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Flowers and Art

Growing Bonsai

The art of bonsai is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with its history tracing back over a thousand years. The term "bonsai," derived from the...

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Flowers and Art

Flower Arranging Classes

The beauty and elegance of flower arrangements has been a staple in many cultures, so it is little wonder that many people are interested in...

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Flowers and Art

The Beauty of Japanese Irises

There are few flowers around the world the can match the majesty of the iris, but Japanese artists have long known this. This flower fits...

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Flowers and Art

Floral Art

Art comes in many shapes, sizes and forms. Using flowers is one of the most stunning ways to mix the beauty of nature with man’s...

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Flowers and Art

The Next Generation of Florists

Becoming a professional florist and designer takes hard work and advanced courses. A flair for design and artistry are important for those that want to...

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Flowers and Art

Modern Floral Design

In many Western countries, the art of floral design has become an important career. Experts now take seasonal flowers and combine them to create beautiful...

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Using lines and empty space for emphasis, Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging. The goal in this form of art is to suggest the entire realm of nature where the flower originated. Rather than filling a vase with a selection of flowers, this art form selections only a few flowers at most. Leaves, bare branches and other natural items, such as moss, are used to illuminate the beauty of nature in its own surroundings.

The Japanese have developed their art styles over the centuries in what many might consider a minimalist style. While a flower arrangement designed by a Westerner might have roses, baby’s breath and ferns, the Japanese artist would have single rose surrounded by thorny branches. The pot might be flat to allow more view of the natural elements rather than a large vase covering most of the bare stems. Japanese flower art tries to show the beauty of nature with all parts of the plant rather than simply choosing the most pleasing elements of several plants and combining them.