What has lead you towards the flowers? Why does a job with non-lasting material interest you?

I’ve been involved with flowers since early childhood. My great-grandma, who I grew up with, was just surrounded by them. My grandma was a gardener. Both of them have taught me so much. There was a huge garden with apple orchard right next to our house with all sorts of blossoms. Then I moved to a bigger town and suddenly I didn’t have that much access to meadows, forests or open spaces. Gradually I did find some favorite spots next to the river and pathways in between old garden colonies, I still visit today. Last year I managed to rent a small garden right in the center of the city. Here I grow flowers that I mix with the wild ones I collect.

What’s the difference between working with wild flowers and the commercial ones? Why have you chosen this way?

Wildflowers offer great diversity. Endless varieties of species, interesting shapes, and colors from our own gardens and meadows. You cannot compare those with industrially grown roses transported by plane from Ethiopia that most flower shops here offer. I also like the idea of no limitations with the wild bouquets. Anybody who goes to nature can make them. 

How does your work change with the season? Are there any limits in working with flowers? What are those?

All my work is dependent on the actual weather and the seasons outside. I do not have a glasshouse where I could speed up the growth of the flowers in spring or keep them longer in the autumn. I work with what I can find on meadows and in my garden. My only limitation is winter, when I rest, just like nature does. 

What inspires you and how does it affect the principles of your work?

I like the role nature plays in Japanese literature or movies. It is in the center of everything and it affects all the rest. All of my projects are in the alignment with nature and I find local, recycled, and compostable materials really important. I always try to make sure they are included. The only thing that doesn’t dissolve is a ribbon, but people tend to reuse it anyways. 

Where do you see the future of Kinoko studio? What would you still like to learn, which areas would you like to explore?

I find ceramics quite fascinating. I adore the work of Cécile Daladier, who always arranges flowers from her own garden in French mountains into her vases. Some time ago I read somewhere that where there are flowers and ceramics, magic has to happen. So I am thinking of heading this way too.

How do you perceive craft? Does its meaning change in today’s world?

Craft or handiwork is a very natural part of my life, just like breathing or walking. You can’t do without it when tending to your garden or working with flowers. 

Foto: Kinoko