On seeking out the ordinary and unusual

“An artist is not special.  An artist is an ordinary person who can take ordinary things and make them special.” - Ruth Asawa (also an inspiration)

At this point you may have gathered that I work with flowers as a form of therapy. It feels good. I love all aspects of the process. But I will say that picking in the early morning as well as arranging are definitely my favorite. Regardless, something special comes into form. 

I don’t consider myself a florist, instead I identify (at least in this moment) as a floral artist. I grow flowers on my property here in Albuquerque to support this vocation. I’m able to surround myself with flowers, experiment and play with different varieties, colors and textures, and understand the nature of the plant by taking care of it and watching its entire life cycle.

Within this space I’m able to develop my comfort and expertise as a designer, experimenting in an ephemeral world. I find it most profound to be surrounded by the garden itself. It’s magical and anyone who visits notices this immediately. 

As I explore this relationship with flowers it heartens me to see there’s no limitation to what individuals can conceptualize and conceive and create with them. For example, look at the work of Wagner Kreusch. His autumn series completely inspired me. 

Another way to be inspired is on your next walk, either in your neighborhood, park, or wilderness keep an eye out for plants that catch your eye. It could be a weed, the way a tree branch seems to be moving, buds forming or dying back, just take a moment to take in the composition and the conversation that is happening with the plants themselves. How would you use one of these elements in an arrangement?

I have a collection of dried flowers and grasses from last year sitting in buckets on the front porch. Seeing as how every arrangement is an experiment in curiosity and play, I thought it would be a fun project to explore and share with you. This one was a bit tricky and stretched my approach. I know I have to work with dried materials more, it’s like working with lace when I’m used to heavy wool. Totally different. 

The ingredients:

• the seeding flower head of wild ramp

• dried iris

• icelandic poppy bud, petals long since dissolved and after a million seeds are shaken out

• grass seed from a muhlenbergia variety

• rough mule’s ear

• dried raspberry bud