Susan Cano
Riji Degree
The highest teaching rank of Rijiin Sogetsu SchoolAbout Ikebana and Me
I have been fascinated with ikebana for about forty years. I love teaching this art form to beginners and advanced students. I can teach in person and virtually. I always learn from students. I do demonstrations and workshops in person or virtually on zoom from my home studio.
Ikebana is about the art of Japanese flower arranging and so much more. We celebrate nature in flower arranging, the interesting and different cultures of Japan and friendship through flowers.
This ancient art began with sixth-century priests offering flowers to Buddha and today includes different schools that apply variations in form and design to their artistic expression. This disciplined art form produces creative expression in plant materials by applying certain rules of construction. Line, color, space, contrast, texture and other design teachings bring humanity and nature in harmony to create both beauty and a sense of calm to the individuals who create ikebana.
Susan is a member of:Sogetsu Teachers' Association (STA) Consisting of STA members, the Branches and Study Groups were established globally to provide a base for members to exchange information, learn ikebana techniques, and provide local communication. There are 120 Branches and Study Groups in 38 countries and regions.The Sogetsu School of Ikebana believes that anyone can arrange ikebana anywhere, and with anything. It is sculptural in form and intent, promotes free style and abstract arrangements. It is a school that makes possible free expression of creative flower arrangement.Ikebana International Asheville Chapter #74Ikebana International is a worldwide organization founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen. Its members are dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other countries through Ikebana (the art of Japanese flower arrangement) and other related arts of Japan. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Ikebana International (I.I.) today boasts 7,478 members in 53 countries comprising of 153 chapters.
http://www.ikebanaasheville.org
Ikebana International is administered by enthusiastic volunteers of many different nationalities and ikebana schools. Some of the ikebana schools stress classic styles while others focus on creative, contemporary forms and some blend the two; while each school is different, they openly share their inspirations, styles, philosophy, history and techniques with one another. Membership in I.I. is open to all persons interested in the art of ikebana and the ideals of I.I. regardless of previous experience.
NCAR Advocates Committee
The North and Central American Region (NCAR) has 68 Ikebana International chapters. The NCAR Advocates Committee has 6 dedicated Ikebana International members whose mission is "serving North & Central American chapters to expand the art of ikebana through communication and action".
Associate Member of Various Ikebana International Chapters: Susan is an associate member of the 14 chapters in the NCAR south area of the United States and Central America.Demonstrations & Workshops
Susan has given demonstrations and conducted workshops for numerous organizations in Mexico and the United States, including many Ikebana International Chapters.
The loriope leaves are similar curved lines as in the glass container.
Adding the pink hydrangea is color contrast to the blue in the container.
The completed composition. The stems are moved to the edges.
Red, white and blue for July fourth
What if the container is changed?
A green container emphasizes more the green of the plant material.
This arrangement is more suited to the red and white container.
Exhibitions
II World Convention
Yokohama Convention
Yokohama, Japan 2001
II Annual Exhibition NC Arboretum
Asheville, NC 2012
II Asian Regional conference
Taiwan, Taipei 2016
Theme:
Seasonal plant materials
Art in Bloom
Theme:
Unconventional container
Theme:
Japanese Narcissus
Flat Rock Gallery
2017
Greenville Museum
2018
Some of Susan's work has been published
Atlanta Gallery
2021
Poetical Ikebana
2015
Ikebana Inspired by Emotions "Fear"
2017
Masterclass Ikebana
2020
Learn Ikebana
The Sogetsu curriculum is taught using text books. Students begin with basic upright and subsequent lessons build on that first lesson. The Sogetsu curriculum is wonderful. As students learn basic styles and variations, they also learn about plant materials and the best way to showcase the materials. More advanced work involves themes such as flowering branches, straight lines and curved lines, manipulation of materials, using unconventional materials or color of the container. Students learn how to create free style compositions by studying these themes. Every student has creativity waiting to be tapped.
Let's get started!
Lesson
Meeting one on one or in small groups or zoom virtual lessons are possible.
Containers
Different containers are used according to the lesson
Moribana: a low open basin
Nageire: a tall vase
Free Style: anything goes
Hasami
Clippers
For cutting correctly
Kenzan
For fixing material
Gallery
Get in touch!
Thank you for visiting my website!
About Me
Teaching Sogetsu Curriculum
In Person and/or Virtual Classes
Resources
http://www.ikebanahq.org
http://www.ikebanaasheville.org
Many photos are courtesy of Patti Quinn Hill
Contact Me
© 2022 Susan Cano Riji, Sogetsu School of Ikebana