Kumano Cultural Exhibition

Practice run

Last week I spent a few hours practicing my Ikebana arrangemet for the Kumano Cultural Exhibition. I am working on a Shogonka Adaptation Arrangement: Kusonohana using monkey ceadar, cypress, marigold, and what I belive is a species of or related to statice.

Shogonka is traditionally meant as an offering to non-living beings such as Buddah, our ancestors, or deceased relatives, and was arranged and displayed on an alter. Today it is beginning to be used in other situations; In my case for display at the cultural exhibition. I spent a few hours last weekend trying out different materials as my sensei gave me some pointers and advice about how my piece should be arranged. Although simple in design, this kusonobana arrangement looks much more dynamic and interesting than the arrangements I've done previously.

Me with Yamamoto-sensei and my kusonohana arrangement

Yesterday the exhibition was held. I went to the cultural centre on Friday to help set up and prepare my arrangement.  I used the same monkey cedar and cypress as I did for my practice arrangement last weekend, but instead of marigolds and statice, I used carnations and aster for their long lasting qualities.

There were tons of beautiful arrangements which have helped inspire me and also gave me some direction and influence as to how to go about future arrangements. It was also great to chat and meet some of the other students.

The Kumano Cultural Exhibition was really quite impressive and enjoyable.  Many locals displayed their work which ranged from Japanese and Western style ikebana, painting, calligraphy, stained glass, photography, doll-making, sculpture, fabric, origami, and jewelery. While at times a bit reminiscent of the large scale Christmas showsI'm always so excited to attend back home, the Cultural Exhibition was not about selling the goods on display. It was simply for looking, a way for people to share their creativity with the community.