Floral artisans compete for top honours

Floral artisans compete for top honours at Ellerslie

In the world of floral art the term “arrangements” is well and truly outdated, which is why you won’t hear it when you enter the Floral Art Marquee at the Ellerslie International Flower Show.

According to Canterbury Area representative of the Floral Art Society of New Zealand, Heather Sibley, floral art is about design not flower arranging and is attracting an ever increasing number of followers.

“This year’s entries into the Ellerslie competition are evidence of floral art’s growing popularity,” Heather says.

“The Canterbury Area is made up of eight clubs including Hokitika and Cheviot, and represents 12 entries in the individual category of this year’s Floral Art competition.

“Ellerslie is a tremendous opportunity for members to showcase their work and to demonstrate that the practice has evolved into an art which is judged according to criteria similar to many other more well-known art forms,” she says.

“While entrants will be looking to be as original as possible, they must take into account they’ll be judged according to design, use of colour, expression and suitability, distinctiveness and originality, condition and finish.

“This year’s Moment in Time theme is open so the challenge will be for entrants to pin it down to something that they can place a title on,” Heather says.

Winner of last year’s Supreme Award with The Last Samurai, Jenny Harris says floral art is a hobby that appeals to a wider age range than many people may at first believe.

“We have members in their late 20s right through to 80-plus, which is why we need to cater for all ages and all experiences It’s a very supportive hobby and many women take it up to meet others, which is why it’s particularly good for young mothers; it becomes a social and recreational hobby at the same time,” she says.

With more than 20 years’ floral art experience and numerous awards under her belt, Jenny is well versed in how the world of floral art has evolved and continues to do so.

“We are trend followers. As with many art forms, we take note of what happens to be in fashion whether it’s colour, style or the mechanics of floral art. We take note and reflect that in our designs.

“Some designs may not even have a flower in them, which is something we hear quite often from people who don’t know much about floral art; that’s why participation in Ellerslie is such a fantastic opportunity for our members to showcase what they’re achieving.

“And I like to think that we’re a nation of ‘DIY Kiwi women’; we like to create as opposed to purchase ready-made creations, which is why so many more women are getting involved in floral art,” Jenny says.

While continental Europe and Japanese floral art designers are said to be at the forefront, New Zealand is producing world-class designers says Heather who, along with Jenny and other local designers, travel quite extensively to learn more and to show their work.

“Membership of the Floral Art Society allows us to participate throughout the world in competitions, as well as the annual national competition,” Heather says.

“Ellerslie is an additional competition, which is why we’re thrilled to have it here in Christchurch. Last year’s Show was a first for many of our designers, so this year is another exciting opportunity to show the people of Christchurch and the judges what amazing things we’re achieving.

“When you start participating in floral art you seem to get new eyes; you see everything as potentially being part of the creative process, such as the environment, paintings, sculptures and photographs. You look at things differently.

“I’m much more aware of the changes in season, such as the bare branches of winter and the colours of autumn, which I hope to reflect through my designs. Furthermore, competition sharpens one’s creativity which is why it’s a great challenge to participate in competitions like Ellerslie,” she says.

When asked to reveal any hints about her entry for this year’s competition, Heather quietly replied: “simplicity is often the key and innovation is important”.

A total of 14 entries make up this year’s Individual Floral Art category, which will each be a 1.5m x 1.5m design. There are more than 40 exhibits in the floral art category.

ENDS

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