The Language of Flowers: Contemplation and Realization in Nature

At first glance there is harmony, balance and beauty underlying many Japanese arts. Ikebana, the art of Japanese floral arrangement has a rich and long history with many schools, rules and philosophies developing and evolving over time. 

Originating from a traditional Japanese environment to contemporary expression worldwide, the language of flowers includes everyone and anywhere as an appropriate ground of enjoyment and learning. Contemplation, silence, space, form and energies are required for full appreciation; anyone can enjoy it!

Join Heather Midori, at Hollyhock on Cortes island, for a contemplative based art retreat that will attune to your innate qualities experienced in body, breath and mind awareness exercises. This direct seeing precedes sketching in nature, in studio study of ikebana with collected branches, flowers from Hollyhock’s legendary garden. Finally, we use our arrangements as inspiration for painting and collaging with Japanese washi papers and watercolour.

What You’ll Gain

• Learning about the three elements of Japanese ikebana: sky, earth and human
• Introduction to calligraphic approach to Japanese brush handling
• With ikebana techniques, how to choose, cut, and arrange with confidence
• The use of ordinary surrounding nature as subjects for enjoyment and further exploration
• Connection of a peaceful relaxed mind and body with creative endevours
• Skills, colour mixing, collaging techniques and the importance of space in composition

What You’ll Experience

• Short guided meditations, perceptual exercises and silent path walking in forest and gardens
• Forest and garden sketching and indoor workshop-style demonstrations
• Floral arrangements using both found and chosen branches and flowers
• Creating spontaneous artworks in studio from based on your ikebana arrangements

Who This Program is For

• Both beginner and experienced arrangers and artists are welcome in this workshop
• Step by step guidance in all practises and freedom to discover your authentic ‘voice’ in your works
• Anyone who loves plants and flowers; anyone intrigued by Japanese aesthetics in brushworks

Material Fee

Additional supply costs ($140 CAD) for this program are included in the package pricing. 

Art Supplies

All participants will receive a detailed supply list upon registration. A selection of brushes, ink, washi papers, and glue will be for sale through Heather. If you would like to purchase brushes please contact Heather in advance hmidoriy@gmail.com

*Participants will be spending time outdoors walking, sometimes over rugged terrain. Please pack mindfully and consider bringing supportive footwear. Please email registration@hollyhock.ca for more information or for any accessibility related questions.

**It is appreciated by Heather that participants be present for the duration of the entire workshop

Daily Schedule

Click here to view the program schedule.