MASTERCLASS #36

 

Hello all,

For our recent Masterclass I provided all of us with the same branch material from a dying, photinia tree. As a tree, this is one of my least favourite. However, as a dead tree, with the leaves gone and covered with lichen, it has a very interesting form. This particular tree, which was in our neighbour's garden, was dying and, at a recent stormy episode, it fell onto the fence. Initially, I saw it as a problem but after  closer inspection I noticed the potential for ikebana. 

So, on a very wet, Saturday morning I got thoroughly drenched cutting branches for all of us. As well as a branch, I provided each student with two other materials. All different.

In my arrangement, above, I used the photinia branch, Siberian iris and hellebore leaves in a tall, glass vase. The colour of the iris is somewhat diminished in the photo. In reality it is a vibrant, Cadbury purple.

The most challenging part of using the branches was securing them to the container. We used a number of different mechanics to achieve that.

Below is Cymbie's arrangement. She worked very hard to achieve the seemingly simple arrangement in a container, which has a very small opening.

Vicky's branch was very big. She cut it and placed the two, uneven pieces on opposite sides. The mass of callistemons created colour and a focal point and the NZ flax, that was split in half and bent, created the lines.

Lucy chose a very challenging container and struggled to secure her branch inside one of the openings. She managed it, however, never one to give up and had the branch sweeping forward. One of Lucy's other elements was smoke bush (cotinus Grace). Sadly a little hard to see in the photo. Her third element was aloe vera flowers.

Akemi secured her branch over a spherical container then balanced two strelitzias reginae and aloe vera flowers.

Bredenia, also, managed to secure her branch over a ceramic, art deco style container, then added the Louisiana iris and iris leaves.

 And, before I sign off, I'll share with you a bit of fun I had with my Siberian iris. And yes, I did manipulate them. After all, what's life without a bit of whimsy!

Bye for now,

Emily