Personal history and qualifications
I have been a student of Ikebana since 1996, and I taught classes from 2001-2023.
- Currently hold a “Riji” teaching qualification awarded by Sogetsu Headquarters in Japan.
- My ‘flower name’ is “Seiko”, which means quiet lake. (Each student is given a ‘flower name’ when receiving their first teacher’s certificate.)
- Member of the Sogetsu Teacher’s Association of Japan.
- Member of A.S.T.A. (Australia Sogetsu Teacher’s Association)
- Member of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter #36.
- Exhibited at international conventions in Japan, France, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
- Attended master classes and workshops at Sogetsu Headquarters in Japan at least once each year. Also attended master classes in other
overseas locations and elsewhere in Australia.
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About me
One Saturday morning in 1994 I was shopping in David Jones (a major Department Store in Australia) and I happened to see on the ground floor an
exhibition of Ikebana flower arrangements by Mr Yoshiro Umemura. It was a revelation!
I rushed home, dragged my husband into the store, and told him this was something I just had to do!
Since 1996 I have had the great good fortune to be taught by Sensei Yoshiro Umemura and have also learned from workshops and classes, in
Australia and overseas, with some of the great masters of this wonderful Japanese art form.
My passion for Ikebana has led me to travel Australia and the world to attend conferences, seminars, and other Ikebana events, and led to lasting
and valued friendships with many others who also share my love of this art form, both here in Australia and overseas.
My passion for Ikebana has also led me to teach this art form, to directly share with others my love of Ikebana, and hopefully
encourage each person to express themself in this unique way.
Finally, I have been honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to bring to a wider audience this art form through
invitations to prepare arrangements for an official dinner hosted by the Australian Prime Minister, for the Cabinet ante-room in the
Australian Parliament House, the Japanese Embassy on its National Day and the Emperor's birthday, and the Australian National
Gallery; and to have conducted demonstrations at some of the above as well as at Canberra's Floriade (the biggest flower event in
the Southern Hemisphere), the Nara Candle Festival (Nara is the Japanese sister city of Canberra), the National Botanic Gardens, and
for various local groups with an interest in flowers and gardens.
For me, Ikebana has enriched my life beyond measure.
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