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Bebe Antonini's painting (Love in Bloom) (left) shown next to Ami Reist's floral arrangement (right) inspired by the artwork at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.[/caption]
Inspired by Bebe Antonini's painting, Love in Bloom, this floral arrangement captures and showcases colorful blossoms, a feeling of romance, and a love for nature.
I was attracted to Antonini's painting, first and foremost, because of the bright coral peony flower. Several large Coral Charm peonies were placed in this arrangement. I created jet black leaves (by painting a few seeded eucalyptus stems) to mimic the ones in the painting.
The bird perched above the coral peony flower is a playful character. I chose to hand-paint two birds for use in my piece. My goal was to create a sense of a pair, a couple, and a relationship between the two birds. I wanted this flower arrangement to be viewed as a "bird sanctuary" of sorts. To achieve this, I foraged for sticks, dried flowers, salt grass, textural greenery, and things that birds may use to create their nests.
Along with the whimsical shape of this arrangement, I have included a live cactus and succulent plant to achieve a sense of liveliness and growth.
Located in the center of the piece is a single deep red rose; the flower most commonly associated with love.
Lastly, the arrangement stately stands perched atop a classic thin brass candlestick holder matching the color of the frame containing Antonini's artwork.
To Katie & all at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, thank you so much for including me in this spectacular event! It was a pleasure. I am so pleased to have had a chance to showcase my design work next to so many talented artists, florists and designers. Thank you for thinking of me. Alison, thank you for choosing my arrangement was 2nd place. It is an honor to have someone as talented as you think so highly of my creations.
xoxo - Ami Photos by Chaz Jachimski.