The Language of Flowers: Contemplation and Realization in Nature
With Heather Midori Yamada
September 28 - October 2, 2026
At first glance there is harmony, balance and beauty underlying many Japanese arts. Ikebana, the art of Japanese floral arrangement has a rich and long history with many schools, rules and philosophies developing and evolving over time.
Originating from a traditional Japanese environment to contemporary expression worldwide, the language of flowers includes everyone and anywhere as an appropriate ground of enjoyment and learning. Contemplation, silence, space, form and energies are required for full appreciation; anyone can enjoy it!
Join Heather Midori, at Hollyhock on Cortes island, for a contemplative based art retreat that will attune to your innate qualities experienced in body, breath and mind awareness exercises. This direct seeing precedes sketching in nature, in studio study of ikebana with collected branches, flowers from Hollyhock’s legendary garden. Finally, we use our arrangements as inspiration for painting and collaging with Japanese washi papers and watercolour.
What You’ll Gain
- Learning about the three elements of Japanese ikebana: sky, earth and human
- Introduction to calligraphic approach to Japanese brush handling
- With ikebana techniques, how to choose, cut, and arrange with confidence
- The use of ordinary surrounding nature as subjects for enjoyment and further exploration
- Connection of a peaceful relaxed mind and body with creative endevours
- Skills, colour mixing, collaging techniques and the importance of space in composition
What You’ll Experience
- Short guided meditations, perceptual exercises and silent path walking in forest and gardens
- Forest and garden sketching and indoor workshop-style demonstrations
- Floral arrangements using both found and chosen branches and flowers
- Creating spontaneous artworks in studio from based on your ikebana arrangements
Who This Program is For
- Both beginner and experienced arrangers and artists are welcome in this workshop
- Step by step guidance in all practises and freedom to discover your authentic ‘voice’ in your works
- Anyone who loves plants and flowers; anyone intrigued by Japanese aesthetics in brushworks
Material Fee
Additional supply costs ($140 CAD) for this program are included in the package pricing.
Art Supplies
All participants will receive a detailed supply list upon registration. A selection of brushes, ink, washi papers, and glue will be for sale through Heather. If you would like to purchase brushes please contact Heather in advance [email protected]
*Participants will be spending time outdoors walking, sometimes over rugged terrain. Please pack mindfully and consider bringing supportive footwear. Please email [email protected] for more information or for any accessibility related questions.
**It is appreciated by Heather that participants be present for the duration of the entire workshop
Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.
Presenter
Heather Midori Yamada studied with Sogetsu ikebana master, Seibi Watanabe for many decades living in Montreal. She is a visual artist and teacher who specializes in contemplative approaches to art making. Heather is inspired by holistic creative practices such as meditation, hatha yoga and Japanese arts such ikebana, flower arrangement…
Learn more about Heather Midori Yamada