Overview

‘(Almost) Ikebana’ is a workshop series conceptualised by artist Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck for The Gardening Drawing Club and based loosely on the Japanese art form of arranging flowers known as ‘Ikebana’. In this workshop, participants are invited to observe, paint, and arrange flowers with a set of prompts, breathing exercises, discussion, and shared cups of organic herbal tea to instil a calming, creative environment. Participants will discuss the concept and technique after viewing images from various Ikebana Schools and be encouraged to describe the practice verbally. Each participant will decorate a paper cup to hold the plants and create an arrangement following (or almost) a set of Ikebana rules shared by Johanna.

Please note:

• All materials will be provided.
• The plants used in these workshops will originate from the Pitzhangers’ gardens.
• Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck has been an Ohara Ikebana student since 2018 and is currently on the Assistant Teacher’s course. She grows flowers and vegetables on two allotment plots following veganic permaculture and natural farming principles.

About The Gardening Drawing Club

Founded in 2021, The Gardening Drawing Club is a series of unique events with a holistic approach offering free access to arts and horticulture in Britain. With monthly happenings, The Gardening Drawing is hosted in a broad range of locations, from art centres to community gardens and temples; the events range from workshops to talks and experiences. Veganic gardening methods are employed through The Gardening Drawing Club, advocating for gentleness and compassion while supporting seed sovereignty, racial, climate and land justice and reparation, biodiversity, and animal liberation.

The Gardening Drawing Club is a form of Seva and is on a shared mission to integrate the joys of gardening and drawing in others’ lives for individual and community well-being.

More abour the project: www.thegardeningdrawingclub.org

Follow TGDC on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/thegardeningdrawingclub/

About the Artist

Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck lives and works in rural Oxfordshire. Her transdisciplinary practice is rooted in ecological awareness and collaboration, engaging with painting, sculpture, photography, publishing, horticulture, and participatory projects. Her work expresses care and tenderness, reflecting on the fragility and beauty of life.

Website: www.johannatagada.net
Instagram: @johannatagada

Enquires

Please contact learning@pitzhanger.org.uk for more information.