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"IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL--AND ME"
by Alice Y.T. Yang
About 12 years ago, Mrs. Lin, who is an ikebana teacher, was invited to our Taiwanese American Women's Club to teach us the art of ikebana flower arrangement. There were four lessons, but because I was very busy at that time, I attended only the last lesson.I still remember Mrs. Lin saying, "Ikebana brings nature from the outside to the inside, brings beauty to your daily life." She continued, "It needs only 2 or 3 flowers, and you can find many of the materials in your back yard.
"During the workshop, I positioned two big purple Agapanthus lilies in my black container and added several small yellow flowers with green leaves and branches.With some guidance from Mrs. Lin, my arrangement looked very pretty and elegant, much to my surprise and satisfaction.Since that workshop, I have taken a profound liking ikebana.I like its simplicity.I like the way I can arrange natural materials uniquely to reflect nature's beauty. And I especially like creating ikebana flower arrangements for my friends and family.
Eight years ago, my hobby became a more serious activity, after the unexpected death of my husband of 30 years.To fill my evenings, I began arranging flowers every night.Quietly concentrating on the arrangements, I used the time to think. Many nights, with an array of flowers and greens on the table, I tried to assemble works of art, but I did not feel successful.
Even so, I kept working at it and practicing.For me, arranging flowers is a form of therapy and medicine, but I was in need of a coach or doctor to help make the therapy and medicine more effective.With my children's encouragement, I contacted Mrs. Midori Tanimune at Longwood Gardens and set up private lessons in my home every Tuesday night.I became an ikebana student.
ATaiwanese American, I began working in Information Technology at the University of Delaware in 1975. Four years ago, I decided to bring my ikebana creations to the office.Every Monday morning I brought in a new arrangement.Within a few weeks, my co-workers saw one of the arrangements and asked me to move it from my office to the hallway where others could enjoy it.
Of course, I was happy to do it.I love sharing the beauty of ikebana with others.Then one day my boss, Ms. Susan Foster, saw my arrangements.Captivated by the artistry of ikebana, she encouraged me to display flower arrangements for the IT building and IT holiday parties and special events.
I was so honored and happy to do what I love.And Ms. Foster showed even more support by providing beautiful ceramic containers and vases for the arrangements.She even asked a reporter to interview me for an article about my avocation in the University Daily News.The first paragraph of the article, entitled
"Flower lady brings beauty, pleasure to work," reported:
"Alice Yang and flowers are soulmates.One can tell by the way she looks at them, handles them and turns them into works of art, and flowers seem to become more magical and special under her gentle touch and guidance."
Creating an ikebana flower arrangement holds so many meanings for me. With each arrangement, I feel a sense of joy.The personal growth I gained from ikebana helped me endure the most difficult time of my life. Ikebana has also brought me a new community of friends.To me, ikebana flower arrangements are sunshine and nourishment for my soul. They remind me to treasure the beauty of life.
Article by Alice Y.T. Yang
Student of Midori Tanimune
Member of Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter 71
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