Japanese Aesthetics and Ikebana
Practiced since the 7th century, Ikebana is an art form of arranging flowers. It incorporates design principles (line, shape, form) in its execution. The artist’s intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece’s colour combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the implied meaning of the arrangement.
Japanese aesthetics which is usually incorporated in Ikebana includes minimalism and “ma”, otherwise known as the void. By the employment of both techniques, emphasis can be placed within the composition which adds a point of interest.
Sketch Model 1
The SD sphere was to huge and makes the dominant ambiguous, thus it needs to be of a smaller size. To make a more interesting composition, the connection between the D, SD and SO can be changed by wedging or piercing.
Sketch Model 2
To make the SD more obvious as an SD, the radius of the cylinder should be reduced to about 1/2 the size. This is also to avoid being of a similar diameter with the SO sphere.
Sketch Model 1 (Improved)
The D is pierced into about 1/3 of the SD.
Sketch Model 2 (Improved)
Winter
Above are photos taken in Japan during winter. Personally my favourite part of winter is how the air is clear and crisp unlike summer air which makes it comfortable. The trees also become empty with no leaves on them. There is a sense of stillness and serenity in winter which I enjoy and would like to express in my final model.
Final Model
Branch (Cone) : SO, Clear plastic (cylinder): SD, Stone (Sphere): D.
*Note: This model is an adaptation of Sketch Model 1. The sphere was initially meant to be the SD however I did not like the overall look when I used a smaller SD rock, hence I chose to change the sphere into the D with a larger rock.
I chose to use a small branch as the SO to express the impending potential of growth of nature in winter season. The SD cylinder is a void essential to Japanese aesthetics, and depicts the emptiness of winter when the earth becomes voided of life. Personally, I like the crisp and clear air quality of winter season (in contrast to the humid air of summer) which I thought is expressed through the plastic material as well. The stone contrast the SO in its mass and contrasts the SD with its colour. The overall monotone colour palette of the model adheres to the colour of winter. The blue base is a reflection of the clear winter sky shown in the picture.
Revised Model
In this improved version, the base is extended to give more breathing space for the model.