Field, Flower, Forest-An Exploration into Japanese Flower Arranging with Katsuko Lord

This workshop will combine the natural beauty and abundance of Vermont’s plants and flowers with the ancient practice of Japanese flower arrangement known as Ikebana, specifically the Sogetsu style. An exploration into the Sogetsu style of Ikebana and the relationship between position and angles of material in an arrangement will evolve into a study of the principles of shapes and patterns within an arrangement. By studying these patterns, for example, the student discovers a branch can look entirely different depending on its angle of inclination and the direction in which it is pointing. Students will enjoy a hands-on journey through this art form and will create their own arrangements with encouragement from Katsuko. Students should come equipped with an inquisitiveness towards nature and a cultural curiosity, and should bring 2 or 3 small “vases” such as a shot glass, champagne/wine glass, empty perfume bottle, or interestingly shaped alcohol bottle. Minimum 4/Maximum 10 students.

Katsuko Lord combines the splendor and color of Vermont’s 4 seasons with the minimalist art form of Japanese Ikebana flower arranging. A native of Tokyo, Japan, she first came to Vermont in 1997 and fell in love with the seasonal contrasts of its natural beauty and the variety of plants and flowers across the rolling landscape. Ikebana traces its roots back to 7th century Japan and the introduction of Buddhism to its islands. The core philosophy of Ikebana is nature produces an abundance of beautiful flowers and plants and these raw materials are brought together in the Ikebana art form for man's creativity and imagination to take over. Starting her Ikebana education in Japan in 1997, she continued studies in Hong Kong where she lived from 2001 until 2011. Katsuko's training includes 4 diplomas in the Sogetsu style of Ikebana and she is currently studying for a 4th and final diploma. Katsuko has been chosen 27 times to demonstrate and exhibit her arrangements in international Ikebana (Sogetsu) exhibitions in Asia. Additionally, she has been chosen each of the last 5 years to demonstrate her style at the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Exhibition. Her leadership experience includes Deputy to the Art Director, Sogetsu Asia Pacific Regional Organization as well as Sogetsu Demonstration Representative, Asia Pacific Cross Cultural Functions Group. Katsuko now resides in southern Vermont where she continues to study her art form and gives private lessons.

Click here for Our Policies, and here for Directions and Lodging.