Uplight vs. Slanting
Ikebana offers various structural approaches, with two fundamental designs—uplight design and slanting design—each creating distinct impressions. These styles guide the viewer’s eye and evoke different emotions. While both are dynamic, they express unique aspects of movement, energy, and expression.
Expression of Each Design
Uplight Design: Simple Yet Strong
Uplight design is effortlessly natural and balanced, making it easy to understand. The simplicity of the structure allows the details of individual flowers to stand out, highlighting their beauty and uniqueness. This style conveys:
Aspiration and clarity – The vertical movement reflects growth and openness, creating a feeling of elevation.
Elegance and effortlessness – A refined yet natural composition that exudes grace.
Strength and presence – Even with minimal elements, the design commands attention with its simple yet powerful structure.
Slanting Design: Intentional and Dynamic
Slanting design embraces flowing movement, creating a stylised and expressive impression. The lines lean at an angle, often extending outward in a diagonal motion. This style conveys:
Movement and dynamism – The slanted form suggests motion, as if responding to the natural flow of wind and gravity.
Balance through asymmetry – By carefully positioning elements at an angle, the composition maintains harmony within a tilted asymmetrical design.
Intentional expression – Each placement is deliberate, shaping a more structured and contemporary visual effect.
Choosing the Shape: Upright or Slanting?
How to Choose Between Uplight or Slanting Designs
The first step in deciding between an uplight or slanting design is to carefully observe the characteristics of the flowers. Several factors influence this decision. For example:
Does the flower have a distinct shape or pattern that is visually striking enough to serve as the focal element in a simple, upright composition?
Or does it exhibit a sense of movement that would be best expressed through a more dynamic, slanting arrangement?
The choice ultimately depends on which qualities of the material you wish to emphasise, as both design approaches provide effective ways to showcase the natural beauty of the flowers.
Flowers used : Heliconia, Diffenbachia, Dracaena ( Florida Beauty), Cordyline, Syngonium
Steps of creation
Observe the Materials – Identify the natural characteristics of the flowers and determine their most distinctive feature.
Emphasise the Feature – If a flower has a strong shape, like heliconia, position it to highlight its bold and dynamic form. A clear, structured shape creates an edgy, impactful look. Conversely, if a flower has an intricate pattern, ensure it remains visible and appreciated in the design.
Determine the Main Line – Establish the primary structural stem that sets the direction of the design—either upright or slanting.
Balance with Secondary Elements – Arrange supporting branches or flowers to enhance movement and overall harmony within the composition.
Adjust and Refine – Maintain a clean outline to emphasize height. A slim, elongated shape enhances verticality, while a wider, square, or rectangular form provides stability but does not emphasize height or a tilted angle. Adjust the outline to suit your intended expression.
Finish Off – In ikebana, a leaf or flat-shaped flower is often used as Neshime (a finishing element) to maintain balance and conceal any overlapping stems at the base. However, Neshime is not always necessary—if the stems are naturally neat and well-composed, leaving them exposed can further enhance the sense of height.
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