BOTANICAL ART
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - Book

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The much anticipated BOTANICAL ART FOR YOUR EYES ONLY BOOK was launched at
The Society of Floristrys Annual Show A La Mode November 22nd 2009.

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Inspiration

Botanical Art ‘For Your Eyes Only’ is the collaboration of award winning floral designers Sarah Horne AIFD and Jo Jarvis AIFD from the United Kingdom. They have been friends for many years, meeting first when Sarah entered her first competition, where Jo was one of the sponsors. She came forth on that occasion, going on to win the Metz and Earthworks competition the following year. The idea of doing a book came from the now famous words “Why don’t we do a book together?” after their successful standing ovation programme at the American Institute of Floral Designers national symposium in Chicago 2008.

Both Sarah and Jo are highly regarded designers in the floral industry and have now formed the company, 3-5-8 Productions Ltd., in which to channel their respective talents.

Sarah is a renowned demonstrator and gold medal designer and Jo is a floral talent spotter and designer in her own right and both are successful business women. With Jo’s publishing and project management experience and Sarah’s exciting design skills and creative flair and their desire to create something new, dynamic and challenging, the outcome was always going to be a book that caused a stir and inspired many.

Despite such prestigious and highly regarded talents, Sarah and Jo still continue to train and develop their skills, constantly offering their clients and demonstration audiences something new, fresh and vibrant. Sarah has always been inspired by attending the workshops held by European design group, Pandora’s Box, formed by esteemed European floral designers, Niels van Hement and Carles Fontanillas. Both Sarah and Jo have worked behind the scenes with Gregor Lersch and Tor Gundersen in recent years, continuing their professional development in the industry. The attendance of floral demonstrations and workshops has led to the development of techniques and ideas that have inspired much of the foundation of Botanical Art, with designs subsequently being innovative, evolutionary and awe-inspiring.

The book is a culmination of ideas and inspiration, showing designs ‘outside of the box’, the love of nature and the imagination of both of these talented designers. One of the main objectives for the book was to broaden people’s concepts of floral design not just for those in the floriculture industry but to encourage others to see how botanical material can be used with a little imagination in everyday life. From the creation of a romantic floral dinner in the woods, to the opulence of a fragrant floral bedspread and through to the idea of the male model, where the character of the person and the flower meld into one another to create living art as it’s never been seen before!

Pushing the boundaries is something Sarah has learnt works for her in her career. This can often be seen in her designs, such as naked model covered in flower sushi! Jo is more at home with nature which transpires in this book with the beautiful woodland settings, the organic planted designs, coupled with stunning containers.

The book is a testament to the fact that you have to evolve and grow to set yourself new challenges. There is something to appreciate in every page of this book whether a flower fanatic, nature lover, designer or artist. The lively personalities and professionalism of Jo and Sarah come to the forefront in this book, where you see new challenges set to floral designers, artists and flower-lovers everywhere.

When asked, Sarah says “My inspiration and drive came from my late mum, Jenny, who lived 80 years in 46! My determination to succeed came from my dad, Fred, who taught me the difference between winning and being ‘an also ran’.”

Ever the planner and perfectionist, Jo also wanted to include something for everyone; so the concepts in Botanical Art – For Your Eyes Only are for the designer, inner child, nature lover, artist and creator in all of us.

All things are possible you only have to believe in your dreams and have the courage to grab it with both hands, which is what Sarah and Jo have done. The enthusiasm, energy and passion that have gone into this book leaps from every chapter, so turn the page and feel the inspiration.

Sarah and Jo would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported and believed in each of them along the way – this book is for you.

About - For Your Eyes Only
and Authors Sarah Horne AIFD
and Jo Jarvis AIFD

168 pages Hardback Written in English Published in 2009 by 3-5-8 Productions Ltd Photography by Gary Maxwell AMPA, ASWPP

Sarah Horne and Jo Jarvis are both highly respected UK florists who have several awards under their respective designer belts. In 2008 they teamed up and experienced one of those ‘moments’ when they decided to ‘do a book’ together. The resultant book is Botanical Art ‘For Your Eyes Only’.

There is no question that there are touches of absolute genius in this, their first publication. I would bring readers particular attention to the stunningly imaginative and detailed bustier created by Sarah as a competition piece. The work is wonderful and a real pleasure to see coming from a UK designer. Also of note, bouquets both handtied and bridal where the designs are of the highest level. There are ‘fun’ elements too including a ‘forest table centre’ using old ‘designer’ beer cans and a very ‘flexible’ male model (featured regularly on the chapter pages) with only a bouquet to cover his modesty!

The section on planted designs features high quality images and lovely work.

There is an index showing botanical materials used.

Alison Bradley
Fusion Flowers Magazine

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