May brought us another new Monthly Ikebana Challenge and the theme was Baskets of Bounty
May was a month of non-stop go go go! With preparations for large format ikebana as well as multiple demonstrations presented and workshops given. it’s only now half way through June that I have had a chance to take a breath and get on top of things. I appreciate everyone’s patience in terms of awaiting the winner announcement. Not as many entries this month as in previous ones however still a very good representation from around the world and nice selection of arrangements and styles. As always I am thankful and grateful to all who participated by sending in their arrangements.
Baskets are such an interesting structure in ikebana since they can come in many forms and materials. In this selection we had bamboo, reed, metal and pottery baskets represented with both floral arrangements and a even a mori mono arrangement.
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 no particular order)
*note all entries have been placed on a background intended to best show the photograph and the creative writing in a pleasing, consistent and relatively neutral manner.
And the winner of the May Challenge is: Silvia Barucci
Congratulations to Silvia Barucci! This arrangement really captured the idea of “Bounty” providing an abundance of fruits and vegetables in a modern take on mori-mono arranging, the basket literally overflowing while also communicating a wonderful sense of fun and playfulness.
Sincere thank you to all contributers
Please do keep your eye out for the challenge for June which will be announced with a call for entries shortly.