Hi!
I’m Aiyana Kyoko
Tiger Blossom is a creative practice grown from my own personal exploration of authenticity and creativity. The intention for every expression of Tiger Blossom is to honor the present moment and the individual.
I created Tiger Blossom classes from discoveries found in my studies of Ikebana. I started this personal Ikebana journey to reconnect with my Grandma Kyoko who lived with us since I was 8 years old, was a big part of my life & passed on a few years ago. She studied Ikebana herself.
I found my incredible teacher, Yuko, who is certified by and teaches the same school of Ikebana my grandma studied with, The Ohara School of Japan. Yuko has been a cherished part of my journey and life. I still study with her today and recommend anyone who wants to pursue Ikebana to learn from her.
I have attained my Instructor Certificate from the Ohara School in Japan. Along this wonderful journey I have discovered much healing and inspiration with the flowers. So I created a little curriculum that is a mixture of mindfulness and influences of Ikebana to share what I have discovered along the path in hopes every student will discover their own healing, power, inspiration and creativity with the botanics.
Ikebana
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging with formal display according to strict rules emphasizing form and balance.
The art is based on the harmony of simple linear constructions and the appreciation of the subtle beauty of flowers and natural material, such as branches and stems. There are several major ikebana schools, with differing histories and theories of artistic style.
Tiger Blossom classes are influenced by Ikebana, but are not Ikebana classes. Tiger Blossom classes are a practice of presence & technique to foster one’s creativity. Students learn Kenzan and compositional techniques while guided by mindful and creative prompts to create an abstract floral arrangement unique to each student and the moment.
Some arrangements from my Ikebana journey with the Ohara School and my teacher Yuko seen below.
Tall Vase
Radial Form
One Row
Moribana Upright
Circular Form
Rising Form
One Row
Moribana Slanting Form
Hanakanade
One Row
Water Reflecting
Upright Style
There are many schools of Ikebana. But the main 3 are Ikebano, Ohara & Sogetsu.
I study & am certified through my wonderful teacher with the Ohara School. This is the same school my grandma studied with.
IKENOBO
This oldest and first one school of ikebana, was founded in the 15th century, it is also the more traditional among all Japan schools of ikebana. The great masters of this school appeared in the imperial courts, and through the centuries to this day, Ikenobo school preserves a special bond with the monks teachings who were present in the beginning.
OHARA
The school appears in the 19th century when Japan starts opening to the rest of the world. It brings an intermediate vision between the tradition and modernity. Seasons and landscapes are the inspiration that brings the Moribana style, an arrangement landscaped in a flat and not too deep container. This school provided the use of the kenzan, a metal “spiky frog” tool.
SOGETSU
The school was founded in the early 20th century and is inspired by the trends of the modern art. It brings a revolution to the ikebana traditional and classical approach. The Sogetsu style is close to what a sculpture reflects, with live or different materials than flowers.
