In 2003 Yukio Nagakawa created an installation in the Hermes space in Tokyo that was reminiscent of a zen garden.  He used 700 kilos of lavender blossoms, some of which he died in cobalt blue, and arranged them in swirls and waves in a sensory display of aromatic intrigue.

Photograph from designboom.com

“lavender has its own grace” he said.

Yukio wanted to represent its depth rather than its superficial beauty,
and offer the gentle invitation of its fragrance.

Ikebana arrangement (courtesy of wikipedia)

Ikebana (生け花, “arranged flower”) is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō (華道, the “way of flowers”).

More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of particolored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis towards shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form.  All the elements used in construction must be organic, be they branches, leaves, grasses, or flowers. The artist’s intention behind each arrangement is shown through its color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the usually implied meaning of the arrangement. (Definition from Wikipedia)

“When I started ikebana I felt my heart pound from the sensation,
as if I were touching the lives of the flowers. I was hesitant
to use my scissors lest the stems and leaves become covered
with flowers’ blood”

“I would like to express the lives of flowers” Yukio said.

Visitors were allowed to interact with the installation by throwing the flowers as they wished.

Yukio Nakagawa is an indipendent ikebana artist who also practices calligraphy, creates works in glass and photography.

Organic essential oil of Lavender, lavandula angustifolia, represents calmness, composure and easy self-expression, making it a perfect choice of flower for this artistic expression.  It is well-known for its fresh and delicate aroma.  It is cool, relaxing, soothing and supportive and for this reason is considered the Grandmother of essential oils. It helps to create balance and is “adaptogenic”, being both relaxing and stimulating depending on the concentration used.  It is a strong healing oil and an enduring favourite.

“Soothing the sense of trauma that inhibits self-expression, lavender is suited to the individual who is full of creative potential, but who is frustrated in fulfilling it due to self-conscious reserve.  It therefore encourages the full expression of perfection of the individual self that the sixth sign of the zodiac symbolizes.”

- Gabriel Mojay