February brought us the second installment of our new Monthly Ikebana Challenge and the theme for February was Lovely Lines!
I really excited to see that the enthusiasm and quality of the responses to the competition that we saw in January was maintained and perhaps even surpassed! Once again a very sincere and heartfelt thank you and congratulations to all those who participated by sending in their arrangements showcasing lines in all their various forms. We had lines of all flavours; long, short, thick, thin, curving, straight and even some interesting angles. Again there were entries from many places around the world including (but not limited to); Bulgaria, India, Romania, Italy, USA, Japan and Australia, which was outstanding! (Let me know in the comments if I missed your country.) Even though there can be only one winner I feel that just about everyone who submitted must be congratulated on their efforts as the arrangements were of a high standard and all submissions were very much appreciated.
A couple of small side notes: Firstly, if you decide to digitally edit your photo to correct the camera exposure or clean up a few unexpected specks that is completely acceptable HOWEVER if there is evidence of significant editing to the arrangement itself, or use of AI in the creation or alteration of the image, this will result in exclusion from the challenge (as a former senior graphic designer believe me when I say I know what I am looking at). Secondly, entrants are welcome to add their own name or branding into their images but please ensure they do not overlap the actual arrangement and that names/branding are not so large/colourful/bold or otherwise distracting that they detract from the arrangement. Where a name is not included in the image it will be added below in a simple and clear manner consistent with other entries.
Entrants (in alphabetical order)
*note all entries have been placed on a neutral background.
And the winner of the February Challenge is: Shan Sun
Congratulations to Shan Sun! In my assessment this calm and elegant arrangement not only makes beautiful use of lines but it uses them to connect other elements within the arrangement in echoes and dialogue. Featuring a colour pallete that is subtle yet powerful in the synergy between arranged elements, lines and container. It is peaceful whilst retaining dynamism and movement. Truly well done Shan. Your prize of a handmade pottery container will be making its way to you soon!
Sincere thank you to all contributers
Once again a tremendous thank you to all who participated. It was extremely challenging to award the prize to only one entry as each submission was of a very high standard. Please do keep your eye out for the challenge for March which will be announced with a call for entries in the next day or so.