Don't overthink it.
-- Mark, my housepainter
Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this year, predicting six more weeks of winter, ikebana endures! It has no season. It has all seasons. Besides, that darn rodent is wrong 60 percent of the time.
So, in joyful anticipation and relief, I’m crawling out of my COVID cave and will be starting to teach again at COCC, here in Bend. Classes will run four consecutive Sundays from 1-3 p.m., starting April 16 and ending May 7. If you’re able to attend, please sign up here.
If you're undecided or live no where near Bend, consider finding and taking an ikebana class somewhere one day. Don't overthink it. Take the leap.
For now, no matter how long winter lasts, inevitably, it will intersect with spring, resulting in a unique wealth of materials from gnarled leaves to bright new buds,
Two of spring's earliest bloomers are already available -- pussywillow and daffodil. Amazingly pussywillows can pop up right through snow and last through May. As for daffodils, we all know that once they show up at TJs, can spring be far behind?
Here's the Sogetsu School arrangement we’ll be attempting at our first class, although likely with other floral materials. It’s variation number one: Upright Style Moribana (a type of ikebana arranged in a low basin). Bend's own Donner Floral Shop will help me source some great flora for the class!
Looking forward again to sharing the joy, peace and beauty ikebana can bring. See you there!