Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what makes your creative profession so enjoyable?
My name is Melissa Smedes; I’m 26 years old and I reside in Harkema, Friesland in the north of the Netherlands. Living in a small town close to nature means a lot to me. It is a quiet area, surrounded by meadows and forests.
I pursued studies in Flower & Design at Terra MBO Groningen. For the past five years, I’ve officially been working in a flower shop. Besides my daily work, I also participate in floral artistry competitions. In essence, these competitions involve creating art that you won’t find in regular flower shops. Competitions give me the chance to truly express myself and craft intricate arrangements on a grand scale, using the most beautiful flowers. I find these contests enjoyable because they allow me to channel my creativity, and I thrive on the challenge they provide alongside my work in the shop.
The Essence of floral artistry
Floral artistry is about creating art using flowers and other creative materials. It’s a discipline that exists alongside traditional floristry. It’s not widely known, and many people aren’t familiar with it. In floral artistry, you often work with large frames and structures where you place the flowers. This involves using materials like wire, iron, rope, beads, and more.
Tools for floral artistry
The tools I use include pruning shears, wire cutters, all-purpose snips, a small knife and round-tip pliers.
Most Commonly Used Flowers in Floral Artistry
During competitions, I often work with unique flowers like gloriosa, orchids, craspedia, and clematis.The Greatest Challenge in Floral Arrangement for me is in participating in competitions. That’s where I truly find the thrill and excitement.
I don’t have just one favorite flower because there are so many beautiful and unique varieties. However, I’m particularly drawn to tropical flowers. Their distinct shapes and vibrant colors captivate me.
Current Endeavors: The World Cup - Floristry Competition
At the moment, my world is abuzz with preparations for the Interflora World Cup in Manchester.
I’ve received three assignments to prepare at home, which I’ll later complete in England within a set timeframe. The challenge is not just about the creative aspect, but also about transporting everything to England, including the structures and flowers, given the complexities post-Brexit.
