Whiff of spring

HER IKEBANA arrangements are delicate, like a Japanese painting come to life.

Well known both in Chennai and the rest of the country for her beautiful Ikebana flower arrangements of the Ohara School, Saroja Ramamurtham holds a five-year instructor's Diploma from the Bombay Ohara Chapter and has taught the art for 10 years. She has represented India at Ikebana festivals and competitions in Belgium, Switzerland and England, written many articles on the subject and lent the lyrical loveliness of her creations to many homes, functions and exhibitions in Chennai.

On January 19, 20 and 21, Saroja will hold an exhibition of her floral arrangements in rare containers to mark a personal landmark in her life's journey. And Chennai will get another opportunity to see her spontaneous interpretation of life in the format of Ikebana's Ohara School, a mingling of tuberoses, roses, carnations and birds of Paradise with ferns, twigs and accessories to spell out the language of Ikebana.

As Saroja deftly arranges a spring of jasmine in a flat moribana container and creates images of simplicity and beauty, she elaborates on her passion and commitment to Ikebana and the joy it brings to her life.

Why did you specifically choose Ikebana for self expression?

It all stated in 1962 in Bombay. I've always been fascinated by flowers and Japanese art forms and when I heard that there was an Ikebana chapter in the city, I joined the classes. I went to Japan often to refresh my knowledge and technique. It gave me ample scope to express my sense of creativity and aesthetics.

Is it correct to say that the various schools of Ikebana are strict in their adherence to their rules, norms etc.?

There are three schools in Ikebana. There is the classical or Ikeob school which is very rigid and mainly done by priests for Buddhist temples. The second is the Ohara School which can be done on flat containers or moribana and there is the Sogestu school, which practises free expression and incorporates lots of accessories. I follow the Ohara school which has adapted Western flowers, foliage etc., along with landscapes and so on. I follow the format and principles of Ohara school but use my spontaneous response to the flowers and foliage, the form of the containers, the occasion for which the arrangement is being created, my own cultural ethos, etc.

To what extent are you free to express yourself while creating an arrangement?

We have to build on Ohara's elementary design and yet give vent to our creative impulse. It's like music. One learns the linear sounds of ragas and then develops on them! I do free style within the Ohara framework.

What are the flowers which you get in Chennai?

Exoras, hibiscus, chrysanthymums, ginger flower, roses, birds of paradise, jasmine and every available fern and foliage as well as twigs! For this exhibition, I am getting flowers and ferns from Bangalore, too.

Do you create floral arrangements for specific occasions?

I do decorative -situational arrangements for homes, weddings, conferences, table settings and even thematic flower arrangements. I have taken classes at the Santhome Cultural Academy on flower arrangements for interiors, special occasions, table settings etc. And yes, sometimes a mood or a thought can lead to the creation of a special floral arrangement.

Any special flower arrangements or any occasion you'd like to share with us?

I once did a thematic exhibition on Lord Krishna done in the Ohara school, which was much appreciated. Ikebana with Indian music was another series I created with songs and ragas of Spring ,which was depicted with budding flowers and green ferns, summer ragas represented by full blown roses, carnations etc. and winter captured in the starkness of twigs. Apart from doing special arrangements for friends, I also did flower arrangements depicting 50 years of Indian Independence. It was held at Vimonisha Art Gallery and drew big crowds.

I hear the flower holders/ vases are a very important part of Ikebana.

Yes. They are an intrinsic part of Ikebana. In fact, it was the introduction of the flat tray or "moribana" which marked the beginning of modern Ikebana. I adapt every kind of container for my creations. At the exhibition, you will see my collection of rare Chinese, Indian and Japanese bamboo and wooden containers, jars, vases and baskets as also ceramic ones. The shapes range from elongated vases to flat trays, geometric forms etc.

I have also used "morams" "kalchattis" and "patrams" too. They lend an eclectic touch to Ikebana.

Why don't you start an Ikebana school or academy in Chennai?

Japan Chapter did ask me to start one but I really haven't got down to it. I think Chennai already has a Sogetsu school. I do give demos wherever I am asked to and am open to sharing my knowledge with friends at anytime.

(Saroja's Ikebana Exhibition will be on at the Beach Court, 47, Arundale Beach Road, Kalakshetra Colony).

PUSHPA CHARI

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