Today we’d like to introduce you to Samadhi Bishop.
Hi Samadhi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
KENZAN is a Malibu-based floral design studio that creates inspired floral sculptures that marry ikebana’s minimalism with California cool. Color, line, texture and movement are all carefully considered, resulting in singular pieces that pulse with life and which elicit profound emotions. It is designed to be a space for beauty, discovery, and connection.
Flowers and plants have always played an important part of my life. I grew up between LA and Hawaii and playing on the beaches and in the jungle has always nourished my soul. My grandma, Aiko, studied and practiced ikebana (traditional Japanese floral design,) and I learned its principles from her.
I worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years, including six years at the Gjelina Group. The training and experience I gained in hospitality is evident in my approach to floral design. I approach creating bouquets and arrangements as if it were I were creating a new dish and utilize local, seasonal and foraged flowers, leaves, branches, pods, and fruits. With the end result being bouquets that seem like they were swept up from a field of wildflowers and dropped into a vase and ikebana-style floral sculptures that become immersive worlds.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Residents and businesses have both been very welcoming and receptive to KENZAN. The process has been pretty smooth so far.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Kenzan is a floral design studio, we specialize in Ikebana (Japanese style of flower arranging). Kenzan is one of the only floral design studios in the LA area that creates these sculptural designs. Additionally, my 15 years in hospitality has given me a unique perspective on seasonality and how to utilize unconventional plants, bark, sticks and flowers.
What matters most to you? Why?
To authentically express my artistic perspective in a way that both comforts and challenges KENZAN’s patrons
In other words: money.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kenzan.us
- Instagram: @kenzan.us
- Facebook: Kenzan.us
Image Credits
Vaughn Glover
Popular
-
What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
-
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
-
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
-
Life, Lessons, & Legacies
-
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
-
Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
