An Iris is an Iris is an Iris?

The iris is one of my favorite flowers to work with. I love its sensuous blossoms and pointed buds. Walking through my garden, the white and purple masses of the early-blooming variety of beard irises are a feast for the eyes. But have you ever inhaled their exotic scent? Hmmm!
I never noticed it until I started to work with them.

'The Dutch Tulip'

Those of you who have visited this blog know me by my Japanese name 'Baiko' (Plum Blossom) which the Sogetsu School gave me when I was awarded the title 'Sensei' or Master.

But, for my American father-in-law, I am and will always be 'The Dutch Tulip' because I hail from Holland and love to work with this symbol of my country.

Magical Music

Often it seems that music is everywhere we go. But not exclusively in the natural sounds that fuse into spontaneous symphonies. This work is inspired by a piece of vegetation found on a recent hike which uncannily resembles a musical notation. Or an instrument? JW says this piece reminds him of an angel's harp.

A New Sculpture

JW and I are always on the prowl for new material for my Ikebana Art. During a hike in the mountains last week, we came across a plough lying abandoned next to a deserted manor house. I've manipulated these rusty iron parts into a sculpture which provides a stark setting for this delicate camellia.

Spring is in the Air

I love to express the Seasons in my creations. Spring is bursting all around us and at our local market I found these irresistible, colorful ranunculi. The airy bamboo basket adds to the gay, seasonal mood.

EmptyEasel Featured Artist

I am very thrilled to announce that Dan at EmptyEasel has chosen me as this week’s featured artist. He wrote a very perceptive review of my work which he entitled Baiko's Ikebana Art. What pleases me most is that Dan didn’t know a thing about Ikebana prior to seeing my work. He is a very knowledgeable art critic and that is exactly how he approached my work. He looked without any pre-conceptions. He has made some very insightful remarks which I hope will help the art buying public appreciate the Art of Ikebana. This is my homage to the late Sofu Teshigahara, the founder of the Sogetsu School and modern Ikebana.