Marlis Vogt (left) is attending an Ikebana course with Ursula Altenbach.
Text and Photos: Gallus Bucher. Article by: Wochen-Zeitung
On Friday, May 19, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Ursula Altenbach will open her art gallery at Dorfstrasse 10 in Gersau. As a freelance artist, she works in the spacious studio and exhibits her works. The trained Ikebana teacher gives lessons in Ikebana, the artful arrangement of flowers.
Since the beginning of May 2017, Ursula Altenbach has been working as a freelance artist at Dorfstrasse 10 in Gersau. After spending many years in various countries, the artist moved to Gersau this year. She is pleased to present her work to the local community on Friday, May 19, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Way of Flowers
Ikebana means the way of flowers. It is a traditional Japanese art form that aims to draw the viewer’s attention to floral arrangements. In the past, this art was practiced by Japanese monks. To preserve and pass on this tradition, the Sogetsu School was founded in 1927. Ursula Altenbach discovered Ikebana in Denmark.
She attended courses in Japan and later led the Sogetsu Ikebana School as Vice Director in São Paulo, Brazil. The materials used in Ikebana are diverse—plants, wood, metal, paper, plastic, and more. When combined, they can create a unique effect. Today, Ursula Altenbach offers Ikebana courses in Gersau. Both adults and children aged 10 and up can learn this creative art form.
The artist Ursula Altenbach paints acrylic works, including pieces depicting her former home, India. She has exhibited her art in numerous shows across different countries.
Since moving to Gersau, she has been painting mountains using the Nankin technique. With a black inkstone and a brush, she applies the color to paper. This has resulted in various mountain peaks from the surrounding area being portrayed, such as the Mythen, Niederbauen, Schwalmis, Stanserhorn, Pilatus, and others.