white chrysanthemums for them because they have specific meaning. White chrysanthemums are funeral flowers in Japan. Buddhist alters are covered with them in order to respect one's life. The scent of mums reminds me of buddhist temples and my family shrine. Chrysanthemums also represent Japan's royal family flowers and emblems. Some Japanese people craft a Bonsai's cascade style (kengai style) and dolls (kiku-ningyou) from them.

I added pink carnations to express sympathy to children and young people who lost their life. Many of the victims have not had funerals yet in the midst of the tragedy. I pray for the souls of them.

Peace. Naomi Ryokufu.

(Please click the left bar of University of Southern Maine's donation activities. You can help the victims through them.)

The Two Worlds

2011-02-23T15:55:00.005-05:00

"The world is dark and this floating world is a dream "

A. Kurosawa -- Hidden Fortress--

Hyacinths & tulips

Photography: M.A. Killmeier

Floating style

2010-09-06T15:37:00.004-04:00

Glickman Family Library 7th floor

2010-08-24T10:17:00.012-04:00

Oil Painting Ikebana

Oil painting Ikebana

Ikebana Display @ Glickman Family Library, Portland

2010-08-15T10:47:00.001-04:00

Ikebana Display @ Glickman Family Library, Portland

2010-08-15T10:32:00.007-04:00

2010-08-04T21:54:00.000-04:00

Ikebana Display in 2010: Glickman Family Library

2010-08-02T16:45:00.008-04:00

This is the third year of Ikebana display at Glickman Family Library, 314 Forest Avenue, Portland ME.

7th floor Unum Great Reading Room in August.

Hope you enjoy them.

Spring branches: Flowering Quince

2010-05-04T16:12:00.010-04:00

Tips to arrange: The lines of flowering quince are complex but the insert points of the branches are aligned from the right to the left of the frog. To do so, the arrangement becomes a serene atmosphere.

Irises

2010-03-02T13:13:00.005-05:00

Pussy willow, Dogwood, Spider mum.

2010-02-26T16:22:00.002-05:00

Ikebana lesson at Portland Adult Education: Fall 2009

2009-07-31T08:56:00.004-04:00

Date: October 13, 2009
Place: Portland Arts & Technology High School, 196 Allen Ave. Portland
Time: Night
Schedule is subject to change. Please contact Portland Adult Education.(207)874-8155

2009 Ikebana Display @ Glickman Family Library, USM Portland Campus

2009-07-31T08:34:00.018-04:00

IKEBANA IN MAINE

Alma's beautiful Ikebana.

Thank you very much for helping Ikebana exhibition.

Annual Ikebana display was held at University of Southern Maine Portland Campus Glickman Family Library, Unum Great Reading Room, 7th floor.
Dates: a month of July, 2009.
LAST YEAR'S event:http://ikebanainmaine.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

http://ikebanainmaine.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

Small Arrangement

2009-05-25T16:08:00.007-04:00

Broad-Surface Arrangement

2009-05-25T15:59:00.005-04:00

Portland Adult Education in March, 2009

2009-03-18T13:08:00.011-04:00

Portland Adult Education's Ikebana class: participants' ikebana & seasonal flowers.

Thank you very much for taking Ikebana lesson this spring.

I truly enjoyed crafting a miniature representaion of the universe with you all!

Spring Ikebana bouquet

2009-03-12T21:18:00.004-04:00

Pussy willow and lilies

Ikebana lesson at Portland Adult Education

2009-02-20T15:14:00.007-05:00

Portland Adult Education Ikebana Lesson 3: Tie Leave & Godetia
Paticipants' Ikebana Art Work
THEY ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL!!

Classroom Information:

Portland Adult EducationDates: May 5 - 26, 4 TuesdaysTime: 6:30 - 8:00 pm.Place: PATHS room 111Thank you very much for coming!USM Abromson Community Education Center/Center for Continuing Education88 Bedford Street, USM Portland Campus.Date: March 21, 2009. Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information:WEB www.usm.maine.edu/cce By phone (207) 780-5900 / Toll-free 1-800-787-0468 / Fax (207) 780-5954Center for Continuing Educationhttp://usm.maine.edu/cce/detail.jsp?offering_id=100037417Portland Adult EducationWhere:PATHS, 196 Allen Ave. Portland. Room 111.Dates: Four Tuesdays: Feburary 24 to March 17, 2009.Time: 6:30-8:00For more information, please contact: Portland Adult Education office. Phone: 775-0432The office address: 150 Ocean Ave. Portland, Maine 04103PAE's website: http://www.portlandadulted.org/

Pink roses, cury willows, & eucalyptus

2008-11-23T15:59:00.004-05:00

Wild flower collections in fall

2008-09-20T18:24:00.003-04:00

Centerpiece

Small arrangement: Dry flowers

2008-09-20T18:18:00.003-04:00

August wild flowers in Maine

2008-08-22T19:55:00.012-04:00

Centerpieces Ikebana: Cattails

My husband work

2008-07-29T20:06:00.008-04:00

This is his first time arranging flowers for me.

It looks very good!

Thank you Matt!

Lilies and reeds

2008-06-04T10:48:00.008-04:00

Flowers: Orange lilies and reeds

Small arrangement: lily and moss

Hearbal arrangement: Eucalyptus, lilies and reeds

Lilies and reeds: vertical arrangements

Princess Mononoke

2008-05-21T20:35:00.008-04:00

This ikebana is inspired by the story of Princess Mononoke (1997 in Japan; 1999 in the U.S.A.), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

This ikebana is an image of the wood of the Deer God in Princess Mononoke.

Small Arrangement

2008-05-21T20:32:00.004-04:00

Mother's Day for lovely mother-in-law, Rose

2008-05-10T11:08:00.011-04:00

Happy mother's day!

Rose is my female role model. She is curious about many things and tries new things all the time to grow.

Wonderful mother!

An image of Machworth Island, Maine

2008-04-30T14:59:00.002-04:00

Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-04-30T14:58:00.000-04:00

Eco-Bana Project: Reuse of a winebox and wrapping paper

2008-04-30T14:33:00.007-04:00

This wrapping paper is the NYT's advertisment printing.

A paper is the New York Times advertisement's printing .

Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-04-30T14:30:00.001-04:00

Earth Day 2008 @ Glickman Family Library 7th Floor

2008-04-21T10:53:00.004-04:00

Celebration of Earth Day

Earth Day is a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment.
Preservation of plants and natural environment is
necessary to coexist with nature.
This Eco-Bana project advocates reducing waste and supporting life
in order to become a sustainable society.
I reused bottles, boxes, and newspaper’s ad as flower vases.

Reused Materials: Lichenes, Dry branches, Ferns

A shot from the side A shot from upward

Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-04-15T11:42:00.004-04:00

In the Grove

Inspiration of this ikebana is “In The Grove” written by Akutagawa Ryunosuke (1892-1927). One of the prominent Japanese films “Rashomon”(1950, Daiei) directed by Akira Kurosawa is also based on the story. It tells us that each individual constructs its own story and reality is constructed by each one. The truth of murder of samurai in the film is literally “in the grove.” Ambiguity and uncertainty of human beings are the major theme of this film.

Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-04-11T11:18:00.005-04:00

Small arrangements

Tall arrangements: Forsythia and Magnolia. Forsythia is from the Gilbert's garden. Thank you!

Center for Continuing Education Ikebana Class 2008 Spring

2008-03-31T11:28:00.019-04:00

I was amazed at all participants' enthusiasm for learning Ikebana.
It was nice meeting you all, and was a great pleasure to share Ikebana with you.
Please enjoy communication with flowers at home!
Hope to see you sometime in fall!

Naomi

Session 3
Ikebana is participants' work.
They practiced vertical line work this time. Each ikebana work is beautiful art work. Crafting ikebana gives us an opportunity to express our artistic vision through flowers.
All work is a miniature representation of the universe in their container; Heaven, Man, and Earth.

Flower material is irises, daffodiles, and solidago.
Photographing is Lois. Thank you very much.

They are all beautiful work!

Center for Continuing Education Ikebana Class 2008 Spring

2008-03-31T11:19:00.010-04:00

Session 2: Floating Style

Ikebana is participants' work.

This time they practiced a floating style.
They used the same flower materials, but each work is distinctive artistic work.
The harmony of Heaven, Man, and Earth appears in their containers.
The longest branch represents a line of heaven, the second long branch represents a line of man, and the shortest represents a line of earth.

Flower material: Pussy willows, chrysanthemums, roses.
Photographing is Lois. Thank you very much

All work is unique and beautiful. I believe each participant has its own Ikebana's story while making this piece. It is a precious moment to touch and rediscover the beauty of nature.

Ikebana Class at Center for Continuing Education 2008

2008-03-31T10:54:00.015-04:00

Session 4
Ikebana is participants' work.

They practiced vertical line work this time. Each ikebana work is beautiful art work.
All work is a miniature representation of the universe ;the harmony of heaven, man, and earth.

Flower material is ti leaves, green spiders, and lilies.
Photographing is Lois. Thank you very much.

They are all beautiful!

Formal Style: Main branches are curly willows

2008-03-28T21:23:00.007-04:00

Eco-Bana Project: Reuse of a bottle

2008-03-26T10:50:00.007-04:00

Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-03-26T10:45:00.008-04:00

Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-03-23T20:10:00.008-04:00

Eco-Bana @Glickman Family Library

2008-03-17T11:16:00.009-04:00

Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-03-17T11:08:00.012-04:00

Eco-Bana Project:Display March through April: Glickman Family Library

2008-03-15T16:04:00.008-04:00

ECO-BANA: ECOLOGY & FLOWERS [Project of Sustainable Society]

Elegant simplicity, plain living and high thinking. The celebration of imperfection is part of the Eco-Bana aesthetic.

Suggestions: In order to become a sustainable society, I reused bottles and boxes as flower vases. This Eco-Bana project advocates reducing waste and supporting life.

Reused Materials:
A maple syrup jar, a pickle jar, a wine box with used wrapping paper and ribbon.

2008-03-15T16:01:00.002-04:00

An image of Machworth Island

2008-03-15T15:50:00.001-04:00

An image of Machworth Island

2008-03-15T15:48:00.001-04:00

2008-03-15T15:45:00.001-04:00

Floating style

2008-03-15T15:44:00.001-04:00

Additional accent

2008-03-15T15:41:00.000-04:00

2008-03-15T15:40:00.001-04:00

2008-03-15T15:39:00.001-04:00

2008-03-15T15:37:00.001-04:00

Display March through April: Glickman Family Library, Portland Campus @ 7th Floor

2008-03-09T15:09:00.010-04:00

Eco-Bana Project

2008-03-09T14:58:00.003-04:00

2008-03-09T14:54:00.000-04:00

Today's flowers: Stocks, Aspidista, Baby breath

2008-03-02T13:05:00.003-05:00

Thank you very much for registering my workshop. It will start from March 6 at 7:00. I look forward to sharing Ikebana with you all.

Cury willow, Stock, Aspidista

2008-03-02T13:03:00.003-05:00

Close up

2008-03-02T12:58:00.001-05:00

Additional flower: Baby's breath

2008-03-02T12:56:00.001-05:00

Centerpiece

2008-03-02T12:55:00.003-05:00

2008-03-02T12:54:00.002-05:00

2008-03-02T12:54:00.001-05:00

2008-03-02T12:53:00.000-05:00

2008-03-02T12:52:00.000-05:00

Today's flowers: Happy Valentine's day from Matt san

2008-02-16T17:22:00.000-05:00

Leaves and flowers: Broad surface leaves

2008-02-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

2008-02-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

2008-02-16T17:16:00.000-05:00

2008-02-16T17:14:00.001-05:00

2008-02-16T17:13:00.000-05:00

2008-02-16T17:11:00.000-05:00

The Finished Arrangement

2008-02-16T17:09:00.001-05:00

Centerpiece

2008-02-05T09:22:00.001-05:00

Free style: Curly willow, Aspidista(leaves), Alstroemeria, Rose, Statice

2008-02-05T09:20:00.002-05:00

Purple flower universe

2008-02-05T09:19:00.000-05:00

2008-02-05T09:17:00.000-05:00

2008-02-05T09:16:00.001-05:00

2008-02-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

Various Leaves

2008-02-02T18:16:00.002-05:00

Materials

2008-02-02T18:16:00.001-05:00

Step 1

2008-02-02T18:15:00.000-05:00

Step 2

2008-02-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

The Finished Arrangement

2008-02-02T18:11:00.000-05:00

Side of the finished arrangement

2008-02-02T18:10:00.000-05:00

Various Leaves: the finished arrangement

2008-02-02T18:08:00.000-05:00

The finished arrangement

2008-02-02T17:59:00.001-05:00

Today's flowers

2008-02-02T17:58:00.000-05:00

Materials

2008-02-02T17:57:00.000-05:00

Step 1

2008-02-02T17:56:00.000-05:00

Step 2

2008-02-02T17:54:00.000-05:00

Step 3: The finished arrangement

2008-02-02T17:53:00.002-05:00

Various Leaves

2008-02-02T17:53:00.001-05:00

Side of the Finished Arrangement

2008-02-02T17:52:00.000-05:00

Various Leaves: Close Up

2008-02-02T17:51:00.000-05:00

Various Leaves: the finished arrangement

2008-02-02T17:49:00.000-05:00

Materials

2008-02-02T17:48:00.000-05:00

The Finished Arrangement: Close Up

2008-02-02T17:42:00.002-05:00

Step 1

2008-02-02T17:42:00.001-05:00

Step 2

2008-02-02T17:41:00.002-05:00