williamsons florist
There is something fascinating, rich, almost spiritual flowers. They embody beauty. And in the hands of a talented designer as Renà © van Rems, AIFD PFCI, become a living work of art.
Born in the Netherlands, and trained in Aalsmeer, Amsterdam and London, Renà © came to the U.S. as an exchange student in the seventies. Now living in California, in what he describes as a botanical garden, Renà © has become world famous one of their peers – recognized by many as an authority on European and American floral design. Its award-winning book, "Renà © 's Ramos, Guide to Euro-Style Hand-tied Bouquets, "is now in its second edition and has a five star rating on Amazon.com. One critic wrote: "We hope that the greatness of Renà © and this book delivers."
In a recent workshop, show design, and book signing, sponsored by Phillip Flowers & Gifts in the Chicago area, Renà © shared their art and passion with other local designers and students alike. His enthusiasm was infectious, his prolific talent and his love of flowers for inspiration.
Q: Like other great teachers, often emphasizing the fundamentals. For example, you discusses the design elements. What are they and how great designers incorporate them into your work?
A: The most important are color, texture, shape, form and line. The secret to great design is what you do with those variables. That's the most wonderful of all arts and design. If you understand the classic, then you can create something new. After all, even great chefs have to master the basics.
Q: What advice would you give those of us who are not experts in design of floral arrangements but enjoy at home or only the addition of flowers in our daily lives?
A: There are rules, but not stuck in them. Enjoy the pure beauty of the flowers and what they do for the spirit. Three amazing flowers in the suitable container can be a wonderful statement. Find what works for you and not be afraid to experiment.
Q: You mentioned that the flowers are a way of life in Europe, hosting the holiday gifts of fresh flowers displayed in many homes. Americans are gaining ground in lifestyle flowers?
A: My mother buys flowers every week for your home. Like many Europeans, that uses flowers to beautify your living space. The Americans use more flowers for gifts and special events, but I think all of these uses and more are merging today. With movies, magazines and the Internet, everyone is more in tune with design trends and lifestyles around the world.
Q: There are so many florists are prized in the U.S., but some are better than others. What to look for buyers to better detect local florists? What to look for?
A: Let me put in this way. I love a restaurant where the owner and chef are personally involved, where not only the food is wonderful, but the overall experience too. That's what they want in a florist. The flowers must be beautiful, but is also available to touch, smell and enjoy. They must be accessible, and staff should help customers feel comfortable. It is not just about flowers, but how it is presented and the overall experience.
Q: One of the programs has been very involved in is "Art Alive" – raising funds for museums to exhibit floral design to interpret and even complement the beautiful arts. Tell us more about that.
A: It's a fundraiser and a friend to raise funds that makes perfect sense, because the design Flower is an art, and great designers love to create with a theme or setting in mind. And, like art, flowers contact us in many ways – from the sensory to the spiritual. People get it, even people who know nothing about flowers. That's what makes it so unique flowers – both are an art form and a natural connection to the life itself.
Courtesy of Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, a third-generation florist with ten award-winning locations serving Chicago and suburbs. For more information on René van Rems and his book, visit http://www.renevanrems.com. For information on Phillip’s Flowers, visit http://www.phillips-flowers.com. This article may be republished in its entirety as long as this credit is included.
Rozz Williams Memorial Flower
