Renka Ikebana
蓮華 "Lotus Flower"Welcome! I'm excited to invite you into the world of Sogetsu Ikebana and hope you'll join me for classes.
Sogetsu (founded in 1927) is one of the more "modern" ikebana schools and ultimately offers the ikebana artist utmost freedom of expression. At the same time, it offers the foundation of a deep and thorough training. Students work at their own pace, with the Sogetsu textbooks and a teacher as a guide. It is truly a different world one enters into — students often report with delight that their entire way of seeing the world has shifted in just a few lessons! Please explore the various links below for more information and inspiration. The class schedule is below.
All classes are hybrid zoom/in-person (inner SE Portland). Students are encouraged to come in person as much as possible, but a good number of my students live elsewhere and have never been to an in person class! If this is the case for you, please write and I'll explain what you'd need to get started.
Masks are mandatory for in-person classes at this time, and there is a HEPA filter in the classroom. Classes are $15 (fee will be $20 beginning in January 2024), with a materials fee for new students of $15. (Established students bring their own plant materials.)
Student Work:
Interested in joining our class? Check out the details below, and fill out this very brief form. I'll be in touch soon!
There is a periodic "First Lesson" Class during which I orient new students and demonstrate the first lesson, and in which students complete their first arrangement. After this class, students are invited to attend either of the classes below.
All classes are currently hybrid — students may attend via zoom (from anywhere!) or in person.
Fridays 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm pacific
Saturdays 10 am - 12 pm pacific
Links for current students:
Quick link to Pay Class fee (only), or visit the online store to order a textbook or materials (local only). Paying via square includes the square service fee of $1.
Ikebana resources on google drive (you need to be a current student to access this folder).
Gallery of Renka student ikebana. (The same album in the slide show above.) (Always NEW)
Necessary Tools and Containers:
Check out the beginner's shopping list on giftful.com. (You'll need to register, sorry... but it's free.) You will not need everything on the list. You are welcome to borrow tools and containers for class if we are in person, but eventually you will want your own. A good basic container is 10"-12" ceramic or plastic black or white round suiban (moribana/low container) like this. You will also need a straight sided cylinder vase (not glass) of particular proportions. Take a look at the list, or ask me!
Browsing and Inspiration:
The Japanese Room at Sogetsu School Headquarters building in Tokyo. Always something new by a Master ikebanist.
Ikebana International Headquarters Check out the "Schools" page!
A gorgeous ode to the Gloriosa lily, and a NYTImes article about the same.
Reference:
How do I use hasami in the first place? Caring for your hasami, removing rust and cleaning your hasami, sharpening your hasami (don't ever take them apart!). So You Think Your Ikebana Hasami Are Just Scissors?
What's that? Check out this visual guide to identify almost any commercially available material.
An interactive color wheel! (NEW)
A demonstration by Kasumi Teshigahara the enchanting Second Iemoto (Headmaster) of the Sogetsu School. (20 mins.)
What does it mean? The secret Japanese language of flowers: Hanakotoba.
The three elements of ikebana: Line, Mass, and Color. An introduction by Ekaterina Seehaus.
Choosing and caring for cut Hydrangea and Hellebores.
Of interest:
My current ikebana album, Florilegium: