Tuesday 30 September 2008

Browsing Through Time

Some people really have put a lot of work in sharing information on internet. By coincidence I stumbled across two articles about Sofu Teshigahara in Time Magazine, one from 1955 and one written in 1978.

In the 1955 articel, "Grass and Moon Master", Sofu is described as "a short, gnomelike figure dressed in a cream-colored coat, grey flannels and sneakers", staring reflectively at a hydragena in Bois de Boulogne, Paris. The first impression is contrasted by the statement "That gentleman is a famous Japanese flower arranger, Monsieur Sofu". The article goes on telling about his ikebana exhibition that "boogles the eyes and stuns the senses". It also tells the story about Sofu starting up the Sogetsu School, his work in wartime, and the success of his exhibitions after the war was ended.

Fascinating reading.


The 1978 articel "Japan's Picasso of the Flowers" writes about the opening of The Sogetsu School's eleven-story headquarters building, designed by Japanese Architect Kenzo Tange. Again we get the story of Sofu going new ways and starting his school. This time he is depicted as travelling in a chauffeured white Cadillac and living in an expensive Western-style house.

Read the articles online through these links:

Autumn Leaves

Nothing is like the colors of autumn leaves. I've made some arrangements with leaves only, trying to grasp the quality of the different kinds of leaves.

A vertical arrangement in a small stone container, tropical Flax and Aspedistra with Bergenia from the garden. To me this is expressing energy and courage.

Ligthness in a triangular shape, Flax, Aspidistra and an unknown autumn leave found in the garden.

This is a really simple one - peace and energy - Daylily, Bergenia and some small round leaves that I picked up in the flower shop.

Just Flowers

I love Sunflowers. They're generous and warm.


In this arrangement, with flowers only, I've worked with the vase to reflect the gentle warmth of the Sunflowers. The darker yellow of the glass grounds the arrangement. Two kinds of pink flowers with yellow center, Dahlia and Freesia, ads contrast and continuity at the same time.

To me this brings a feeling of joy and hope.
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