BONSOIR | THE JOURNAL
We speak to floral artist Lacie RZ Porta about her art form and creative inspiration.
The traditional art of flower preservation get's a new lease of life with artist Lacie RZ Porta's mid century modern inspired designs. We spoke to the New York based artist about her craft and creative inspiration and most importantly what she does in her down time. Keep reading for the interview.
1. How did you first get into flower preservation?
When recently cleaning out some boxes of personal books and notes from my childhood in my parents house I came across a journal of mine that had pressed flower petals in it! So I’d say I got into flower preservation at a young age but didn’t professionally pursue it until 5 years ago, after I got married. The day after our wedding all the flowers from the centre pieces and bouquets were sitting on the porch of our venue, and I knew I didn’t want them to all go to waste. I handed some out to friends, and took a ton home to preserve. I did what felt natural and pressed the flowers in the pages of my heaviest books at home! I used the pressed flowers to design a frame and from there I grew to understand flower preservation on a deeper level. I experimented for years before calling myself a preservation artist!
2. Where do you find inspiration and what is your creative process?
Living in New York City there’s as much inspiration as there is visual overwhelm. I love spending time in art museums, slowly walking around and taking inspiration from artists before me from all mediums. I find myself seeking inspiration from minimalism art where the message is amplified through the negative space in the work. I draw the most inspiration from artists of other mediums and especially love seeking creative ideas from ceramicists, film makers, and graphic designers. My creative process is slow and intentional and focuses on the shape, size, and flow of the pressed flowers. I love being able to allow for negative space in my work so each flower and leaf has the ability to be seen in the frames!
3. What’s the most rewarding thing about your work?
Being able to preserve a moment in time through flowers gives me so much joy in what I do! The majority of my clients are newlywed couples who will commission frames made from their wedding flowers. Being able to freeze a moment in time for them is my favourite part about what I do!
4. Do you have any dream projects?
At the beginning of each year I make a list of “dream” projects or clients and use that as inspiration to create! This year after spending months in quarantine, one of my dream projects that I added to my list was to create a puzzle with an image of my pressed flowers!
5. Who is the most inspirational person in your life?
It’s hard to name one person as my community is filled with so many inspirational people! Each person I’m proud to call a friend or member of my creative community has something that I find incredibly inspiring. I’m lucky to have so many inspirational friends in my life!
6. Favourite or dream holiday destination?
One of my goals is to travel to more national parks! I’ve been to a few like Joshua Tree
and Crater Lake. I’d love to take a holiday just traveling around the country to see the rest like The Badlands and Yellowstone!
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve been given for my business is to use my platform to speak out about causes I believe in, amplify diverse voices, and use the following that I’ve built to better my community and world! Using my pressed flower business to support the change I want to see!
8. How do you relax at the end of a long day?
At the end of a long day I’m always looking forward to a chill and relaxing night at home! A glass of wine while soaking in a bubble bath is perfect for me! (Followed up with watching some reality tv, because you gotta have balance!)
Lacie RZ Porta – Framed Florals
Lacie is a floral artist based in New York who's work has been featured in Vogue US. You can purchase pre-made decorative floral frames on her website or send her your own flowers to preserve. Discover more at framedflorals.com
MORE FROM THE JOURNAL
HOW TO START KNITTING
Feeling the urge to be creative. Knitting is a wonderful meditative hobby that can add a relaxing element to your downtime.
TOP TIPS FOR WORKING FROM HOME
Interiors guru and writer Kate Watson-Smyth gives you her best tips on how to successfully work from home.
Follow Us
We really hope that you enjoy the website and collections and would love to receive any feedback. Feel free to email us at customerservices@bonsoirbypost.com or connect with us on social media.