Tashima highlights power of ikebana

Special to The Enterprise

The Davis Flower Arrangers are honored to have Helen Tashima, renowned and respected sensei of ikebana present at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Stonegate Country Club at 919 Lake Blvd. in Davis.

Tashima’s theme will be "Including the Non-natural With the Natural in Ikebana Arrangements." She will demonstrate how both non-natural and natural materials can be combined in Ikebana arrangements and highlight various ways natural leaves and branches can appear in non-natural ways. Tashima said these arrangements can be made easily with materials that are readily available to all of us which can provide endless opportunities for creativity and artistry.

“Watching Helen create her arrangements is a joyful, meditative experience as she calmly places every item, even unexpected ones, in the perfect position,” a news release said. “Her arrangements are unique and beautiful and are truly works of art.”

Ikebana is a unique Japanese style of floral art design. It is a sculptural art form where nature and human creativity unite to create artistic flower arrangements. Ikebana arrangements include flowers, but also emphasize the branches, stems and leaves of the plants. The key to creating the artistic expression of the design is discovered in the shape, line and form.. Helen brings all of this to her own practice of Ikebana with a flair of beauty and peacefulness.

Tashima remembers being inspired to learn about ikebana as she observed her mother create a beautiful arrangement during an ikebana class.

She did not pursue ikebana until much later as an adult, when she was encouraged by Rhody Vallejo at a Davis Flower Arrangers meeting to make arrangements for the Yolo County Fair.

Tashima began Ikebana classes in 1991 taught by Shuko Kobayashi Sensei in Sacramento. After his retirement, Tashima continued her studies with Kika Shibata Sensei, who teaches monthly ikebana classes in Sacramento.

In 2001, Tashima received a third-degree teacher's certificate and now coordinates Kika Sensei's ikebana class in Sacramento. She is treasurer of the Sacramento Chapter of Ikebana International where she has been an active member since 1995. She has taught ikebana workshops at various Shambhala Meditation Centers in the central valley and at the Jan Ken Po Children's Summer School.

She has also been a longterm member and former board member of the Davis Flower Arrangers and a highly valued presenter. Prior to retirement, she was a research analyst in the Research Section of DMV in Sacramento. Now Tashima enjoys ikebana because it is an art form that has endless possibilities for creative uses of

Courtesy photos materials and brings joy to everyone.

To join the group send a $50 membership check to Davis Flower Arrangers, c/o Jo Anne Boorkman, 2205 Butte Place, Davis, Ca 95616 or bring it to the meeting on Feb. 1. Include your name, address, phone number and email address to receive the monthly newsletter, current updates, and invitations for all special events, workshops and field trips.

Visitors are welcome and are asked to donate at least $10. Recordings of the meetings will be available for members.

For information, contact Stephanie DeGraff-Hunt at sdegraffhunt@gmail.com.