ABOUT ME

During my student time in Nijmegen in the 80’s, I started with ikebana. Besides studying Dutch, I wanted to do ‘something with flowers’ in my spare time. I had some experience with western flower arranging.

At cultural center De Lindenberg an ikebana course was announced. I did not know what it was but, in my mind, it had something to do with eastern flower arranging, less is more.

It turned out to be a hit, although it took some time to unlearn the western traits. The learning process was to leave more space in my arrangements, applying the art of omission.

Especially the philosophical elements fascinated me and also the space available at the Sogetsu School for free arrangements and abstract ikebana.

For me ikebana is a way to ‘get out of your head’ and fully focus: looking closely, making a concept and realizing it. And specially to keep looking until a harmonious whole emerges.

In the early years I was taught by teacher Dorry Jansen-Losekoot.

My move to Utrecht brought me into contact with new teachers, first with Anke Verhoeven, later with Nicole Kruimel-Rosselle and Els Goos.

I now have a second-degree teaching qualification (Nikyu  Shihan Sanyo) and I am registered with the Sogetsu Teachers Association in Japan.

From 2016 I have been secretary of the AETI (International European Teachers Association) in which German, Belgian and Dutch ikebanists meet in an annual Seminar, attend workshops, exchange ideas and learn from each other.

From 2018 to 2023 I was a member of the editorial board of the magazine of the Sogetsu Branch Nederland and since 2023 I am the president of Sogetsu Branch Nederland.