Apologies for the absence of posts – you know how it can be. Although it can be a challenge, I do enjoy and miss writing.
Recently (a couple of days ago), I stumbled across the fascinating world of “freakebana” – a new wave/movement of progressive/experimental/radical botanical art. I found the #freakebana hashtag on Instagram after viewing a recent post by Australian artist @gina.kalabishis. While I’m familiar with Ikebana (the Japanese art of floral arrangement), I’m new to the term freakebana, coined by @stellabugbee (the president and editor in chief of New York Magazine’s The Cut, and creator of @freakebana). Read her article for more details – https://www.thecut.com/2017/11/freakebana-the-new-ugly-cool-style-of-arranging-flowers.html.
From my understanding, the philosophy of freakebana is ideas/elements of Ikebana with a brave/adventurous and freaky/freestyle twist. To me, freakebana represents the expression of total artistic/creative freedom – a break/rebellion from convention/tradition/rules through its methodology and choice of materials. It reminds me of the avant garde, outsider art and grunge art. Freakebana artists are cutting edge and not afraid to explore/experiment and take risks. I am humbled, inspired and in awe at the diversity and creativity/inventiveness of freakebana art I’ve seen online. I especially admire the works of @metafloranyc, @uunnaamm, @akolomiets.design, just to name a few. These botanical artists/designers (and others) have helped opened my eyes/mind further to the limitless potential/possibility/power of botanical art and being a creative/artist.
Unbeknownst to me, I’ve also been practising some kind of freakebana in some of my floral arrangements/still life compositions – through the use of recycled/upcycled materials and found objects, thrifting, living frugally, experimenting/learning, working with what I have, being intuitive, and simply winging it. (Which I love and am proud of.) After much inspiration, I felt motivated to create two new floral arrangements today – inspired by Ikebana and Freakebana. These are my contribution to the wonderful world of fearless floral arrangement. Some of the objects/ideas that I’ve used were reserved for future still lifes/paintings (but painting can take so long and much time and effort, sigh) – so, in the spirit of living in the now and going with the flow, I’ve decided to use/share them now rather than keep them hidden for later/ever.
(For inspiring weekly Ikebana reading, I recommend the Australian blog “Roadside Ikebana“.)
Cynthia and pet
I think you invented Freakabana years ago Ngeun!!
Good to see they are all catching up (and taking the credit 😄). ..
Ahhh the life of an artist.
Keep up the outstanding work Ngeuna!!
Love you eternally. ❣️❣️❣️
Cynthia and Petal
Ngeun
Thanks Cynthia & Petal! Haha – true, some of those still lifes and floral arrangements were very creative and thoughtful. Necessity is the mother of invention, and everybody can be an artist or florist or both. There’s no limits – everything is possible! Love you too.
David
I totally agree with Cynthia and Petal – you were way ahead of the curve when it comes to freakebana! Nice to see you back! Big hugs, David
Ngeun
Thanks David! I do enjoy my freakebana style arrangements – it reminds me of being back in art school, and that was many years ago now. And I’m loving botanical art at the moment, and some of the examples online are truly outstanding! Very good to hear from you.
David
I can definitely understand why you are interested in botanical art. I am looking at our garden right now and each plant is such a thing of beauty – and when transformed into art, it is just beautiful.
Ngeun
Apologies for my late reply, David ~ yes, there’s so much beauty and magic in mother nature and plants & flowers is an incredible source of inspiration. We’re so lucky to be living in this world. Best wishes to you two.