This year’s Art in Bloom signature piece, “Floral Legacy,” is an Mia acquisition by Dakota artist Holly Young. The dazzling work is a beautiful example of her commitment to preserving Native American art, incorporating Dakota floral designs using traditional bead and quillwork techniques. Diane Enge and Mayumi Redin have been chosen to create the floral arrangement inspired by Young’s artwork that will be on display at the Bachman’s Lyndale location for guests to view throughout the weekend’s festivities. Here, they give us a glimpse into their creative process, share their love for Art in Bloom and more.
Photography provided by Minneapolis Institute of Art
What was the process like selecting flowers for this year’s Art in Bloom signature interpretation?
Mayumi Redin: I always try to figure out what I want to emphasize from the chosen art as part of my process. For the signature piece, we wanted to emphasize the center of the bag’s bead patterns and the use of bright colors and red feathers.
Diane Enge: The process was exhilarating and fun. Focusing on each side of the bag’s stellar designs, we chose flowers that reflect the shapes, lines and vibrant colors. Pampas grass bundles are wrapped with a fine metallic wire to echo the feathers with the silver bugle beads. One side of the interpretation features a composite flower paired with delphinium, bells of Ireland and birds of paradise. The other side highlights freesia, calla lily, crocus flowers and birds of paradise.
How did you weave the cultural elements of the artwork into your arrangement?
MR: An artist uses a variety of materials in their art to express their feelings, emotions and ideas. In this same way, I use flowers for my own interpretation of the emotions I feel from their art. Native American art honors the earth and nature in producing manmade patterns. In this way, we used flowers to emulate these details of Native American culture.
DE: I have always felt the goal of designing floral arrangements for Art in Bloom is to honor the art. We certainly considered the cultural elements in our adaptation of this artwork. The art form of quill and beadwork has been passed through generations of Native American women. The act of beading shows traits of creativity, patience, persistence, identity, community, and respect of family and resources. Using the principles and elements of design and our intuitive floral skills, I feel we included some of those traits.
Art in Bloom is a celebration of spring. What is your favorite part of the annual event?
MR: My favorite parts of Art in Bloom are the connections made by the floral designers and the community coming together to celebrate art and fresh floral design. I love the atmosphere of joy and happiness that this event creates. At this moment, I feel so happy to be a florist.
DE: The friendships I have made by participating in Art in Bloom have exposed me to amazing people who share the same passion for art and flowers. I love to see what everyone creates using unique processes and techniques. I hope we can all be together in-person next year at MIA.
Do you have a favorite flower to design with?
MR: This is a tough question, because it’s like picking a favorite child. Floral arrangement is a combination of harmony and unity. All of the flowers are in balance with each other to create the final piece. So I cannot choose one particular flower.
DE: I am so grateful for the evolving variety we have to work with. It so depends on the occasion or theme of the arrangements I have the opportunity to create. If I had to pick, I’d have to go back to my roots and say lilacs from my grandmother’s yard.
