When presented with Melanie’s book, I sat up straight in my chair as this wunderkind never does anything by half, and this project is no exception. Reviews of floral books generally highlight their utility for either artistic inspiration, historical reference or practical design instruction.
Opening this sumptuous, gorgeously illustrated botanical ‘wellness’ book i was mesmerised by its ability to transform the transient delicacy of flowers into a permanent, immersive visual experience of floral Portraits reminiscent of 18th century paintings. This a book tap into a visual language that demands ownership of coffee tables, its vibrant cover and super- rich close-ups upgrade the viewer towards a rich source of visual inspiration. Hardy Grant Books have produced a high-quality, lusty publication that is invariably a-must-have anthology of a creative lady equally at home on both sides of the Tasman Sea, who is life- enhancing, enriching all that sample her luscious offering.The author founded Cecilia Fox, a creative floral studio after a career in floristry and the special events industry, growing to become one of Australia’s most influential creative, and a tireless advocate for making the flower industry more holistic. The book is comfortable with its titles of ‘wondrous’ and ‘stunning’, going beyond the traditional floral books with pretty arrangements to amplify the raw, artistic and environmental aspects of this global industry. The images crafting this book focus on three C’s– creativity, community and compost ethos of the floral industry covering the entire cycle of flowers, from cultivation, their unique, creative arrangements and inevitably to their decomposition and disposal, ultimately enriching the earth, looping the cycle.
The book is praised for its stylised images of compost and floral waste which imparts that beauty exists beyond just the fresh bloom-stage, anchoring the need for industry’s holistic sustainable practices. Its definitely “next level” in terms of artistry and as a practical guide that’s deeply personal, offering inspiration within its stunning package. A breathtaking exploration of flowers and plant photography within its lavish layout. Having established that this is no ordinary flower or gardening book, it celebrates the life cycle of flowers from birth to its composting, the author offers it as the intersection between nature, beauty, and art, presented within a flat- lay format with exposed stitching.
This book is a high-quality, stunning package that reflects its innovative content which demands snd deserves its immediate attention and reflection. Mel shares her tips and tricks from a lifetime spent with flowers, featuring stories from some of her favourite growers, florists and those she quaintly called ‘flower folk’, particularly those leading the sustainability charge in galvanising the change in this pretty dirty industry. She imparts love on many levels which is perfect as a guide to a new generation of florists and lovers of nature, illustrated by her affection being immersed in the seasons while celebrating the essence of life and closure.
There are florists, and then there is Cecilia Fox, a studio that reshaped the language of modern floral design, founded by the creative behind the most unconventionally captivating botanical work in the last 20 years, where she sits at the Junction of fashion, art and nature. Her arrangements never simply placed in situ, arranged and pretty, but impart movement, breathing and telling a story, whether a dreamy wedding installation or atmospheric editorial composition. Mel’s book is highly evocative, sexy and beautiful, sharing her philosophy, her process and art form, stunningly photographed and bound in a hardback. The hook in the book’s title carries a gravitas of its own, which is bold, visceral and deeply evocative, spiritually and visually
