MY STYLE
HOW I CAME TO MY style OF FLOWERS.
It starts in my garden, which really is a modest city size plot. I say modest as it has no glorious views over countryside, or church spires or fields of sheep grazing. It really is simple but gives me everything I need. In more ways than flowers. My gardens over my life have been a place of comfort, calming and nurturing. Especially at times in life when I have found it hard to feel safe or relaxed otherwise. Time in my garden settles me, and gives me space to dream and come back to myself.
Because I have always grown flowers for myself, in truth I have rarely had traditional “commercial florist” flowers. When I have, although I so love the thought that they have been sent with, I have always felt disappointed with how tight and restricted they have felt. Or unnatural in their feel. So, to really love the flowers I had for myself, I always have picked from my own garden.
When I then studied floristry formally here in Christchurch for a year full time, yes it was a joy. However, I still felt uncomfortable and restricted by the formal style that was taught.
There felt a disconnect from gardens and nature, that in truth really rather upset me. Although I conformed as best I could, I knew in my heart that I was going to take the best of what I was learning and make it my own. I was led by the inspiration I felt from nature and incredible florists and artists from around the world. The writing and flowers of Constance Spry, the original foraging florist. Also, a remarkable group of British florists who resonate for their respect for gardens, seasonality, and sustainability. Some from further afield in Europe and the US and Mexico. Yes, there are wonderful New Zealand florists and artists I absolutely love too. I mention all these because what inspires me is not limited to here or now.
You may notice I love colour, and the subtleties of gathering a palette. I love swoops, tendrils, dancing movement and am not averse to a dramatic flourish! To my eye a garden is about all of these, and embracing the seasons, with each having its own treasures.
Perhaps because although I hesitate to call myself an artist (I feel more comfortable with florist) I still am always inspired by art, and colour. Last year I went to an exhibition of the art of Frances Hodgkins, and was so inspired by the way she used colour, the muted tones and palettes, that to my eye are not often seen now. I especially love the colours from Charleston House in the UK too, a copy of a book about it has been one of my most treasured books for decades. And the colours of 1940s clothes, textiles, and interiors…swoon!
History and antiques have always been a part of my life too, I started collecting as a teenager. I think all of these are interests that influence my style. A lovely Instagram follower once commented that my flowers always feel like they have come from a Jane Austen novel. As you may guess I rather liked that!
At the heart of my flowers is seasonality, sustainability, gardens, exquisite details, the swoop of a stem and a reverence for nature.
I will be sharing more of what is inspiring me, what is coming into season in my garden, and special favourite photographs in my newsletter. I’d love you to join receiving it. And if you’re inspired to find out more about creating with me, do pop me a note through the contact form. I’d love to send you details for you to find out what options there are, and what is possible.
Kindest wishes always,
Katherine Xx
“Every hedgerow and field, every garden, little or big, every street barrow, flower shop window, holds the material of your art. Your imagination is fired and feeds on things that perhaps before you’d never noticed.”
CONSTANCE SPRY