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We passed the hues of the last sunset of 2013 and its colours transcended to first dawn of 2014.  Arts & Education  continues on the path of artistic stimulation, constant discoveries and a creative journey. We would like to take this opportunity to showcase the editor's picks for the year, and to thank our readers for their continued support. Wish you all a blessed 2014. ❏ Intarsia - Painting with wood The atmosphere under the crisp Caribbean sunshine at Barbados Crop Over craft market was reminiscent of fun and frolic. Tucked away from the excitement, Mario Smith displayed the intarsia art he creates. Necessity is the mother of all invention, it is said, and Smith, who worked as a joiner - making doors, windows, and kitchen cupboards - had to stay home after his son was born. ❏ Art of Sushi - The edible Zen garden It's as austere as its land of origin, yet complex and intriguing, pressed, meticulously laid out, rolled and neatl...

“Ikebana can be done anywhere by anyone. There are no national or ethnic boundaries. Like flowing water or drifting clouds, Ikebana spreads throughout the world ... ,” is a petal from the diary of Kadensho, The Book of Flowers by Sofu Teshigahara, the first Iemoto, or grand master of the Sogetsu School, who is credited with revolutionising Ikebana, the traditional Japanese flower arranging. Like the whiff of fresh flowers or the timeless beauty of nature, Teshigahara’s words and craft have transcended boundaries over the years. “Ikebana is traditional, but not bound by traditions,” says Joy Jones, head of Sogetsu School in Jamaica. “The rules are benchmarks but not binding,” Jones added. “It is up to the interpretation and the creative acumen of the person. Practise with scenes around you and the materials available to you.” Ikebana, which literally means living flower, like all time-honoured traditions of Japan, is not the regular flower arrangement. It is bound by rules, work ...