Fusion Flowers Magazine

The long-awaited latest edition in the series of books designed to chart the progress of contemporary floral design has just been released.  International Floral Art 08/09 has some spectacular designs in it and there is clear evidence that certain countries are emerging as innovators - Russia being at the forefront! 

Zhanna Semenova of Russia won the prestigious Gold Leaf award for her portfolio having previously won the Bronze Leaf award - this is a major step forward for her.  Her work is quite unique and certainly exciting.

The Silver Leaf award has been given to Hiroyuki Oka of Japan.  His designs show an attention to detail and craftsmanship that is quite remarkable.  The Bronze Leaf goes to Andy Djata Utomo of Indonesia for his stunning bridal protfolio - quite remarkable.

This series of books have become collectors items and I understand from the powers that be that it is their intention to now release the books every two years.  It is felt that that will allow designers more time to develop new ideas and new techniques. 

The standard of work is extremely high and although some work has been included that is frankly surprising, on the whole, it is once again a remarkable compendium of contemporary floral art.  It should be stressed, however, that much of the work is truly floral art and bears little or no resemblance to practical floristry or flower arranging.  Of course, that's why the series was started - to show just how imaginative florists and floral designers can be!