February 17, 2017 – Men’s Day

Ron Brown brings innovative, inspiring enthusiasm to Ikebana audiences and his students. Ron’s journey in Ikebana began as an outgrowth of his interest in ceramics and the utilitarian use of ceramic vessels for esthetic purposes. He began his studies in Sogetsu ikebana in 1979 with Burleigh Fedanzo, an active member of the San Francisco I.I. Chapter in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 1986 he became a student of Shuko Kobayashi, with whom he studied until Kobayashi-sensei’s retirement. Ron is noted for creating ikebana with found or discarded objects and rusted metal pieces as he likes the contrast of the rusted, pitted metal surfaces with fresh plant material.

Shuji Ikeda started teaching Ikenobo in 1999. He holds the rank of a senior professor of the Ikenobo School. In 2016, he became an independent Ikebana artist/teacher who is not affiliated with any ikebana school. He now promotes ikebana without any particular school. This frees him from any cultural and historical background, which actually has been

changing constantly and rapidly these days. His teaching leans towards the spiritual, philosophical and intuitive, but still contains the study of Ikenobo style, but not necessarily the learning of rules. His teaching is more like looking at the reflections of one’s self in the process of arranging flowers, to see a freer self.

Elan Rosenquist is well known to many members as the Designer of Sogetsu San Francisco’s ArtScapes Flower Exhibitions and Staging Director for Ikebana International Flower Shows. He began Sogetsu studies in 1996. As a student of Sogetsu ikebana, he follows a principle stated by Sofu Teshigahara, Sogetsu School’s founder, that “ikebana can be done anywhere and with anything.” Elan’s work features strong sculptural forms often created with re-purposed and recycled materials with minimal floral accents as he questions many of the methods used in the production and supply of commercial flowers. His work has appeared in several Japanese publications.

Tuan Tran has been studying and teaching Ikebana, in the San Francisco Bay area for thirty years He is an officer of the Aratame Ryu, and has been active in Ikebana International for 30 years. Tuan is noted for his floral installations using natural materials and has participated for 22 years in the annual Bouquet to the Arts at the de Young Museum. He has performed ikebana floral arrangements internationally and in many venues in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the San Francisco residence of the Consul General of Japan. Tuan is an active volunteer supporting a variety of causes including Project Open Hand, Strybing Arboretum and ReSurge International.

Our Potters: Thomas Arakawa and Bruno Kark are our member ceramic artists who have some of the gorgeous containers used in the demonstrations. Both potters will have containers available for sale.