Here are some arrangements that have been made as a result of the many years of work with flower arranging at Aikido Shobukan Dojo in Washington, DC. The informal study of lines, nature, and proportions have been gleaned from much practice (as much as 4-5 arrangements bi-weekly in the DC dojo days). May it be an inspiration for others to take up this art.
Entrance Arrangements
Sometimes small arrangements provide accents, and only require a few items. Here, dried grasses, a leftover cutting, and a small native wildflower offer joy.
Pink, Purple, and Maples Descending
This came out rather nicely, and again reflects the geometry of the space that is constrained on the left by a wall, and open on the right. Life would continue filling this space in this direction.
Aikido [Somewhere in a Distant Future]
This arrangement complemented the calligraphy well and was a centerpiece offering an effect of a fire.
God’s Brush
This arrangement came together symbolizing the re-emergence of life after a great conflagration.
Life Emergent
This was one of the earliest arrangements and calligraphies illuminated by the holiday gift from G. & I. The branch is lovely and has a very interesting arc. The container garden’s hosta leaves protected from large slugs are very wonderful. A native wildflower shoots right up through the center.
Mountain Wind Meets Quetzalcóatl
What had been envisioned didn’t quite meet the paper, because the top of “wind” was about the size of the roof of the house, yet no brush was available for such a large line nor did the paper accommodate. However, the arrangement was an attempt to integrate the calligraphy with the iconography of Quetzalcóatl presenting.
September 13, 2020
Shugyokai & Triple Gem
This came together rather nicely, though the weight of the brush was a bit heavy impinging on the bottom character. The arrangement rebalances. The shuttle is a bit much. Yet that stick and rock is quite striking.
Fireworks in Grass
This is an arrangement purely from the natural gardens around the cabin, and came out quite lovely!
This is one of the first calligraphies illuminated by new lighting provided as a holiday gift from G. & I.
Grasses and Natives
After arranging flowers for a while, the summer grasses and native plants make for more pleasing arrangements and also offer partners and guests of the cabin a way to study the plant life in indoor spaces.
Calligraphies, lighting, flower arrangements, and presentation by…
