Ikebana Flower Arranging and Drawing Wabi-Sabi Workshop

Immerse yourself in a day of Ikebana flower arranging and mindful drawing in nature with your friends or loved ones.

Set amongst the backdrop of Yuraygir National Park at Boketto, surrounded by coastal bushland and wildlife, you will have the opportunity to reflect and embrace the wabi-sabi philosophy, centred around finding beauty in the imperfect and transient nature of life.

This two-part workshop will offer a unique opportunity to engage in the Japanese art of flower arrangement, known as Ikebana, and the meditative practice of mindfulness drawing, inspired by the beauty of Australian native flora.

You will be guided through the day with two artists who share a very similar creative approach to their work and connection to Australian native flora.

Part one: An Introduction to Ikebana
Sarah Officer, the master florist behind Ashby Flowers will guide you into the mindful and meditative practice of Ikebana -- Japanese floral arrangement. This art form emphasises simplicity, asymmetry, and sensitivity to the natural form of plants, and encourages a deep appreciation of the beauty of the living world. Using locally sourced flowers and foliage you will create your own unique Ikebana arrangement and learn the skills to practice Ikebana at home.

Part two: Mindful drawing in nature and pattern/mark making
Edith Rewa Barrett, the renowned Botanical Illustrator and Textile Designer will then guide you through some loose mindful nature drawing and pattern/mark-making with black ink and brush. There will be a focus on small moments and details of the native flora in front of you, observing shapes, textures and patterns as well as the overall forms of your Ikebana creation.

This is both a hands-on and experiential class where at the end you take home your Ikebana flower arrangement and drawings from the day. During the class, we also provide light lunch and refreshments.

Please note:

• The Ikebana workshop entails standing for an extended period of time (approx 1hr) if you would like a seat please let us know at time of booking.
• Please allow an extra half an hour at the end of class for a debrief and a ‘slow’ departure.
• For any questions relating to property or workshop accessibility please get in contact prior to the workshop.

Perfect for beginners -- all abilities welcome and no prior experience needed, just creative enthusiasm!
 

• Knowledge and skills in Ikebana flower arrangement techniques
• Understanding of mindfulness drawing techniques
• Awareness and appreciation for Australian native flora
• Opportunities for creative expression and personal reflection
• Increased mindfulness and in-the-moment awareness
• Enhanced appreciation for the art of flower arrangement and nature as a source of inspiration
• All materials will be provided
• A sushi lunch, saki and tea is included

We suggest closed in shoes, as it is a rural property and you may be doing some short walks through the bushland.