Designer of the Year 2011
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I love to compete. It keeps me at the top of my game and allows me opportunities to create things that are outside of what is traditionally considered floral design. In March I entered a design competition at the Northeast Floral Expo in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. I was intrigued by the challenge – to choose a piece of art and design an interpretation of it. I’d been to the New Britain Museum of American Art recently for the first time and was really moved by a painting I’d gone there expecting not to like – Graydon Parrish’s enormous and haunting 9-11 painting. I loved that it was an allegory – a story told in symbols. The painting caused an emotional reaction in me. I set out to design something that made me feel the same way. By the time my interpretation was photographed, the orchids, which appeared to climb the structure, had begun to fade and droop. I considered replacing them for the photos, but decided it works even better this way.
I’m so grateful to Jacklyn from JAG studios for driving to Sturbridge to photograph this for me. It was a tough situation for shooting, but she worked her way in and really did it right.
My first-place award qualifies me to move on to a national competition in October. I can’t wait.
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7 Responses and Counting...
Beautifully inspired
Cool. Thank you.
Such an amazing piece, Tony. Congratulations!
You are such a amazing artist and floral architect. This is so deserving and I am so thrilled for you. Those judges knew exactly what they were doing!! CONGRATS!
Tony! This is amazing! Beautiful job and congratulations!
Congratulations Tony, you’re incredible!
wow. Parrish’s painting moved me too in so many ways. Very, very powerful. I love your interpretation of it Tony- first place is well deserved!!!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with for October!
XO