Shoka Shofutai and Shoka Sanshuike March 2024
Regina Chang
For the afternoon workshop, we will switch our mindset from the traditional Shoka Isshuike to modern Shoka Shimputai.
Shoka Shimputai was introduced by Headmaster Sen’ei Ikenobo in 1977 as a new style of Shoka that would respond to modern sensibilities while simultaneously maintaining the traditional aesthetic. Shoka Shimputai will allow arrangers to express their creativity with limitless variations without the form of a Shofutai style.
Chris Cotsopas
In our morning session we will focus on a traditional arrangement of a single species - isshuike. This style seeks to capture the essence of a single species (shussho): growth habit, life cycle, strength and delicacy. From a strong foundation, the singular point of departure from the water (mizugiwa), you will seek to capture all the dynamism and vitality of spring as it sends forth new buds and flowers to herald a new growing season. These flowering branch arrangements - species such as cherry, plum, forsythia, quince etc where flowers erupt before leaves - emphasize the dynamic lines of branches punctuated by the delicate but vital colors of flowers.
PLEASE NOTE;
Pussywillow was used for this practice session, though it is not typically considered for isshuike. The flowering branches that were originally planned were not available.
