We had a chat with Leah Gibson, and she shared with us her passion and artistic process working as a florist in the countryside of Ontario.
My journey into becoming a florist was admittedly, an accidental one. However I do believe it’s always been in my life’s plans. Fresh out of my Philosophy degree I was feeling a bit aimless and decided to take some time to work while I figured out my next steps… I got a job serving coffee in a cafe that was also a flower shop. Within days I was helping process flowers and learning about bouquet design. I knew the moment I touched my first stem that I was right where I was meant to be. There were my next steps, right in front of me, even when I didn’t expect it.
Being a florist means being connected with my biggest passion and getting to exercise both my creative side and my organizational side (I love both the artful aspects of my job, as well as the administrative stuff that might not seem as ‘fun’). It allows balance between the two, a break between screen time and outdoor time, and the seasonality of my work gives me the space for rest in the winter months. It’s all about balance.
Does the concept come before the flowers, or the flowers come before the concept?
I’ve never been asked this question before! The answer is sometimes the former, sometimes the latter. Sometimes I have a concept and seek the materials available to me to bring that to life (this is more common when working for clients with a specific vision). Other times, I look at what’s in front of me and use what’s in season to create something. I generally work based on a feeling, and use colours and textures to express that feeling physically.
What is the one tool that you could not live without?
My hori hori knife. That’s my #1 gardening tool no doubt. Followed closely by my secateurs - honourable mention to those of course!
How do you derive meaning from your daily work, and in what ways do you express and incorporate that meaning into your projects?
This is a tricky one, especially during difficult times. I think anyone in a creative field can relate to this. It feels unnatural at times to be creating and promoting your work when everything else feels so turbulent - but I often need to remind myself (and fellow small business owners & artists alike) that these are the times when the world needs your art & tenderness the most. There is a Japanese philosophy called Ikigai, which essentially means ‘life purpose’. After giving this much thought I came to the conclusion that my ‘life purpose’ is to see, witness, create, and share small glimpses of beauty (in any small or large way that I can). I’ve struggled with this over the years because sometimes beauty is (unfairly) linked to vanity and it’s easy for some to minimize the importance of aesthetics. But if you find something beautiful - embrace it and share it because someone else out there feels the same way and needs it.
Nature plays an important role in your daily life, how would you say it influences your perspective on art and beauty?
It is my constant inspiration. Over the years I’ve noticed that the more time I spend with Nature, the more energized my creative work feels. The times that I’ve felt distant from nature or not been able to access it as much as I’d like reflect directly in a creative rut. This applies to all areas of my life - from my design work to daily happenings - the more time I’m able to witness and take in nature, the better my overall well-being is, and this is mirrored in my work. I’m a person that needs a lot of space (physically and mentally) to create from, and living rurally has helped me attain that state.
Can you share any lessons or advice from your life's journey that might inspire others to follow their dreams?
I would just say pay attention to where you feel the most at-ease and in a flow state and run with that. Do the thing, work hard, and let everything else flow from that - you will get where you need to go. Don’t force it. In my experience the best thing I can do is honour what feels aligned and say no to the rest.
Are there any mentors, role models, or sources of inspiration that have played a significant role in your life?
My grandfather was an avid gardener. While my memories of him are vague from childhood, I have a lot of core scenes that I can revisit in my mind that were clearly impactful on me. He lived in a little yellow cottage on Lake Simcoe where they had the lot across the road as well. I can strongly recall the fenced-in cutting garden he kept, the forest backdrop, and the gardens along the lake. I think this setting of trees, water, and gardens really became a safe feeling space for me. My partner’s parents as well have been passionate gardeners for years and have passed along a lot of their knowledge and practical skills to us which I have been able to grow a lot from and am forever grateful for!
You can know more about Leah's work @homebody_
Also, she left some recomendations of books that inspired her creative journey:
A Dictionary of Color Combinations.
Planting the Natural Garden (Piet Oudolf).
Derek Jarman’s Garden.
Leah is wearing The Florist Jumpsuit, in the colour Hot Chocolate, size small.