FLORAL ARTIST HAZEL GARDINER TALKS DRAWING ON WIDER INFLUENCES

“My intention is to convey a story, provoke a positive emotion.”

Since I was a young child I’ve had an innate fascination with the aesthetics of the world. My mum hasAt the beginning of my floral career, I knew I had to discover my own signature style. For me, this is the essence of truly rewarding creation. I previously owned a fashion retail and event business working with many brands including ASOS, Tatty Devine and Tate. All these past experiences have expanded my visual database. This translates into my work more akin to set design. I refer to myself as a floral artist, fusing dried, silk and even paper stems into my work. My intention is to convey a story, set a scene, provoke a positive emotion, whether working with a fashion brand, running a workshop or creating a wedding installation. Translating another’s overall vision and A client moodboard may contain a sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle, furniture by the Memphis Group or 19th century Sicilian cart art. I find inspiration everywhere, from the patina of a faded shop sign to a colossal historic garden. Try and resist your phone and take a good look out the window, it’s magical out there.