Alee Lee on Life Journey and learning through failure
From Hon Ikebana Studio / HIS in London, Alee Lee reflects on Life Journey, an arrangement made with aspidistra and white erica.
Man Hon Alee Lee, London, United Kingdom · Words by Flower Club International · 28 September 2026
Man Hon Alee Lee is based in London, United Kingdom, and is developing Hon Ikebana Studio / HIS (本 生け花 スタジオ). For this Arrangement of the Week, Alee shares the thinking behind Life Journey.
Tell us a little about you and your relationship with flowers.
To me, flowers are supermodels on a runway. My role is to step back, let them shine, and allow their unique characters to speak to the audience.
How did you first begin arranging flowers?
A friend recently noticed this deep connection and encouraged my talent for floral design.
Can you tell us about an arrangement you’ve made recently that you particularly enjoyed?
Featured Work: Life Journey 1st photo
This piece reflects the story of our lives. The beginning was uneven and directionless—a tangle of uncertainty. But with time and patience, the path smoothed out as I learned where and how to truly connect each element.
It serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the start may be, staying the course with a positive spirit leads to meaningful growth. Keep moving forward, and light will always meet you at the end.
What materials did you use, and why did you choose them?
Floral Selection: We chose Aspidistra and white Erica for their form and flexible nature.
What was the idea or feeling behind the arrangement?
This piece reflects the story of our lives. The beginning was uneven and directionless—a tangle of uncertainty. But with time and patience, the path smoothed out as I learned where and how to truly connect each element.
Is there a technique, rule or habit that has had a big influence on the way you arrange?
Decomposition & Recomposition: Following the Sogetsu tradition, this theme invites us to deconstruct the materials so completely that the original form disappears into a brand-new creation.
What is something flowers have taught you?
Dialogue with the Flowers: Working with flowers taught me that communication is essential. Throughout the process, I engage in a silent, respectful dialogue with each stem.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become more confident making arrangements?
Resilience in Creation: Embrace failure and let it teach you. When you fall, pause to reflect on where you stumbled—then stand up, release the dust, and keep creating.
“Embrace failure and let it teach you.”