Diane Norman runs a school of Ikebana from a studio in the grounds of her Hampshire home where she runs day classes and courses, and residential workshops are available throughout the year. Her studio is set in idyllic English surroundings at Harbridge Green, near Fordingbridge. Through kingcup meadows and cow parsley strewn lanes, Di has set up her Japanese studio, a converted cart shed, overlooking tranquil water meadows.
The binding of the two cultures makes this experience unique.
Di is now a sub Grand Mastersub Grand Master in the Ohara School of Ikebana. When she first became a Master she was awarded the Japanese Flower name of Hosei which means 'abundant sincerity'. Recently she was honoured by the school in Japan and was given a higher Master ranking. She is a member of Ikebana International, European Ohara Teachers Association and the England Chapter of the Ohara School.
Di is also the president of an official study group linked to the main school and is a member of the European Ohara teachers association.
Demonstrations and lectures on Ikebana are undertaken by Di all over the country. She has held demonstrations and workshops in the Japan Room at the V&A. She recently produced the Moon Arrangements for the Tea House at the opening of the newly renovated Japanese Gardens at Kingston Lacey in Dorset.
Di's first book, published by Conran, was re-published in paperback in June 2007. It has seven co-editions and is printed in five languages, the latest being in Eastonian! A trip to New York saw her signing books in the flagship Rizzloi bookshop off Broadway. At the moment she is writing her second book.