July’s Theme - Inspiration
It feels surreal to be marking my fourth year in the enchanting realm of ‘doing flowers’.
This immersion has been an incredible journey that has not only deepened my knowledge and proficiency but also profoundly shaped the way I perceive inspiration. Which is why I’ve chosen it as this month’s theme.
Inspiration, without a doubt, is a complicated thing. It is not a single source or a simple equation that can be easily defined. It is a multifaceted and ever-evolving force that propels us forward.
When I first started on this path, my inspiration came from the sheer beauty and enchantment of the flowers themselves. The vibrant colours, delicate petals, and intoxicating scents filled me with awe and wonder. Each blossom seemed like a magical creation, and I couldn't help but feel connected to something greater than myself.
But as time went on and my journey in the flower world progressed, I realized that my inspiration went beyond mere aesthetics. It wasn't just about the final product or the visual impact. It was about the stories hidden within each bloom, the emotions they evoked, and the messages they conveyed.
I discovered that my deepest inspiration came from the interactions and connections I made with people through flowers. Whether it was designing floral arrangements for a wedding, creating a bouquet to uplift someone's spirits, or simply sharing my knowledge and passion with others, the human element of my work became an integral part of my inspiration.
But inspiration, like anything in life, can ebb and flow. There are days when I feel drained, devoid of any creative energy. During such times, I have learned to step back, take a break, and seek new experiences. I immerse myself in nature, visit botanical gardens, read books on floral artistry, or even explore other artistic mediums.
In these moments of revitalisation, I rediscover the essence of what drew me to flowers in the first place. I reconnect with the beauty of the natural world, the intricate patterns and designs found in the smallest petals, the way flowers respond to sunlight and seasons. And slowly, my inspiration is rekindled, fueled by the wonders that surround me.
Moreover, I have come to realise that inspiration can also be found in unexpected places. It can be found in a meaningful conversation with a stranger, a piece of artwork, a bustling market, or a serendipitous encounter with a rare flower. By opening myself up to new experiences and allowing myself to be present in the world, I am constantly surprised by the wellspring of inspiration that flows into my life.
So, to answer the question of what encourages and continues to inspire me…
Is it because I enjoy producing something instantaneously, using ever changing & living ingredients?
Or that I love observing the earth’s creations and what is naturally produced all around us?
Or maybe that I enjoy working with the mesmerising & playful qualities of different flower varieties?
Unless it’s simply the variety of the day to day, the mixed briefs and the shifting seasons that keeps me engaged and inspired?
I think it’s a multilayered answer.
A combination of many factors that have allowed me to stick within this career and role, rather longer than I’ve stuck in any other.
The more I learn, the more I want to know. The more I develop new skills, the more skills I want to master. In a way it’s almost like an addiction to a creative medium that I know I’ll never complete, but wish to learn the most I can about.
All this leads into the question… how do we maintain, build and collect inspiration, so that we can continue to create.
Some of my favourite ways to feel inspired:
Allow myself time to play with no set agenda, ideally on a weekly basis. No need anything too big or long, and it can reuse ingredients from another brief or project.
Spend as much time as possible in the natural world. This could be visiting flower farms, out walking, or whilst exploring a new place.
Immerse yourself by spending time with others in the floral space. Attend a workshop, freelance for someone new, or grab a drink with someone in your area. Shared interests always ignite a spark.
Write a list (typically this can be found on my rambled phone notes) of all the colours, textures, ideas and methods I wish to explore. This means when I’m blocked, I can simply pick up on a train of thought from another day to see where it goes without worrying I might forget about it.
Communicate with others about what is inspiring them at the moment. They don’t need to be from the same industry as you. It can be refreshing to hear some completely new perspectives.
If you sign up to our monthly Bryonia HQ updates, you’re set to receive next month’s focus first.
Hope to see you there,
Jenna x
