From time to time, we highlight “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, and interior designers who have participated at our annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We want to let you know about these very talented designers, their inspirations, and their creations.
This month, we are featuring florist Yana Polshina of Vespera Florals. At the 2024 Garden Tour, she decorated the Morning Room, which was a veritable delight with multiple bouquets, one more beautiful than the next! Yana chose a particular pink orchid in an arrangement to complement the painting of Virginia in the room as she knew that Virginia’s favorite color was pink.
We asked Yana these five questions:
1. How did you decide to become a floral designer?
My journey into floral design was a natural evolution from my passion for art and creativity. Growing up, I was always drawn to the aesthetic and emotional power of art. This passion led me to a career in museum curation and private tours, where I explored various artistic expressions and developed a deep appreciation for design principles.
During the COVID 2019 shutdown, I sought a creative outlet that would allow me to channel my artistic sensibilities in a new direction. That’s when I started Vespera Floral Studio. What began as a fun project quickly evolved into a full-fledged business. The process of creating floral arrangements felt like a beautiful extension of my art background, merging my love for design with the joy of working with nature’s most exquisite elements.
Floral design, for me, is more than just arranging flowers; it’s about creating emotional experiences and meaningful connections. Each arrangement is a way to convey sentiments that words alone might not fully capture, and it allows me to bring a bit of beauty and joy into people’s lives.
Moreover, the dynamic and ever-changing nature of floral design aligns with my belief in continuous learning and transformation. Just as in art, there’s always something new to discover and create in the world of flowers. This blend of creativity, emotional impact, and constant innovation is what truly makes floral design a fulfilling pursuit for me.
2. Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, each contributing uniquely to my creative process.
Firstly, I draw immense inspiration from art history, particularly Flemish Still Life, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo designs. The richness and abundance of these styles, with their lavish designs and intricate details, deeply influence my approach to floral arrangements. I find that the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of these art forms resonate with my own desire to create something both beautiful and enduring.
Nature itself is another powerful source of inspiration. Whether it’s a walk through a lush garden, observing the changing seasons, or simply marveling at the intricate details of a single bloom, nature’s diversity and elegance never cease to amaze me. This connection to the natural world informs the colors, textures, and arrangements in my work.
Travel also plays a significant role in sparking my creativity. Visiting historic homes, botanical gardens, and museums around the world allows me to experience different styles and cultural influences firsthand. For instance, Claude Monet’s Giverny garden is a notable inspiration, offering a stunning palette of colors and textures that I often incorporate into my designs.
Lastly, the people and moments around me provide inspiration as well. Whether it’s the joy of a client’s reaction to a custom arrangement or the support and encouragement of my family and colleagues, these interactions fuel my passion and creativity.
Together, these sources of inspiration help me blend historical elegance with contemporary design, resulting in floral arrangements that are both timeless and unique.
3. Can you please share some photos of your favorite floral arrangement(s) and/or projects you have worked on?
4. What is the book that inspires you the most?
While many books have inspired me throughout my life, the most recent one that has had a profound impact is The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J. Mazzeo. This book tells the remarkable story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, who transformed her husband’s small champagne house into one of the most prestigious brands in the world. Her journey of resilience, innovation, and business acumen is incredibly inspiring.
Mazzeo’s exploration of Clicquot’s determination and creativity resonates deeply with me, particularly as I often combine wine with flowers in my work. The history of both wine and flowers provides a rich tapestry of inspiration for my floral designs. Just as Clicquot’s legacy is a blend of tradition and innovation, I strive to merge the elegance of floral arrangements with the sophistication of fine wines, offering a wide range of selections that celebrate both.
Interestingly, women have historically played a significant role in the creation of fine wines using flowers. In ancient times, women were key figures in the development of winemaking techniques, often incorporating floral elements into their brews. For instance, in California today, Aaliyah Nitoto’s Free Range Flower Winery continues this tradition by using flowers to create unique and aromatic wines. This connection between women, flowers, and winemaking enriches my appreciation for these art forms and enhances the sensory experience of my designs.
This integration of wine and flowers not only reflects my personal interests but also brings a deeper level of creativity and innovation to my work. The Widow Clicquot stands out for its compelling narrative and its celebration of exceptional achievements, which aligns beautifully with my own values of creativity and perseverance.
5. Choose a work of art and then design a floral arrangement inspired by it.
Claude Monet’s Women in the Garden (1866) beautifully depicts a serene outdoor moment, with women dressed in elegant 19th-century fashion. Their long, flowing dresses feature delicate stripes and playful polka dots, reflecting the styles of the era. Some women hold flowers, adding to the scene’s harmony with nature, while the sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Inspired by this painting, I created a floral arrangement using sunflowers to symbolize the sunlight Monet so masterfully captured. To reflect the fashion of the women in the painting, I incorporated a French hat box with green and white stripes, representing the sophisticated clothing of the 19th century. This arrangement is a tribute to both the art and elegance of that time, blending natural beauty with historical charm.
6. How would you like to be contacted?
Leave a Reply