Local Art Walk

Denise Nguyen

Adhering to the traditional aesthetics of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement, my arrangements express simplicity and beauty. Combining seasonal blossoms and foliage with negative space creates a sense of tranquility and air flow. In wanting to create my own vases in which to display my Ikebana arrangements, I began to develop my skills in pottery. My handmade vases give an arrangement a personal, unique look. My studio is where I escape to find zen time to practice Ikebana or work on new pieces of pottery. Most of my work features a distinctly Asian element in either its construction or images. In particular, I am inspired by my culture, heritage, and the beauty of flora and fauna. My pottery is meant to be functional as well as artistic, as each piece is safe for dishwasher, microwave and oven, and uses lead-free glazes.