For last class I set a double theme for the advanced students - 'The Shape of the Container' and 'The Colour of the Container'. It is quite challenging to keep in mind both those elements, whilst trying to make a good ikebana arrangement. I explained that we do not have to complement the container's shape or colour but can, also, choose to contrast either one or both.
My arrangement, above, is an example of this contrast of both the shape and the colour. I used Siberian dogwood which I shaped into triangles to contrast the circle of the container and brightly coloured cosmos to contrast the black and grey colour. To finish the arrangement I used cathedral begonia leaves.
I, also, made an arrangement to complement the container's colour and shape. I used hydrangeas, which have changed colour from their original blue to this nondescript, autumn colour and dried, strelitzia reginae leaves in a ceramic container by Graeme Wilkie.
Bredenia used one large gymea leaf which repeated the shape of her container and three flowers and a bud of these large proteas.
Nicole used cotoneaster branches, heavily laden with berries and lightened the whole effect with the use of the delicate Japanese anemones in this interesting, ceramic container. She chose to complement the shape of the container but contrast the colour.
Jenny went with complementing both the shape and the colour of her strong, ceramic container. She used grape vive and New Zealand flax. There was some debate about adding flowers but she chose to leave them out.
Vicky wanted to emphasize the verticality of her tall, glass vase by massing bright red dahlias vertically. The colour, of course, was a contrast.
Shaneen's curriculum theme was 'Using only one kind of material'. She used salvias in this quirky, curved vase, continuing the curve of the vase with the curve of the flowers.
Lei's curriculum theme was an arrangement 'Using two containers'. She used a dried piece of corky elm, brightly coloured dianthus and alstroemeria psittacina leaves in two glass containers.
For last week's Masterclass I had cut quite a number of agave pieces. I found out later that I had forgotten two pieces out in the garden. I brought them in and, after some effort, managed to arrange them. They really can be difficult. Apart from being the floral accent, the dahlias, also, helped to conceal the mechanics necessary to hold the agaves in place.
Bye for now,
Emily
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