We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natsumi Laske. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natsumi below.
Natsumi, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I believe that I inherited my work ethic largely from my parents.
My father ran an orthopedic clinic in a rural area of Japan where my mother also helped for many years. My father often told me and my three siblings, “Always be there for the patient, and do everything you can to help them heal.” It’s not just about looking at patients and providing medical treatment, as every patient has unseen circumstances, so we need to try to be as close to them as possible and heal their emotional wounds as well as physical. This holistic approach was the basis for his success and that of his patients.
I have watched my father and mother work ever since I was little, and I was always impressed by how hard they worked. The way they contributed to local medical care and the community had a great influence on me and supports my current work philosophy.
I was born in Japan and studied to be a pharmacist. I worked as a pharmacist, but 35 years ago I met my American spouse in Japan and decided to come to the United States.
At the same time as I worked as a medical interpreter to be close to patients, I continued my study of ‘Ikebana’ flower arrangement (Japan’s traditional art of flower arrangement), which I had been doing since I was young. Recently, at the invitation of my teacher, I decided to become more professionally involved in ikebana.
I have always believed, and it is also my own experience, that plants and flowers have the power to heal the hearts of hurting people. I believe that flowers have the power to give people hope when they are sad or depressed, and to feel the fragility and wonder of life when they view, feel, and smell them.
By enhancing life with flowers, I hope that my work will touch the hearts of those who see it and lead to some kind of emotional healing, which I learned from my parents. I believe that such healing is universal across generations and geography.
Currently, I conduct ikebana classes and installations for client office and retail locations.
I work seriously and always try to be close to the hearts of my students and customers. Unfortunately my father recently passed away and I hope that I can live up to the example set by him and my mother.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
First of all, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity.
I am an artist creating work using flowers, plants and other materials. Japan has a traditional cultural art of flower arrangement called ikebana. It is said that around 600-700 years ago, fresh flowers were developed as flowers to be offered on Buddhist altars. There are hundreds of schools, but I have been practicing in the Sogetsu school for more than 20 years.
The Sogetsu School will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.
In the long history of ikebana, the Sogetsu style can be said to be relatively young. In that sense, the beliefs of the Sogetsu style suited me. The school’s philosophy is to “value tradition, but also develop individuality and creativity.” It is an art form that is constantly evolving and does not fit into a particular mold.
Sogetsu’s slogan is “Anytime, anywhere, for anyone, and using any materials.” In other words, flower arrangement can be done by anyone, anywhere, and with any kind of materials. Freedom is the key to a person’s expression. This idea of respecting the individual is what I feel fits me perfectly, especially when I moved to America.
Sogetsu also says, “Flowers become human in ikebana.” I believe that this means that arranging flowers is expressing the shape of your heart. No two are the same and each has its own meaning. Sometimes, I feel that the arrangements that I create, especially when I am busy or stressed, somehow reflect that stress. I think that my work is a mirror that reflects my heart, and for me, ikebana is serious work (that I greatly enjoy).
I also participate in and conduct a variety of workshops and flower arrangement exhibitions.
Most recently, the Sogetsu Los Angeles branch, to which I belong, exhibited over 40 works at the Hollyhock House, a UNESCO cultural heritage site in Los Angeles designed by Frank Lloyd Write. It’s a wonderful place, and I’m grateful to have been able to display work that combines ikebana and contemporary American architecture to reflect on the past and create for the future.
In addition to that, I also regularly provide ikebana arrangements for retailers, offices and events. I especially enjoy creating work for people to experience and potentially pique their interest in ikebana.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
If I were to point out three important points,
1. It is important to have a balance between respect for history and tradition and an open mind to challenge new ideas and different perspectives..
Learning the basics of ikebana from books/masters is very important, but to find your style or your purpose is equally important. Don’t be afraid to express yourself through ikebana.
2. Be curious about various materials and have the courage to try using them.
The Sogetsu style actively incorporates unconventional materials. Ikebana is not just flowers and branches. You can expand your sensibilities, such as using everyday kitchen products or car parts, etc.
3. Nature is beautiful, but try to use naturally occurring plants to create a different kind of beauty rather than imitation.
Flowers and plants are beautiful even if you do nothing with them. But I believe that ikebana is the act of using materials to create something different and beautiful. Always try to live your life with curiosity and awareness to help hone your sensibilities.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My family and teacher helped me to pursue a successful career in ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement).
My spouse has been very understanding and supportive. He works in his own business and has worked from home for the past 25 years. I have worked side by side with him and have gained some knowledge of business and marketing that I apply to the business side of my ikebana work.
My ikebana teacher also gives me constant support and inspiration. Her expert guidance continues, and her selfless approach and seemingly boundless energy inspires me to get better every day.
I appreciate all of the people around me, including my students, clients and teacher but especially my family.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flowerandbranch.com
- Instagram: natsumi_flowers
- Facebook: Flower & Branch
- Yelp: Flower & Branch
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