Today we’d like to introduce you to Suz Curtis.
Hi Suz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
About two years ago, I began making pressed flower art as a stress relieving exercise. I read books about flower pressing, watched videos, and observed techniques used by other artists in the flower art community. I posted some of my work and my friends encouraged me to sell it. It has since bloomed into a part-time, ongoing passion project. I attend several markets around Los Angeles and have an online store.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My primary line of work is as a freelance film writer (documentary and narrative projects). Flower art is a slow, meditative activity. Balancing the two can be challenging, especially as a one-person operation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The process begins by pressing flowers. I use a wood flower press, consisting of two boards with a tightening screw in each corner. Flowers are layered between sheets of cotton paper. It took several months of experimenting to figure out the “best practices” in order to keep the colors vibrant and avoid mold. Depending on the thickness of the flower, the final result takes 3 days to 4 weeks. Once the flowers are pressed, I use acid-free watercolor paper and matte glue to adhere the flowers to paper.
Most of my compositions are improvisational. I follow my flowerly bliss.
I had to overcome some “I’m not a visual artist” self-talk in the beginning. But the joy art-making brings me ultimately overcomes the fear. Every time.
What makes you happy?
Flowers inherently spread happiness and joy. Each one is a tiny miracle, a complex universe. Their architecture, design, mathematical qualities, fractal nature, and simple beauty amaze me. Sometimes when I’m creating, I sit and marvel at a single flower. They are fleeting little creatures. Preserving them in a way that can be enjoyed for decades feels deeply satisfying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theverticalbouquet.com
- Instagram: @theverticalbouquet
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