Shoso Shimbo
Shoso Shimbo, PhD
Shoso Shimbo is a certified teacher of Ikebana with over 20 years of experience. His original and thought provoking designs have won multiple awards. He is just as comfortable with delicate arrangements as with large installations.
His meticulous attention to detail and unerring eye for line and composition ensure his works add elegance and style to any occasion or environment.
In May 2009 Shoso exhibited his work at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London.
©Shoso Shimbo 2009 info_shoso.com.au www.shoso.com.au
My Gallery
Installations
Black Saturday
This work is a tribute to the families and communities ravaged by the bushfires that destroyed whole towns and left 173 people dead in Victoria, Australia on February 7 2009. Amid the images of terrifyingly huge walls of fire and heart wrenching devastation were stories of survival and resilience, of people whose determination to move past grief and loss was truly inspirational. The earth will regenerate, the forests will grow back, people will rebuild their homes and their lives, but from now on the memory of those ferocious fires will always be at the heart of those communities that lived through the horror of Black Saturday.
The blackened wood used as the underlying structure of this work echoes the scarring of the psyche that accompanies any natural disaster. It is unyielding and without mercy or compassion, but harsh realities are softened with the passage of time and gradually elements of beauty and grace begin to take over, although they can never hope to fully obliterate the memory of terrible destruction. They may not always be clearly visible, but the after effects of Black Saturday will be felt for a very long time.
This work is a reminder that we are powerless before the full force of nature, something often forgotten in our civilised world. The fragility of our relationship with the environment is another theme running through this work, but more than anything it is the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and the certainty that new communities will rise from the ashes that I wanted to express with this work.
Floral Displays
Floral displays of any size for restaurants, office buildings, concerts, speeches, forums and other events. Add a touch of class and elegance to your environment with Shoso's taylor-made works of art. Each piece is designed on site to ensure harmony with the surroundings.
Flower & Music Live Show: 60 minutes/From $800
Shoso creates 6 arrangements in the traditional style, from a miniature arrangement to a medium size arrangement (up to 100 cm high), one of which the clients can keep to display. During the demonstration, Shoso will talk briefly about the characteristics of the flowers used and their therapeutic effects.
Accompanying live music can be chosen from international solo artists playing the cello, the flute or the Koto (Japanese harp).
Occasional Flowers
Special arrangements for special occasions. Shoso's unique and individual designs will make your Valentine's Day and Mothers Day gifts something to remember. Shoso can also help if you'd like some ideas on how to use a special container.
Prices
Small (up to 50 cm) from $55
Medium (up to 150 cm) from $150
Large from $500
Displays can be made to suit client's budget.
Containers made by Master Potter Hiroe Swen are available for hire or purchase.
Don't let boring by-the-numbers flowers spoil your wedding photos. Let Shoso design a stunning Ikebana style wedding bouquet that will enhance your dress and add a touch of originality and elegance to your special day.
Shoso has over 20 years experience in the Japanese art of Ikebana and he is one of Australia's top floral designers. Each creation is a one off work of art that will lift your wedding above the ordinary. Each flower is individually wrapped with wet cotton and wired to create a light, easy to carry bouquet that will stay fresh for your whole day.
Shoso's meticulous attention to detail and his eye for line and colour will ensure that your flowers are a memorable addition to your wedding rather than just a throw away bunch of flowers with a pretty ribbon.
Sit down with Shoso and discuss your ideas or leave it up to him and be amazed at his creative genius.
Bouquets for brides and bridesmaids to suit any budget.
Table Arrangements and other floral displays also available.
About me
Shoso Shimbo is a certified teacher of Ikebana who is qualified to run certificate and teaching diploma courses in Sogetsu style Ikebana. He has over 20 years experience in Ikebana and studied under the late Sogetsu Head Master, Hiroshi Teshigahara, who is also known as an award wining film director.
Shoso was selected by belle magazine as one of “Australia’s top floral designers” and has won multiple awards including the Gold Award for floral display at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.
Shoso has BA and MA in Asian Philosophy and PhD in Education. He is a director of JAPEP and an adjunct research fellow at the Japanese Studies Centre, Monash University. He is currently undertaking a Master of Fine Art (Sculpture) at the Faculty of Art & Design, Monash University
Shoso was invited to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London and exhibited his work there in May 2009.
Name: Shoso
Last Name: Shimbo
Birth Place: Niigata, Japan
