Cyber Scum

We've been absent for many months now. But the lack of new postings has nothing to do with a lack of new creations by Baiko. Please check out her gallery on ArtBreak for all of her latest works. No, we stopped posting because of image theft. Yes, we found out that Zen-Images Ikebana pictures have been stolen. That's right: used without permission and sometimes for commercial purposes. Shame on you thieves....you are the scum of cyberspace.

Ikebana-143

This is the 4th work in our Lotus series

Ikebana-142

This is the 3rd work in our Lotus series

Ikebana-141

This is 2nd work in our Lotus series

Ikebana-140

This is the 1st work in our Lotus series

Scrap iron plough part, dried lotus leaf, wild flowers

Ikebana-139

Scrap metal, drift wood, oleander, wild flowers

Ikebana-138

Ikebana-137

Ikebana-136

Ikebana-135

Ikebana-134

Ikebana-133

50 Best Blogs for Zen-Like Living

We've just been informed that our blog has been included on a list of the 50 Best Blogs for Zen-Like Living.

"Whether you are a Zen Buddhist or just want to lead a Zen life, these 50 spiritual and simplifying blogs and community web sites will point you down the path of enlightenment."

Many thanks to Suzane Smith and her colleagues of the MRI Technician Schools who compiled the list for the MRI Tech's Health Blog.

New Works

Ikebana-126

Ikebana-125

Ikebana-124

Ikebana-123

Ikebana-122

Ikebana-120

Clematis, tulips, pine bark, champagne bottle.

Nature's Sculpture

We live in the foothills of the Alps and are constantly discovering the most expressive rocks. They are aptly called "Nature's sculpture." This one reminds us of an antique bust. The smooth monstera leaf contrasts with the rugged stone while mimosa and anemones add just the right touch of color.

Ikebana-119

via Artbreak - Share and sell art online

The Last Camellia?

This is quite possibly the last work this year featuring the exotic camellia. Blossoms are literally dropping off the shrub as spring temperatures continue to rise. In this Ikebana, a dried lotus leaf provides a stark contrast to the delicate pink blossom and buds.

Spring Fever

Clematis blossoms compliment this work structured with curling agaves anchored in a glass vase. We are finally enjoying a bit of Spring weather here in the South of France.

The Embrace

It's always amazing what one can do with old vines found during a walk in the forest. Of course, there is considerable manipulation of the material before it expresses what you want. The founder of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Sofu Teshigahara, said, "Capturing nature means making nature into something of your own....one takes a piece of nature and adds something that was not there. This is what creation in Ikebana means."

Ikebana-115 by Baiko

via Artbreak - Share and sell art online

New Ikebana Cards Series

Baiko's Ikebana Art is not just great for decorating your walls but also makes really beautiful greeting or note cards.

Here are a few examples.










We have chosen RedBubble as our printer for the card series and we invite you to take a look at the full selection on Baiko's RedBubble Gallery.

And we do accept special orders for personalized cards. So if you want to create your own text on one of Baiko's card, just e-mail us at info@zen-images.com.

Ikebana Scavengers

Ikebana artists are a bit like scavengers, always on the lookout for unusual shapes and textures.




A gnarled old vine from an abandoned vineyard in the Provence is starkly juxtaposed with delicate camellia blossoms.



In this work, rusted iron tractor parts make an excellent support for a fragile cluster of narcissus and calla leaves.



The bark of eucalyptus provides unusual shapes, colors and textures to this creation.

Ikebana in February Freeze

Ikebana Cures Winter Blues

Yes we, too, here in the South of France have to endure the dreary days of winter. In fact, the weather gods have been pummeling us with storm after storm since November.



There are a few of us fortunate enough to have an in-house Ikebana artist whose creations brighten up even the darkest of days.






Take a low bow, Baiko..

New Ikebana Creations for the New Year