THE 45th anniversary celebration of Ikebana International Cebu Chapter 145 was an exhibit dubbed Sapphire Simplicity at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu.
Chapter president Marilou Hyden opened the exhibit with an enlightening talk on how “the ancient art of Japanese flower arrangement remains relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago by evolving with constantly changing spaces, technologies and personal tastes.” How true! Case in point was the transformation of the exhibit entrance and stage with the combination of sculptural vases and vessels from internationally recognized furniture designer Vito Selma, and the floral compositions curated by Ikebana artist OJ Hofer.
The club’s officers and members (most of them in sapphire blue outfits) as well as guests from the Manila, Davao and Cagayan de Oro chapters came up with Freestyle Ikebana, the contemporary style of flower arrangement. The three-day exhibit showcased modern and abstract arrangements which highlighted the Sapphire theme.
Other activities included a lecture demonstration by Urduja Santos on the creative rules and compositions of Shoka Shimputai, a traditional form of Ikebana arrangement from the Ikenobo School; and the step by step demo of Barbara Kenny on how to arrange flowers using the theories of Harmony, Depth, Balance etc.
John Ong and Mrs. Naomi Otake (wife of the then Japanese Consul in Cebu) wrapped up the event with tips on how to keep in touch with one’s flower heart to create effective Jiyuka Freestyle and Abstract compositions.