Jack: I grew up in New Zealand and everyone in my family are artists. I was always inspired by the works of Andy Goldsworthy & Sofu Teshigahara and wanted to find a way back to connecting with nature. I used to work as a set designer for stop motion, I worked on a commercial with flowers and thought “can I make this my full time life?” After that, I was dedicated to creating a life making art where flowers were the medium.
GC: What is your favorite flower to work with, and why?
Jack: I love Pincushions. They are spikey yet colorful – they really remind me of alien life from a different planet.
GC: Can you describe your design style?
Jack: Sculptural, Colorful, and Contemporary. I’m certified in the ancient Japanese flower arranging art form known as Ikebana. After years of training with my master Ravi Gunewardena, it became my favorite North Star for design. Ikebana started in the 15th century by Buddhist missionaries as an offering to their loved ones that passed. It has deep roots and cultivated connection to the spirits beyond.
GC: Can you describe your training process in Ikebana?
Jack: I was lucky enough to get connected to Sogetsu Ikebana through my architect friend in LA! In 1927, when everybody believed practicing ikebana meant following established forms, Sofu Teshigahara recognized Ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School – where I practice. Sam Francis, one of my favorite painters, helped it gain larger recognition in Western culture. It took me two years to receive my first certification to be recognized in Japan. Ikebana is not just with flowers, it can be created with any materials. The Seven Principles of the Ikebana Flower Arrangement are Silence, Minimalism, Shape and Line, Form, Humanity, Aesthetics, and Structure.
GC: How do you source your flowers, and do you work with any local growers around Ojai?
Jack: I have local growers in Carpinteria & Ojai. The farmers market has surprisingly beautiful stems for a great price on Sundays. Snapdragons and Amartanthus are my favorite local products. But to get the real crazy stuff I have to have them shipped to me from Ecuador, Japan, Holland, etc..
GC: Ojai is known for its natural beauty and artistic community. How does that influence your work?
Jack: Having a sense of community and support is priceless. I’m so grateful to have people that believe in me and my mission. The nature around me is a huge influence on my work because I like to forage when the season is right. I try to create through the natural landscapes around me. Being in nature and around so many talented artists pushes me and inspires me everyday.
GC: What’s the most unique floral arrangement or project you’ve worked on?
Jack: There’s so many that come to mind but my favorite was an installation I worked on for Fleet Foxes for their Spring recital in 2023. It had hanging pieces on the stage and we got to see them perform and it was so gorgeous. That was creatively directed by the talented @yasminemei
GC: How do you stay inspired and continue to evolve as a Florist?
Jack: I feel lucky because flowers are a medium that blends into so many design worlds. Whenever I feel uninspired, the art will show me new things. Hanging installations, sculpture, runway installations, recreating earth's moments on small stages… There are so many places it can go.
GC: Do you have any advice for people who want to keep their flowers fresh for longer?
Jack: It’s pretty simple yet people never do it! Change the water every 2-3 days because the bacteria from the stems is what makes your flowers die faster. If you have a pair of shears you can even give them a fresh cut and remake the arrangement yourself! Practice makes perfect.