“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.”
Some images are kindred spirits, they relate and respond to one another in a way similar to how body language communicates between two people. It’s chemical, mineral, visual. It’s couplings. - b.
Have I mentioned that I was part of an art show recently? Yeah? Maybe six or seven time. Well today you finally get to see what I've been up to! I was honored to be included among some truly amazing artists at the URBN 543 Gallery. The focus of the show was mother nature and our many interpretations on that theme. For my part I chose to focus on, what else, but flower arrangements.
I relied heavily on my love of Dutch Master Paintings and post-impression era painters like Cezanne and Renoir for inspiration on composition, technique and subject matter. You can read a little more about my inspiration here.
In all I completed 5 pieces ranging in scale, from the petite 9x12 to the more expansive 18 x 24. Each work consists of multiple original paintings disassembled and reassembled into an entirely new composition. The act of assembling and disassembling multiple works freed me to to create imaginary floral designs and still life settings with a 3D, almost relief sculpture, finished feel. I was in essence creating my own vision of realty with each work.
It's been almost 4 years since I last fully realized a body of work with one consistent theme and focus. It was a lot of handwork but I'm proud of the finished product, and it was thrilling to see my work in a gallery for the first time since college. I hope it won't be the last. - b.
Is there anything more beautiful than a bouquet of flowers that reflects perfectly the season at hand? There's something so invigorating about their presence in a room, like suddenly the sweetest, happiest friend you know has showed up and it instantly lifts your spirits. I had all these things in mind (and more) when I created these wildflower-inspired arrangements for Maddie's bra making workshop 2 weekends ago.
The bouquets included a mix of queen anne's lace, white roses, sunflowers, berry branches, solidago, mini coin greens, red dianthus, and pink stock to name a few. The palette matched the occasion perfectly as you'll see below:
Maddie is by far the hardest working person I know. Not only does she hold down a full-time job, but she also blogs full-time and is so passionate about teaching that in her "spare time" she teaches sewing lessons and gives these workshops. How amongst all of that she has time for friends like me, who beg and plead with her to let them be a part of this, is beyond me. Superwoman deserves to be surrounded by really pretty things so with each event I try to deliver more and more beautiful blooms to match the surroundings.
I feel so lucky to be a part of events that celebrate the amazing talents of so many people. In recognition of that fact, here's a list of everyone who helped make Maddie's workshop possible:
Catering: New Old Fashioned
Photography: Jessica Maida Photography
Chocolates (for swag bag): John and Kira’s Chocolates
Bra notions: Bra Making Supplies by Arte Crafts
Bra Fabric: Tailor Made Shop
Signage: Meredith Langer
Mini Herbal Workshop: The Parlour
Lingerie Discount (for swag bag): Dear Kate.
See more from the bra making workshop on Madalynne or follow along on Maddie's workshop adventures via Instagram: #bramakingwithmadalynne - b.