Two award winning designers from the UK,  Sarah Horne and Jo Jarvis, share a vision of floral art that begins with a love of nature and  moves quickly outside the box with their gorgeous new book, “ Botanical Art: For Your Eyes Only”.   An article in Flower& magazine, August 2010 showcases their  beautifully printed, oversize hardcover volume which  includes creations ranging from home décor and gifts to wearable flower art.  Visit  www.3-5-8productions.co.uk to learn more!

According to a report released last year by the Center of Small Business at California Star University-Sacramento, California’s cut-flower industry has an annual impact of nearly 10.3 billion on the state, returning 92 cents of every dollar earned back into the California economy!

According to the study, cut flower growers in CA employ about 7500 people.  Overall, the state’s floral industry employs almost 15,000 people while generating billions in economic activity.

The research indicates that the expenditures of growers, wholesalers retailer and others affiliated with the industry create a ripple economy effect generating the equivalent of 121,950 full time jobs in CA , with a total of 3.3 billion in gross wages.  The report states, that without these jobs, number of unemployed in CA could rise as much as 12.5 percent.

The report points out the California’s cut flower industry’s achievements are particularly impressive due to the aggressive pricing of imports from other countries and wholesaler/retailer consolidation.

The full economic impact report and related facts can be found at www.ccfc.org.

Member Twig, www.twigboston.com has invited noted Santa Fe impressionist Joseph Breza to exhibit his remarkable work at their Charles St Location during the latter half of June 2010.

Joseph Breza is extremely accomplished, being exhibited and collected internationally.   Breza is known for his use of color and bold brushstroke in brillant Impressionistic landscapes, garden still lifes and scenes from France, Italy, and New Mexico.   Between 1984-1985, Joseph Breza studied under renowned artist Richard Goetz at the Art Students League, N.Y.

In His Own Words: “Each artist creates his own language in color. I consider color to be the foremost component of my painting. By laying down large fields and flattening them out in some areas, I can draw out strong planes of color from the image. I am always experimenting. Sometimes I lay down thin washes to catch the power of the idea more quickly. I like to observe the reflections on a pond in the Spring and Fall. Winter interests me because  the snow creates big, abstract areas. The more I get into the art, the more depth I find. The simplest idea, like Cezanne’s apples, is sometimes the most incredible.”

Also on display will be beautiful flowers, unique gift products.

Grayson Handy is the creative director of New York’s Prudence Designs and Events, www.prudencedesigns.net.

He is the co-author of a gorgeous new designer book. Flowers for the Home,
Inspirations from the World Over by Prudence Designs.

Showcased are 100 simple and stylish floral arrangements for both everyday and special occasions that have been shaped by Handy’s worldwide travels. These floral designs are inspired by cultures and traditions from such far-flung places as China, the tropical rain forest, the English countryside, and the American South.

Congratulations to member Bloomsbury Flowers in London, UK, www.bloomsburyflowers.co.uk!  Their elegantly rustic display fetched a Silver Medal at the Chelsea Flowers Show this month!!

Huzzah!!

Our member, Belle Fleur, NY, made us aware of this incredible event taking place in Brussels, Belgium. Every two years, they carpet the Grand Place with about 800,000 begonia blossoms, creating intricate designs evoking images ranging from archangels to the gardens of Versailles. This tradition has been taking place since 1971!  This year, a medieval carpet design was chosen for the display in the Grand Place, and in addition to the begonia blooms, they used grass for the beautiful greens and bark for the warm brown depth throughout.

For just three days and four nights only, lucky crowds will come to admire this exceptional and ephemeral creation. The best views can be found from the balcony of the Town Hall, which is open to the public every day, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

In addition to this famous and prestigious exhibition, ten carpets with a floral theme, generally of inestimable value, can be viewed in the public halls of the Grand place. In precious threads, rare designs and colors, these masterpieces expand one’s knowledge and satisfy the curiosity of those who come to see the famous flower carpet. They are exhibited by the internationally famous Maison Sadraee. A must-see for carpet collectors and enthusiasts everywhere!

This is definitely floral art taken to new heights! Can’t you just imagine the feel of this carpet underfoot?  If only we could order one for our home!