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Aug
2014
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Bart Hassam Interview

Interview: Floral Designer Bart Hassam

Bart Hassam talks about what, and who, inspires him – and why organising flowers for a dinner for 800 people was even more challenging than it sounds.

Are there certain inspirations you keep coming back to, or that are particularly memorable?

I am frequently inspired by the Art Nouveau period of design, in particular the jewellery and glassware mediums. I reference a lot of forms from the period in my bridal work. And I favour plant materials from the Victorian era – most of which you would find in a Victorian conservatory e.g. rare orchids, strange bulb varieties, ferns, unusual tropical leaves.

What has been your most challenging competition or job, and why?

I suppose my most challenging job with French Flowers would have to be organising the flowers for an intimate dinner for 800 people – underground – for the opening of a motorway tunnel in Brisbane. Just confirming the amount of flowers in the client’s colours and flower varieties was difficult, not to mention making sure of all the little things were covered… A diesel (not petrol) delivery truck, working in semi-darkness at the event, four different table designs, making sure camera crews can see past all of your work for the actual event and then bumping out at 1am – all inside a tunnel!

A dream gig?

I would love to work in completely Australian Native flowers for a large international competition that was held overseas. I think it would be a great example for the rest of the world to see the wonderful product that comes from our country. Particularly so for the more iconic materials, like the Sturt Desert Pea and Flannel Flower.

Bart_Hassam_Interview_Koch_&_Co_5

Photo credit: Taiwan Floral Art Magazine

The one that got away. Any arrangement you started or tried that just didn’t come off?

It may sound cocky, but these days I don’t really have designs that don’t work. I work hard to prefect techniques and placements of flowers, and each design is a chance to make this one better than the last. I am at a point where I trust my skills, and I can usually make most things happen. I enjoy the challenge! Of course, there are some more risky modern techniques that need practice! But the more you practice, the better they become!

We want to know your desert island picks. If forced to only take five flowers – what would you pick?

Well, its an island so…… orchids and succulents!! Phalaenopsis, Epidendrum, Paphiopedlum, Cattelya, Kalanchoe. All orchids, except for the Kalanchoe.  Orchids are my favourite things to work with because of the forms and structure. And Kalanchoe is one of my favourite succulent foliages, in all of its forms.

Bart Hassam Interview

Photo credit: Taiwan Floral Art Magazine

What’s your favourite season to design for? Event?

It’s difficult with the seasons, as each have their own special treats, but it would probably be autumn. We have the amazing flowers plus beautiful coloured leaves (fresh and dried), berries and branch.

As for events, my favourite designs are based on rituals – church, weddings, funerals. When the design I make can be beautiful, have a purpose and serve to enhance an important occasion, there is nothing better, particularly in the symmetry of a church!

Someone else’s work you’d like to steal for your own?

No so much steal, but have the qualities of their work and style. If I could have the courage of Daniel Ost (Belgium), the style of Stein Are Hansen (Norway), the innovation of Linda Johnsen (Norway), the colour of Per Benjamin (Sweden), the ingenuity of Tor Gundersen (Norway), the patience of Elly Lin (Taiwan), the power of Yoko Takahashi (Japan) and the knowledge of Gregor Lersch (Germany)…well then, that would be nice. But then again, I like to think that I have learnt a little from all of them and that has helped!

Bart Hassam Interview

Photo credit: Taiwan Floral Art Magazine

Bart Hassam Interview

Photo credit: Taiwan Floral Art Magazine

Who do you admire in the industry?

Gregor Lersch from Germany. He is a teacher and a friend. He knows how plants want to be treated. He is always evolving and at the same time staying true to his ‘floral morals’. He has a wealth of information on flowers, plants and people and is always learning! I admire his work and his life. I hope I can be a little like him in the future.

What are the main trends you’re seeing at the moment? 

Of course it varies from working on a commercial level, to a high design level. Within commercial confines, we see a return to all things old fashioned and garden related. Lots of old fashioned garden varieties of flowers are popular, with a full romantic style a popular choice. It’s certainly the case at French Flowers. As for the design world, I see a strong return to minimal work, with colours and materials being pared back – a restraint not seen since the nineties! Lots of long lines, large base structures in a green mass, with flowers floating over the top.

Bart has been in the industry for over 20 years, is a four time winner of the Interflora Australian Florist of the Year and winner of the Intercontinental Cup. He has both worked as a floral designer and served as a demonstrator and judge in Europe and Asia. He co-owns French Flowers in Brisbane.

 

 

 

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