Showing Courage In Your Work

October 5, 2012

Dear Readers,

Happy Friday and a happy holiday weekend to those of you in the United States.

Today, I would like to you talk about courage and risk-taking.  We live in a world that pressures us to conform to what is popular at the moment instead of what feels most authentic to us.  Many people aim to be “trendy” whereas I feel it is much more rewarding (and fun) to identify your likes and dislikes, desires and wants, and to start your own trends.

As artists, we not only have the opportunity to wow our audience with bold statements and small surprises, but also to educate them, inspire them, open their minds, and create moments that may even leave lasting imprints on the timeline of their lives.  Whether we are expressing ourselves through floral design, planning, catering, theatre, music, painting, sculpture, dance or writing, putting ourselves out there takes courage. This is especially true if we are attempting to do “the impossible,” whether it’s combining pallets or textures in a new way or introducing and marrying new flavors.

There will, no doubt, be times when we will take a risk and fail, but there will also be times when we make a statement so powerful that it surprises all who see it, most especially ourselves.

Today, I would like you to share with me how you plan to get out of your comfort zone and  show even more authenticity in your work.

Blessings,

Preston

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  • https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flor/160167504068047 Julio Freitas

    Those are such inspiring words! Thank you Preston!
    In the beginning of my career as a floral designer, I struggled to find my niche. I live in a town where mums and carnations are the go to flowers. When you’re luck you’ll see a white hydrangea.
    I felt as if our community needed and deserved a lot more than that. Studying the works of Ost, Leatham, and last but not least yours, I learned that, although very successful designers, you all had something that was really specific that made your work stand out in different ways. That’s when I realized that if I wanted to do the same and “reach for the stars, be all that I am” (A little Mariah Carey there!), I had to find my own style.
    After much hesitation and fear that people would not get it, as, again, they were used to simple flowers, I succeeded. People long to see what I’m going to come up with next, what flowers I am going to use, the props I will use, the little hidden beauties I will put out, that only those who take the time to appreciate the arrangement will see… I am very happy that my risks have paid off! Some arrangements were not great, but definitely the ones I learned from the most. I know, at the end of setting up, and without bragging, when i did a great job (and I reward myself with some wine to celebrate!). I learn something new every day, every little bouquet, arrangement, set up, teach me something new, a better way.
    Thank you for the great article and for the inspiration! I own 2 of your books and can’t live without them!

    Julio Freitas
    Flor – Flower Arrangements