José Juico is gifted in the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging known as “Ikebana.” The word “ikebana” means Living Flowers or Bringing Flowers to Life.

José has been practicing Ikebana for 15 years. He is a 4th degree Master of the Ohara school and a “Junkakyo” instructor 3rd grade in the Ikenobo school.

Ikebana is the arranging of cut natural materials (flowers, branches and leaves). Before doing the actual arranging, one must first prepare or condition the materials in order to extend their life in a man-made vessel or container.

Once the materials are conditioned, composition can begin. Ikebana is a discipline based on a minimalist approach. It seeks to show the beauty of the flower, branch and leaf without any one element competing with the other. José brings an added dimension to his arrangements by growing many of the plants he uses in his compositions.

The mechanics of assembling materials are another key factor in this art. The basic tools are: vessel, ken zan (needle- point frog) and clippers. If the mechanics and composition are carried out according to the basic principles of Ikebana, the result should be an arrangement of sculpted elegance.