Training and Qualifications
- Komon Degree teacher: Sogetsu School, Japan.
- Teacher/mentor: the late Theresa Feile from 2001-2016.
- Master Instructors: Ms Akane Teshigahara, Mr Yoshiro Umemura, Mr Tetsunori Kawana, Mr Ken Katayama, Ms Yoka Hasona, Ms Fumiko Morikawa, the late Mr Toshiyuki Ohki.
Affiliations
- Sogetsu Teachers Association (STA), Japan
- Ikebana International, Japan
- Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Vic Branch
- Ikebana International, Melbourne Chapter 29
Publications
- “Ikebana- A Global Phenomenon”, International Journal of Ikebana Studies, Vol 3. Kyoto 2015
- “Poetical Ikebana”, Stichting Kunstboek, Belgium, 2015
- “Whispering Flowers”, Stichting Kunstboek, Belgium, 2014
Workshops
- Five Elements and Ikebana
- Haiku and Ikebana
- Four Masters- Four Signatures
- Wabi Sabi and Ikebana
Testimonials
“I’d like to congratulate you on very well done workshop! It was as always interesting informative, very well in the spirit of ikebana and Japanese culture. The critic was very helpful and well thought of. I am happy you belong to our group and we all learn from you so much from all your workshops. Thank you!!!”
Toula Karanikolopoulos
“I always enjoy Lara's arrangements, which are a testament to her emotions and show how her mind works. It was no surprise then, that when I attended Lara's workshop it was very enjoyable and thought provoking. She took the time to research the topics of the workshop, and was therefore better able to explain the thought process she followed as she put her arrangements together to demonstrate for us. The level of detail in her corrections was also excellent and very much appreciated. I look forward to future workshops and can't wait for her to return from her scholarship to Japan, with all of her new knowledge and experience.”
Betty Karanikolopoulos
“In Lara’s Wabi Sabi workshop she conveyed a deep knowledge of the subject in the context of ikebana and Japanese beliefs. Her demonstrated ikebana examples aided our understanding of this philosophy and inspired us to create. Lara’s critique of our work was generous, constructive and exacting, creating profound learning for one and all. An exceptional experience, thanks Lara.”
Margaret Wilson
“I attended all four of the Sogetsu workshops that were run by Lara Telford. Lara chose themes that were different, interesting and challenging – Five Elements, Haiku poems, Four Iemotos-Four Handwritings and Wabi Sabi and Ikebana. She, clearly, devoted a great deal of time in research and preparation, because she explained each theme very well, helping us all to understand it a little better. Lara's critique and correction was thorough and to the point. I, like most others, felt that my arrangement was improved by her correction. After each of Lara's workshops, I felt I learnt something new, leaving with a feeling of satisfaction.”
Emily Karanikolopoulos
"I have always felt encouraged by Lara to study the form and space of ikebana. Her enthusiasm and passion shows in her commitment to community and art being expressed through her ikebana. Lara's quiet, grounded and humble method of teaching is beautiful, knowledgeable, clever, artistic and kind."
Fiona McLean
“In 2010 I started in Lara’s delightful ikebana classes. Invariably I finish classes relaxed & happy, enthusiastic & keen to continue. Lara is a charming, amazingly creative & professional coach. She demonstrates considerable knowledge of ikebana & skill in its execution. Her teaching includes hands on, individual instruction and is supported by demonstrations of the technical requirements and potential use of even the most humble material. The varied level of participating students also provides inspiration, encouragement and a sense of the possibilities ahead.”
Beverley Webster
“Having an Ikebana lesson with Lara Telford is a real highlight. It's always very gentle, & soothing. You come away from a lesson feeling you have achieved something. For that one and a half- two hours you are transported away to another world.”
Trish Ward
“I enjoy Ikebana classes with Lara. She is dedicated to Ikebana, to the world of flowers, and to Nature. Beyond that, she is in love with the Japanese people and their culture as indeed I am. She is kind, thoughtful and supportive to all of her students. Lara is indeed an inspiring teacher, demonstrating design and technique with skill and flair but always allowing students to express their own creativity.”
Barbara de Vries