Springvale Floral, Kory Garvis
French Drawing Room Ceiling
Photographed by Tori Del Photography
Florist’s Interpretation
Transformation through Reflection
We were inspired by the intricacy of the design and the impact the Gilt Ceiling has upon the room and those that entered.
The more we started the more we connect with the story of Narcissus. The beauty drawing us in. Transfixed and lost entirely. Small faces staring back. With this in mind, we decided to create our floral design based on the theme of Greek myth, transformation. We built our floral design in a “pool” above two mirrors. Leading the viewer to seek the transformation of the design from gilded to vibrant blooms through the reflection below. True transformation can only take place after deep reflection.
We chose the piece because of the challenge posed by trying to represent it through flowers. It led us to a place we hadn’t imagined. Flowers always have the last laugh.
Material: Gold leaf sheets and paint, Golden fabrics, roses, carnations, Elaeagnus vine, narcissus.
Ceiling Ornamentation
Title: French Drawing Room Ceiling
Artist/Creator: Herbert Browne and Arthur Little, architects
Date of Creation: 1905
Location: Second floor, French Drawing Room
The smallest of three reception rooms on the second floor, was a display space and passageway for guests. The design and furnishings reflect both an adherence to a traditional French style and an appreciation for Asian art. The lavish three-dimensional gilded plaster and papier-mache ceiling includes bas relief human faces, swooping birds, and foliate decoration, as well as the interwoven initials of Larz and Isabel found in so many rooms of the house. The ceiling is more than sixteen feet above the floor.
Kory Garvis
“We challenge perceived limits to build imaginative floral installations balancing a classically beautiful elegance with the intrigue of the natural world. We create organic & unstructured designs that are playful and full of movement.”