WA FLORAL ART SOCIETY INC 'NEWSLETTER'       

The West Australian Floral Art Society Inc produces a comprehensive monthly newsletter which includes :-    

The Editor of the Society newsletter is Mrs Pam Heath.  Please contact the editor if you would like an article considered for the newsletter or if you require any other information.  

For floral designers wishing to subscribe to our newsletters or residing outside of Western Australia a yearly subscription fee of $15.00 applies.

To subscribe please follow this link and supply your 

details and request to our Secretary  

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The following reports have been compiled by various members of the WA Floral Art Society Inc on a variety of topics and included in newsletters: 

Workshops conducted by Internationally renowned Floral Designer CRAIG BULLOCK

Report Compiled by Dianne Buckles

 

The West Australian Floral Art Society Inc in conjunction with the Tasmanian Floral Art Society were very pleased to have Internationally renowned UK floral designer Craig Bullock conduct two workshops on contemporary floral design on Saturday the 2nd August 2003.  

 

Members and floral designers from affiliated clubs came from around the state to attend and were inspired by designs presented by Craig.  Both subjects created much interest and floral artists were very appreciative of the subject materials and found the workshops to be stimulating and informative and were very appreciative of the helpful 'tips' offered by Craig. 

 

'Strata' was the title of a challenging morning workshop followed by the afternoon session titled 'Hedging'.  Craig provided comprehensive talks on both designs, affording members an insight into his contemporary designs and it was apparent that his work is guided by observations of nature and wishing to give more integrity to his materials.

 

Members thoroughly enjoyed these workshops further enhancing their floral skills in contemporary floral design and having the opportunity to work and learn from such an admired and talented floral designer. 

 

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Letters from Members of the West Australian Floral Art Society Inc regarding workshops conducted by Craig Bullock

Letter from Joyce Van Kleef

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to be able to attend the recent Craig Bullock workshops.

 

It was a day to remember. From the onset of the workshop we were all put at ease by Craig’s unique style and his easy manner .We knew we were in for a relaxing, enjoyable and informative day.

 

The two sessions gave priority to originality and creativity. These two factors are of the utmost importance if we as a club are to advance our skills and be competitive on any stage

 

As a student for the day I found Craig to be very supportive and encouraging. He had his own style but allowed us a lot of variation on the theme that he demonstrated. The rigidity that often dictates a style was absent. As a consequence, the participants created a variety of wonderful floral pieces. Stan’s strata piece, for example, was a work of art!

 

As a teacher I found Craig to be very innovative. He didn’t dictate his ideas but instead became the catalyst from which we could further expand our knowledge and skills. Art cannot be taught but develops from within with the right direction and encouragement from our contemporaries.

 

Craig gave individual constructive advice on each participant’s piece constructed in the workshops. He was very quick to point out effective uses for our Australian plant materials. He talked to us as equals and we loved his humour and spontaneity

 

Lastly, as a judge, I found Craig to be extremely quick in identifying all the positives in each participants work. I admired the way he was able to sincerely appreciate each persons creation. His quote, “everything is right” gave freedom of expression to all, yet kept the principles and elements of design intact. He was a true artist.

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TASMANIAN FLORAL ART SOCIETY 

SEVENTH BIENNIAL FLORAL ART SEMINAR 25TH - 28TH July 2003.

DEMONSTRATIONS AND COMPETITIONS

Report compiled by Dianne Buckles - August 2003

(Another 'Tazzie Report' compiled by Jean Shine follows)

 

Seven members from the West Australian Floral Art Society (Eileen Wenn, Dianne Buckles, Debbie Skroza, Joan Boorman, Betty Orr, Jean Shine and Elaine Holden) travelled to Hobart to attend the Seventh Floral Art Seminar of the Tasmanian Floral Art Society held between the 25th -27th July 2003. 

 

Floral artists from around Australia gathered in Hobart to share in a special weekend full of fun, fellowship, floral art competitions and to attend four creative and innovative demonstrations provided by internationally renowned floral designer, Craig Bullock and our own talented floral designer Eileen Wenn.   

 

Enthusiastic greetings awaited weary floral art travellers swamped with cases, boxes, plant material etc as we arrived at our motel on Tuesday 22nd July.   For Eileen Wenn and her assistant Dianne Buckles the next few days would be taken up with sourcing, collecting, collating and partly assembling some of the 17 designs to be staged during the two days of demonstrations on Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th July 2003.   A vast array of designs had been planned, including a foliage handbag and matching shoe, structures, intricate constructions and several 6 foot tall designs.  Other members of this society managed to spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery of Tasmania while others prepared their designs for competition.

 

The seminar was officially opened on Saturday the 26th July with the lighting of candles by Presidents from various floral art societies around Australia. 

Demonstrations provided by Internationally renowned floral designer Craig Bullock from the UK and Eileen Wenn from Western Australia were a highlight of this seminar.

 

Eileen's Demonstrations were titled : "MOODS & THEMES WITH COLOUR" and "THE WOW FACTOR" (to view a photographic record of these designs simply 'click' on the demonstration titles).  The "Moods & Themes with Colour" demonstration provided a kaleidoscope of colour with many creative, artistic and imaginative designs completed on stage to a very appreciative audience.  The next demonstration conducted on the Sunday was titled "The Wow Factor" and these designs certainly captured the titled, keeping the audience eagerly awaiting the next presentation.   Eileen's demonstrations provided a wonderful stage filled with stunning designs including a tall arrangement incorporating irises and grasses.  Within this design were two large perspex cylinders with irises submerged within and an aerator created tiny bubbles moving through the irises. At the completion of this demonstration the audience awarded Eileen with a standing ovation in appreciation of the excellence in designs. 

 

Congratulations to our Society Secretary Debbie Skroza for her design in the 'Impose Class' which was awarded a 1st place.   Another of our members Jean Shine (also President of the Flower Designers Club of Bunbury) was also awarded a 1st place for her stunning floral 'Jewellery' exhibit.  Congratulations to all members who exhibited at this time - a wonderful experience.

 

Guest demonstrator, Internationally renowned UK floral designer, Craig Bullock also demonstrated to a captive audience at this seminar.  Craig's first demonstration on the Saturday was titled : "SOMETHING OF THIS NATURE" and delighted those in attendance with his stunning creations.  Craig's wonderful sense of humour delighted and entertained floral artists throughout his demonstrations highlighting his appreciation of nature and its forces, all of which are our greatest source of inspiration.   Sunday was another day filled with floral delights and again Craig provided another demonstration titled "SOMETHING OF THIS NATURE".   While Craig created his designs he entertained his audience with anecdotes about his travels around the world and those in attendance were shown a feast of designing skills in his stunning designs.   

 

The amount of preparation both Craig and Eileen had included in their designs was very apparent and floral artists from all over Australia were indeed treated to a unique experience and showed their appreciation by according Craig and Eileen standing ovations at both performances.

Congratulations and Thanks are extended to both Craig and Eileen for their wonderful contributions and for being fabulous ambassadors for floral art.

 

Congratulations are also extended to Norma Gordon (President of the Tasmanian Floral Art Society) and her committee for the excellent Seminar, staging of competitions, demonstrations, gala dinner, workshops and for their hospitality shown to members of the West Australian Floral Art Society Inc. 

 

A most memorable time extending 'Friendship Through Flowers' .

The above report compiled by Dianne Buckles - August 2003 (President of WA Floral Art Society Inc)

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TAZZIE REPORT

Compiled by Jean Shine

August 2003

The Tasmanian Floral Art Society Inc held their Seventh Biennial Floral Art Seminar from he 25th - 28th of July at Laetare Gardens Monah (a suburb of Hobart).  The seminar was opened by Tasmania ABC Presenter of State-Wide Judy Tierney, a very entertaining lady who wrote and recited a poem about her garden and flower arranging.  Tasmania Floral Art President Norma Gordon then presented a circle of candles for each of the states representatives to light, this began the seminar with a warm sense of togetherness.  WA rep was our president Dianne Buckles.  Ten ladies, Eileen Wenn, Dianne Buckles, Joan Boorman, Elaine Holden, Debbie Skroza, Debbie's Sister Sharon, Betty Orr, Glenys Philp, Betty's sister in-law Lorna, and one daring gentleman, my husband Barrie, made the trip to the Southern Eastern Island to enjoy, broaden our knowledge of flower arranging, share friendship with flowers and last but not least to support Eileen Wenn who was asked to demonstrate along side International Floral Artists Craig Bullock,.  Dianne very capable assisted Eileen.  The whole WA teas was very proud of Eileen who had the audience captured through out the entire demo with exciting, creative designs working in a natural and professional way.  Craig Bullock also offered two very interesting Demo's on contemporary design and was very keen to share his knowledge.  Joan, Eileen and myself attended Craig's workshop on Contemporary Fresh Flower Wall Design. This workshop was very inspiring. 

 

There was bench work entered and judged on both Saturday and Sunday, all participants were encouraged to enter both days in a t least one class.  All the WA ladies did just that and are to be congratulated on some very artistic work of a high standard.  Debbie Skroza came first and was chosen "Among The Best in Show" in one of her entries, an impose class titled "Lines and Spheres".  I also gained a first and an "Among The Best In Show" for an entry titled "Jewellery From Nature For a Gala Affair".

 

The Seminar was officially closed Sunday afternoon when Norman thanked everyone for coming and gave Eileen and Craig a very warm Thank You, being spontaneously followed by a standing ovation. The candles after burning for the entire seminar were then blown out to end the weekend.  Dianne and Eileen spent Monday morning al all day Tuesday at the AFAA Meetings.

 

A great time had by all!  I can recommend any one thinking of traveling to future Flower Seminars will not be disappointed if the Tasmanian Seminar is any guide !!!

The above report compiled by Jean Shine - August 2003 (A member of WA Floral Art Society Inc and President of the Flower Designers Club of Bunbury)

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'PERTH MAKES WORLD NEWS ! '

The ‘Flower Arranger’ magazine from the UK featured articles from the newsletter for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) and included an article on our 50^th Anniversary ‘Floral Fanfare’ event which read as follows :

World News     (compiled by Deborah Hutton)

q       Floral Fanfare in Perth

In September last year, floral artists from all over Australia converged on Western Australia to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the West Australian Floral Art Society.  In addition to the competitions and exhibition there were demonstrations by Mary Sweeney and Heather Hammond. 

The championship class ‘Golden Touch’ was won by Eileen Wenn, who also won the Best in Show Award and the Best Interpretative exhibit.  Eileen made many friends in the UK when she attended the WAFA UK International Seminar in June 2000.  Minh Tran won the colour award to her first place exhibit in the class ‘Fire Goddess’.

The Gala dinner was well attended by both past and present officers including Mrs Doris Preisig who is 92 years young.

Perth is recognised as the most isolated capital city of the world.  This was one weekend when they did not feel quite so cut off.

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DIANNE'S FLORAL CROSSWORD

For those who felt the need to check on the results from our last published Floral Crossword - here are the results for your information :......

ACROSS

1  Balance,   3 Depth,  5 Way,  7 Niche,  10 Fain,   11 Sun,  13 Red,  14 ESP,  15 Tone,  16 ACT,  17 Paths,  

19 Still Life,  20 Lichen,  22 Ideal,  23 Mechanics,  25 Vale,  27 Collage,  29 Chat,  30 Julia,  32 Atomic,  

34 Fun,  35 Debbie, 36 Blue,  37 Reed, 38 Floret.

DOWN

2 Line,  3 Definition, 4 Tint,  6 You,   8 Idea,  9 Eats,  11 Space,  12 Naturalistic,  14 Exhibit,  18 Theme,  

20 Leaves,  21 Chroma,  23 Men,  24 Stem,  26 October,  28 Lotus,  30 Jibs,  31 Ilex, 33 Impel, 36 Bee. 

 Site Map

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Website developed and managed for the West Australian Floral Art Society Inc by Dianne Buckles.

For any problems or questions regarding this website please contact Dianne on email : dbuckles@bigfoot.com.au

Last updated: December 01, 2007.