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Kaoru Nakahama, AIFD
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As was customary in Japan, Kaoru Nakahama took Ikebana design classes with other women in their early 20s and it was through these classes that Kaoru discovered her love of flowers. A few years later Kaoru came to Canada to take a summer English language program at Queen’s University. Kaoru then went through the retail florist program at Cambrian College and began to dream of owning her own flower shop in Canada. She returned to Japan for two years and gained experience working at a florist before coming back to Canada, where she worked for Hitomi Gilliam, aifd, for one year. In 1996, Kaoru moved to Whistler and opened Senka Florist with her husband Hidemi. A year later, she was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Design. For this portfolio, Kaoru created designs for the corporate market.
Tropical Tranquility
The clean design and bold colours of this arrangement make it perfect for a spa atmosphere. The heliconia placed inside the clear vase is beautifully balanced by the two heliconia at the base. The anthurium leaf at the top adds symmetry to the piece. The heliconia at the base are in water picks, hidden by the leaves, and are held there with a magnet. The magnet is glued to the stem, while another magnet is placed in the inside of the vase. This creates visual levels and creates interest for the eye.
Late Summer Fire
Designed for a resort condominium office, this modern piece brings bold colour to any location. The texture in the design contrasts beautifully with the smooth surface of the vases and the powerful colours of the flowers. The monkey grass ties together the two vases, with the curved calla lily further adding to this balance.
Dual Mountain
This piece is a portrayal of the mountains after the first snow in October. Floral foam in a utility container covered in bark creates the mountain’s shape and viburnum berries represent the changing colours of the trees. Lysimachia acts as the first snow, and creates balance in the piece.
Rustic Elegance
This high-budget piece displays the diverse beauty that nature offers. The contrast of the calla lilies and the branch reflects the balance of nature, and the calla lilies echo the curve of the branch, creating visual interest. This curve was achieved by using Uglu to attach the calla lily stems to the branch in various locations. The tropical greens anchor this piece, while the pincushions give a pop of colour and draw the eye down. The bronze vase completes the colour scheme and adds texture.
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