About The Artist
Lily Karmatz was born in Malaysia and now lives and practices her art in Brisbane, Australia. She's a visual artist and also an Ikebana artist and teacher. She has taught Sogetsu Ikebana at the Brisbane Institute of Art, public venues and at her own studio for more than ten years. Ikebana is the ancient art of Japanese flower arrangement which resonates deeply today as the world becomes more environmentally aware and sensitive. Lily's extensive artistic experience, knowledge and teaching abilities are greatly in demand.
Not only is she an installation artist, Lily is also an accomplished painter, sculptor, ceramist and a mixed media artist. Her work is often ephemeral in nature and large in scale. A few of her Ikebana and installation works can be seen in the publications by an international publisher, Stichting Kunstboek, Belgium.
In her art practice, she also likes working with digital art. She has designed and produced brochures, promotional materials and digital art. Lily was also a monthly Ikebana lessons contributor for Floral Design Magazine (2004 - 2008) published in New Zealand and distributed internationally.
In 2008 and 2012, Lily was invited to North Carolina, USA, as Artist in Residence at Cary Art Centre. In 2011, she was selected as one of the Artists on Tour by Flying Arts. In 2010, she was invited as Artist in Residence for Eco Ephemeral Art, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland. During her residencies she created installations and conducted Ikebana art workshops for adults and children. Among her many activities, she is the Ikebana workshops facilitator.
For Lily, Ikebana is not just about beautiful flower arrangements in the house. Her philosophy is simple and direct: "Ikebana as an expressive art form is a disciplined combination of natural elements, human creativity and the constant perfecting of technique." As one student so aptly said, "Ikebana brings nature to my home environment. It's an art form that can be appreciated with the whole family."
Education
2005
Diploma in Fine Arts, Brisbane Institute of Art
2000
Certificate in Fine Arts, Brisbane Institute of Art
1995
Teacher Diploma, Sogetsu Ikebana certificate, Tokyo, Japan
Professional
1998-2012
Practicing artist, Ikebana teacher and workshops facilitator for children and adults. Commission works for ikebana displays/installations for offices and special events.
2004 -2008
Monthly Ikebana lesson contributor for Floral Design Magazine, published from New Zealand for International readers
Solo Exhibition
1998
Flower Paths in Time, Ikebana & ceramics exhibition, Gallery NONA, South Brisbane.
Selected group exhibitions
1995 - 2012
Sogetsu Ikebana Annual Exhibition, Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
2011
Bravo, installation art exhibition, Gallery NONA, Brisbane
2008
Toto, I Have the Feeling We're Not in Kansas Any More...
BIA Tutors' Exhibition, Gallery NONA, Brisbane
Flotsam & Jetsam, Ikebana, paintings & ceramics collaboration, Gallery NONA, Brisbane
2006
One Step Up, Gallery NONA, Brisbane
2005
Sunflowers in the City, Project Gallery, Griffith University, Brisbane
Award
2007
Chili dot com, winner of floral installation, Brisbane ABC Gardening Expo
2008
Tide of the Day, selected mixed media painting for the Art Award, Pine River Shire Gallery
2011
Overflow, assemblage sculpture, highly commended
Selected Professional Activities
2010
All Sorts and All Shorts, Ikebana displays and book cover design for Carindale Writer's Group book launch.
Eco Ephemeral Art, Artist in Residence at Minjerriba, North Stradbroke Island
Kids' Day Out, children hands on workshop, sponsored by Brisbane City Council, Mt.Coot- tha Botanic Gardens
2009
Bamboo Installations & Ikebana workshop, supported by Japan Consul and Brisbane City Council for the Japanese Garden 20th Anniversary Celebration, Mt. Coot- tha Japanese Garden
Balance,floral installation, Brisbane ABC Gardening Expo
Kid's Day Out, children Ikebana workshop sponsored by City Council, Mt.Coot-tha Japanese Garden
The Art of Ikebana, public talk and Ikebana demonstration for "Modern Times" exhibition, invitation by Brisbane State Library Queensland.
2008
Spring Daze, Artist in Residence invited by Cary Art Centre, North Carolina, USA
Kid's Day Out, children Ikebana workshop commissioned by City Council, Mt.Coot-tha Japanese Garden
2007
Lighting the Path to the Future, feature display sponsored byToowoomba City Council for Toowoomba Flower Carnival
2006
Lines & Vines, Ikebana feature display for the 14th Annual Pine River Shire
Art Award, commissioned by Pine Rivers Shire Council
Light at the End of Tunnel, bamboo installation feature display for Toowoomba Flower Carnival sponsored by Toowoomba City Council
2005
Fruit of the Loom, bamboo installation feature display for Toowoomba Flower Carnival sponsored by Toowoomba City Council
Older & Bolder, Ikebana workshops commissioned by Pine Rivers Shire Council
Publication
2007 - 2011
Selected Ikebana and installation works published by Stichting Kunsboek, Belgium
Ikebana through All Seasons
Contemporary Ikebana
Ikebana Today
International Floral Art 08-09
