Nothing Quite Like a Live Floral Arrangement Show!

The second day of the “Nature and Life” floral exhibition, which was organised and co-organised by the Ikebana Association and Fo Guang Shan South Island from 4th to 6th December; brought more excitement to the visitors of FGS South Island and FGY Art Gallery Christchurch.

On the morning of 5th December, Ikebana president Mr. Fred Hollingworth demonstrated his well practised skills in floral arrangement during one of the demonstration sessions, using different plants and flowers to create unique effects.

Several other Ikebana members also joined Mr Hollingworth in live floral demonstrations. Member Ms. Wang of the Ikenobo School practiced the Soka style of arrangement; which was said to have originated from the oldest faction. She expressed that her style is much more conservative and that part of the skill involves maintaining the natural state of the plants and flowers that she uses in her arrangement.

Ikebana Vice-president Ms. Yumiko expressed the Sogetsu style of arrangement, whereby more foliage type plants are used and mentioned that the art arises from the individual’s creativity. During her demonstration, she styled a sushi-like type of arrangement, eliciting gasps of fascination from her audience.

Apart from these, there were many other displays with their own uniqueness, awakening much of the viewers from their daily slumbers. Mr. Hollingworth expressed that everyone can make the most of the three days by taking time to view the floral pieces and take in the extraordinary atmosphere housed by Fo Guang Shan South Island. That day, the hundreds of visitors and local residents who came also visited Shan Shan Shiao’s Pressed Flower Exhibition and the Egg Art Exhibition.