An Ikebana floral theatre, June 2002,  by Mr Kawana, master from the Sogetsu School in Japan. Mr Kawana travels the world demonstrating and creating huge installations. For a Sogetsu workshop he conducted in June 2002 click here. For a monthly 'dose' of fabulous ikebana, subscribe to the 'floral design' magazine where ikebana is featured every month, with a lesson and exhibition designs. More details here

. Click here for a full view A full agave was attached firmly and wedged in to a tall blue vase. Red berries were placed between the leaves, and reeds then bent at angles to create sharp lines. Finally soft lines were placed over the top.

.  Click here for a full view
	A bundle of pampas grass had been collected, as Mr Kawana said ,"you must reach out and touch natural life. This grass is grown wild and natural, locally".He swept the bundle around the container in a florish, rearranged as necessaary and then added shorter stems of gypsophila to complete the design.

Click here for a full view An orange bowl had an upright stick wedged  into it. A dead Rosemary branch was pushed onto this stick to hold it in position and wired. White Arum lilies were then wound through the rosemary, being wired into position as they were placed. The lily leaves were then added to the back, side and middle of the design.

A red vase had a stick wedged inside it and a yucca leaf was skewered on to it. This was actual balance as the point of balance was where the stick was inserted. Red and yellow Sellocia in  lines covered the stick  and then long reeds were pushed into the yucca above and below. A second reed was pushed in neared the top, above. Suddenly we saw... a yacht!

Zen Flowers I love this book! It explains the Japanese philosophy behind flower arranging as well as presenting very contemporary designs. If it's cover said "Contemporary European Design",  instead of Zen, you would think you were looking at the latest work from the new Belgium designers. It's big, has wonderful photos, and I have seen these designs  influence ( and be copied by) the top florists and designers worldwide. In fact this book is so excellent, It is the only top book for this page! More...