Study of Two Pages
Ikebana
Linda Ely
2023 installation
2nd Floor - Great Staircase and Landings
The Inspiration
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: I chose Study of Two Pages by Jose Villegas because it so well represents the Sogetsu Ikebana principles of line, mass and color… line in the legs of the Pages, mass in what they are wearing and carrying, and color throughout, in the boldness of reds, golds and blue punctuated by swaths of white. It’s a rich and dynamic painting that resonates with strength.
My contemporary Ikebana interpretation of the painting reflects its dynamic color and lines by my use of complementary unconventional and traditional materials.
The staging is a marriage of ancient Asian items with modern containers: Antique Chinese Altar Table, Antique Japanese Obi and Vintage Asian Brass Brassiere, a yin and yang approach.
The Asian aspects of my design were selected to represent the roots of Ikebana and to acknowledge Ambassador and Mrs. Anderson’s appreciation for Asian art and objects and their priceless Asian antiques. The modern containers were selected as a counterpoint to the formality of Anderson House and its magnificent collections.
Two of the flower selections for my design were made based upon associations with Japan and the Andersons. Chrysanthemums (Kiku), are represented in the Japanese Imperial Family crest and rank only second in popularity in Japan to Sakura (cherry blossoms). Roses, also appreciated in Japan, were grown in Isabel Anderson’s cutting gardens. Roses were probably enjoyed throughout the rooms in her homes, and most likely appeared in dining table centerpieces when she entertained.
I hope that my design reflects my respect and appreciation for the Jose Villegas painting of Two Pages, the grandeur of Anderson House and its owners Ambassador Larz and Isabel Anderson, and the privilege of participating in Art in Bloom.
Recipe: Roses, Chrysanthemums and Alstroemeria
THE DESIGNER
Linda Ely
Ikebana
Linda Ely lived in Japan during her high school years and developed an appreciation for the culture, country and people, and her studies of Sogetsu Ikebana began fifteen years ago.
Her career as an executive for luxury specialty retail stores in Washington, D.C. and New York City, led to travels in Europe, Scandinavia, and the Far East, and experience in merchandising, apparel manufacturing, national mail order and commercial and residential interior design.
She serves on the board of Ikebana International Washington, D.C., Chapter No. 1 and is the board liaison with the Washington-Tokyo Women’s Club, to which she belongs.
Linda has demonstrated for Ikebana International Chapter No. 1, Sogetsu Washington D.C. , the Washington-Tokyo Women’s Club, and have exhibited at the U.S. National Arboretum, the Torpedo Factory Arts Center in Alexandria, VA, and the Philippine Embassy.
She is a member of the Yacht Haven Garden Club, District II NCAGC, a Senior Advanced Designer and has served on the board, co-chaired the annual fashion show luncheon fund raiser, chaired table decorations for the event, and is currently Co-Chair of Design.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Costola Photography
Andie Ingagliato started her career as a fine art portrait photographer in 2008. Her passion for gorgeous imagery started with studies in classical music and theater which led to her receiving her BFA in photography and film from one of the top art programs in the nation: Virginia Commonwealth University.
Her wedding and portraiture work has been featured in Style Me Pretty, Washingtonian Weddings, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings and acknowledged by fashion designers, including Draper James.
Her characteristic style combines romance and editorial perspective with authenticity. She is uniquely gifted with bringing a sense of finesse into everything she touches while making it seem completely effortless. After 15 years of capturing weddings and families during the most precious times of their lives, she can truly say that this is exactly where she is meant to be.
When she isn't photographing weddings, Andie enjoys the outdoors alongside her husband, Tony and daughter, Ava.
