Art in bloom

Floristry as a form of creative expression

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for artists in every category. Here, Mabel Maposa of Mabel M Floral Artistry shares how she takes her love of flowers to the next level by creating beautiful artwork, proving that floristry is more than a commodity.

Glamour: When did you realise your passion for floristry?

Mabel Maposa: Honestly, I’d say it was when I was five years old. My mother says I’d daydream in her garden amongst the flowers, but I really fell in love with floristry years later when I got married in 2009.

I just knew I had to pursue a career in this field. Becoming an artist in floral design was my dream, and I haven’t looked back since.

G: Do you believe there’s a connection between floristry and art?

MM: Absolutely! We borrow principles and elements of floral design from the law of nature, which influences

all art forms. Therefore, floristry is art.

G: Tell us about your first event. Was it successful? MM: It was my friends’ wedding, and it didn’t go as expected, my lack of floral knowledge proving to be one of my biggest challenges in the early days of my business.

G: What inspires your creations?

MM: I’m a hopeless romantic, and I believe

I have a ‘soft’ heart. I also have an eye for quality and luxury, so, when I design, it’s about letting go. Romance and luxury translate into my work, and some of my other inspirations are fashion, nature and even architecture – all things design!

G: Sustainability is important to you. How do you honour that in your designs?

MM: I prefer to work with and not against nature. If you think about it, nature gives us all these beautiful and interesting elements, so it’s only fair we reciprocate. I love using only local flowers, and it’s interesting to engage with what each local seasonal change brings – it keeps things fresh and exciting.

G: Tell us about your career highlights.

MM: When we launched Mabel M Floral Artistry Education, a branch of my company that specialises in teaching sustainable floristry. Another highlight was when I was invited to design a masterpiece for the Johannesburg International Flower Show in 2019, and co-hosting 2020 Garden

Day SA.

G: Your favourite collaborations with celebs? MM: My absolute favourite was working with Carol Bouwer on the Mbokodo Awards in 2020, which celebrates local women in arts and culture. Carol gave us the opportunity to be part of the design team, which was a huge honour. We worked with 100% locally grown flowers. My favourite part of the concept was the orchid-drop installation in the entrance, which was foam-free. I also worked with Precious the Planner for Kelly Khumalo’s epic music video ‘Undithatha Kancinci’. We designed Kelly’s fresh, floral dress (also foam-free) in just under three hours – what a rush! Kelly looked like a dream. That’s one of our favourite onset designs.

G: What are your dreams for the floral art industry, and your business?

MM: To see more floral designers practice sustainable floristry authentically, and for everyone in the industry to learn what floral art is. As far as my business is concerned, I’ll partner with other designers.

G: Any words of advice for budding florists?

MM: Working in the floral industry may seem easy, but it isn’t. Always be openminded, and practise. I don’t think anyone can call themselves a master florist because you learn something new every day. I’m still learning so much about this industry. Humility in learning will take you far.

For more information visit the Instagram page @mabelmflorals or linktr.ee/mabelmflorals