Written By – Joseph Scaglione
Mika Plant Shop located on 1593 Dundas Street in Toronto, close to the famous Lula Lounge, is owned by Hiroshima born Mika Sato. Mika grew up surrounded by endless inspirational nature. While in Japan, she studied the floral art of Ikebana, which influenced her design, style, and aesthetic.
Ikebana is a focused style; sparse and deliberate in construction. The style is grounded in ancient Japanese polytheism and Buddhist traditions. Ikebana expands appreciation of beauty and encourages the practitioner to find beauty in everything. The goal of the craft, according to 69-year-old artist Toshiro Kawase, is to see “the whole universe contained in a single flower.”
Ikebana is going through a revival period, pushed by flower shops like Mika. Flower arrangement is a practice unifying humans and the natural world, where humans discover beauty in the simplicity of nature. It is reflective of the times; a hard-wired connection to nature with awareness of environmental erosion. Emphasis is on the brevity and imperfection of life, fundamental to Ikebana, but less so in Western arrangements, which Mika studied when she moved to Canada in 1997. She travelled and learned new styles and techniques in Europe, South East Asia, and North America. One of Mika’s fondest memories is working in a contemporary flower shop in Amsterdam.
In 2010, Mika registered for pottery classes with experienced potters in Toronto and Hiroshima. She’s improved her skills working independently at local studios. Ikebana is infused in her pottery which incorporates Earth elements such as shells, seeds, and corals to create one of a kind vessels. Perhaps her most beautiful work comes in the form of elegant “Jellyfish Potters.” Her style is aesthetically pleasing and functional. A unique blend of hand built and wheel thrown pottery and floral elements.
In 2010, Mika registered for pottery classes with experienced potters in Toronto and Hiroshima. She’s improved her skills working independently at local studios. Ikebana is infused in her pottery which incorporates Earth elements such as shells, seeds, and corals to create one of a kind vessels. Perhaps her most beautiful work comes in the form of elegant “Jellyfish Potters.” Her style is aesthetically pleasing and functional. A unique blend of hand built and wheel thrown pottery and floral elements.
Mika grows her own botanicals and locally sources others. Along with orchids, succulents, and air plants, found elements such as lichens, moss, and branches are added to create unique terrariums and planters. Her store is the perfect place to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon without having to travel to a park. A little bit of spring on a cold winter day. Mika looks forward to seeing you soon!