Sword
Sherene S. Tan, AIFD, EMC
Sherene Tan
2023 installation
2nd Floor - Olmsted Gallery
The Inspiration
Sword
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: I was inspired by the gently curved blade of the samurai sword with intricate carvings on the ivory scabbard. My idea is to create a contrast of the strength and power of a samurai sword against the fragility and delicacy of flowers. My interpretation of the duality of traditional power (samurai sword) and fragility (flowers). This also represents the balance between power and beauty in life.
The botanicals are carefully chosen for my floral expression. The meaning of the botanicals in the Japanese cultures and how they relate to some of the key principles of a samurai.
Recipe:
Salix discolor (pussy willow)
Yanagi mimics the clean lines and sharp edges of the sword.Which also represents humility and flexibility, the qualities that are highly valued in Japanese culture.
Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese or Japanese silver grass)
Susuki represents the Japanese aesthetic philosophy - Wabi Sabi. It embraces impermanence, imperfection and the beauty of things that are aged, weathered or worn. Susuki grass is also highly regarded for its resilience, adaptability and perseverance.
Chrysanthemum (mums)
Kiku one of the “Four Noble Plants” in Japanese culture besides bamboo (Take), orchids(Ran) and plum blossoms (Ume). Chrysanthemum is not only the Japanese Imperial emblem, it also symbolizes honor and the virtues of loyalty, honesty and purity of thought. Kiku is also used in ritual ceremonies.
Orchidaceae (Orchid)
Ran one of the “Four Noble Plants” in Japanese culture and it’s highly appreciated for its elegant appearance. It also symbolizes the virtues of grace and charm .
THE DESIGNER
Sherene Tan
Sherene S. Tan, AIFD, EMC
Sherene S Tan AIFD EMC grew up in a melting pot of cultures in Malaysia, the multicultural background and deep connection with Nature greatly influenced her distinctive artistic style.
Being in the floral industry for over twenty years, She plays many roles as a floral entrepreneur, educator and presenter.
Sherene is a Teaching Coach for the European Master Certification (a floral design school based in Belgium), and a certified teacher for the Ikenobo School of Ikebana.
Sherene's work has been featured in floral design magazines, as well as commercial spaces in the DC Metropolitan area. She has presented her work on the main stage of the 2019 AIFD Symposium, Fleuramour at the Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium, Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Arts, the Philadelphia Flower Show and is a regular Ikebana exhibitor at the US National Arboretum.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Aimee Custis
Aimee Custis is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Washington DC. Her rich, luminous, and emotive style draws artistic inspiration from classical painters, street photography, and storytelling.
Her inclusive, client-centric approach to wedding photography is informed heavily by a background in hospitality, non-profit event planning, and college summers as a camp counselor. Aimee's wedding work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Washingtonian Weddings. Outside of weddings, her client list includes non-profits, hotels, and elected officials. Aimee is also the web designer behind the Art in Bloom website.
Aimee (she/they) lives in a rowhouse in Washington DC’s U Street corridor with her husband Greg and golden retriever Whiskey.
