Student Profile: IKEBANA Brings Joy to Alice Yano
Jan 28, 2010 - Thirty years ago, Alice Yano became interested in Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Introduced to Ikebana by her mother who was of Japanese decent, Alice felt it provided the perfect blend of her interest in the beauty of nature with the joy of floral arranging. For her, it helped to create a sense of peace and calmness in her busy life.
Since retiring from her position as a Medical and Surgical Buyer for UCSD in 1991 and no longer providing care to her aging parents, Ms. Yano is now able to more fully dedicate herself to Ikebana. A passionate gardener, she enjoys taking care of her Japanese garden, complete with a shade house that enables her to grow many of the specimens used in her arrangements. With an attention to water conservation, she has recently been refining her plant selection to include species that are more drought tolerant. According to Alice, “Ikebana is like a woman who finishes off by putting on her makeup. The arrangements help to finish off my home providing elegance and serenity.”
Ikebana is more than putting pretty flowers together into a container. It incorporates an aspect of minimalism, emphasizing shape, line and form. All elements used in this type of floral arranging must be organic and often include braches, leaves, grasses as well as flowers. Color combinations, graceful lines and natural shapes help to tell the meaning behind each individual arrangement.
Next month Alice Yano will celebrate her 85th birthday and she continues to be very appreciative of the opportunity to study Ikebana under the direction of Mitsuko Takeya, her instructor through the Escondido Adult School. Alice says Ms. Takeya is an outstanding and highly talented teacher. She is particularly amazed at the speed with which Ms Takeya is able to create beautiful designs and her patience in providing valuable instruction to all students.
In addition to Ikebana, Ms. Yano has also enjoyed participating in exercise classes offered for older adults through the Escondido Adult School. Her hope is that these courses will go on “forever and ever” so that she may continue to stay busy, build new friendships with her classmates and bring beauty into her life through Ikebana.
Since retiring from her position as a Medical and Surgical Buyer for UCSD in 1991 and no longer providing care to her aging parents, Ms. Yano is now able to more fully dedicate herself to Ikebana. A passionate gardener, she enjoys taking care of her Japanese garden, complete with a shade house that enables her to grow many of the specimens used in her arrangements. With an attention to water conservation, she has recently been refining her plant selection to include species that are more drought tolerant. According to Alice, “Ikebana is like a woman who finishes off by putting on her makeup. The arrangements help to finish off my home providing elegance and serenity.”
Ikebana is more than putting pretty flowers together into a container. It incorporates an aspect of minimalism, emphasizing shape, line and form. All elements used in this type of floral arranging must be organic and often include braches, leaves, grasses as well as flowers. Color combinations, graceful lines and natural shapes help to tell the meaning behind each individual arrangement.
Next month Alice Yano will celebrate her 85th birthday and she continues to be very appreciative of the opportunity to study Ikebana under the direction of Mitsuko Takeya, her instructor through the Escondido Adult School. Alice says Ms. Takeya is an outstanding and highly talented teacher. She is particularly amazed at the speed with which Ms Takeya is able to create beautiful designs and her patience in providing valuable instruction to all students.
In addition to Ikebana, Ms. Yano has also enjoyed participating in exercise classes offered for older adults through the Escondido Adult School. Her hope is that these courses will go on “forever and ever” so that she may continue to stay busy, build new friendships with her classmates and bring beauty into her life through Ikebana.