Once upon a time, flowers were not considered art. They were the inspiration for paintings, medicinal ingredients, or the maskers of odor - but they were not themselves art.
Vase of Flowers, by Jan Davidsz de Heem. 1670
Times have changed. In fact, I would argue that flowers have become another medium of Fine Art sculpture. And I approach my work as a floral designer as a work of fine art.
Each variety of flower or foliage possesses a unique structure and capability to enhance the meaning and intensity of an overall composition.
Petit flower box inspired by Catherine Muller's concept class in Paris.
Look at The De Young Museum's "Bouquets to Art," The Philadelphia Flower Show, or any of AIFD's Symposium presentations and you'll see that this is true.
Bike towers at the 2017 PHS Flower Show
For years, I have been fascinated by the Victorian's Secret Language of Flowers, in which every plant had a specific meaning. A special pleasure of mine is to add sprigs of ivy to wedding bouquets and boutonnieres, knowing that ivy symbolizes loyalty and fidelity.
Ivy overload bouquet inspired by Catherine Muller in Paris.
I believe that in this "age of mechanical reproduction" we are thirsting to reconnect with our roots, with the primal call to the wild. I know I am not alone (What happened to Traditional Floral Bouquets? by Robin Stein).
Call to the Wild bouquet inspired by Catherine Muller in Paris.
My luxury centerpieces are infused with the aura of pods, vines and Poke Berry, the most invasive of weeds. The textures of the uncommon and ephemeral elements of the moment inspire and motivate my art.
Wedding centerpiece
It is impossible to become bored when you're working with nature - before you blink the mood can change and the season is new.
Plein Air painting at AHS River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia.
Next Week: Please join me as I travel to the Dominican Republic for Part I of an island styled shoot!