Floral artist aces diploma exams
Wilson achieves highest aggregate in country – 94%
APORT Alfred floral art enthusiast, Daphne Wilson, recently completed her National Design Diploma (NDD) and obtained 94% – the highest aggregate for the exam in the country.
Next on the horizon, is the NDD practical exam which she takes later this month.
Wilson has been doing floral art since 2008.
She competed in her first Bathurst show in 2009 and since then, has been growing her talent and eye for various flower creations.
In 2013, Wilson was asked to do the demonstrations at the South African Flower Union (SAFU) congress at Cape St Francis.
Wilson and longstanding floral artist in Port Alfred, Jean Page, did 25 designs and received three standing ovations.
Wilson used to be a member of the Port Alfred Floral Art Group, before joining the Algoa Floral and Garden Club two years ago.
Wilson, who is a resident at Settlers Park Retirement Village, rises at 6am for the drive to Port Elizabeth every third Friday of the month to be in time for her designs to be judged.
Competition is extremely high, with competitors coming from all over the Eastern Cape, including Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay and surrounds.
Last year, Wilson received the trophy for the most innovative designer. In all, she has averaged 80% (Gold Ribbon) for her competitions also receiving best on show at the Bathurst Agricultural Show.
Wilson said she loved doing floral art as it relaxed and stimulated her creativity at the same time. She is also a keen bowler, but floral art is still her number one priority. She preferred more modern techniques and styles which she incorporated into her designs.
“Daphne Wilson is a local, modest housewife who makes time to learn and create beautiful floral designs,” a fellow-resident at Settlers Park, Jenni Louw, said.