In my introductory class, I always start with “What does the word Ikebana mean?” I have mentioned it in my previous blog post as well, so I hope you visit it also.
Yes, Ikebana is about you, the creator, the artist. In Ikebana, your canvas is not a flat sheet of paper or cloth. It’s the three dimensional space in front of you. And flowers are media to be used to express yourself. Let’s take a closer look at the media.
Line
Cut out of the nature, branches and flowers have some shape. It may be straight or it may be curved, but after all the most abstract form you see in them is line. With only one line, you can express direction, movement, or energy flow. With two lines you can create surface. With three lines, you can create a structure in the three-dimensional world.
Mass
Some flowers have substantial volume. Some have sparse look. Likewise, some branches are covered with thick leaves, some have very thin leaves. Mass or absence of mass, is another element you use to express yourself.
Color
Just for fun, here is the photo of the same Ikebana arrangement, in black and white. In photography I kind of like it. But in Ikebana canvas, you can’t eliminate colors. They are always there, so let’s use them. Want to make a strong statement through Ikebana? Then use contrasting colors. Want to express harmony? Then choose similar colors.
Line, mass, and color… They are the three basic elements of Ikebana.
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