Workshop on texture of floral designs held

Islamabad

Texture is one of the elements of floral design and a well attended workshop and demonstration on this important aspect was held by the Floral Art Society (FAS), Rawalpindi and Islamabad, for its December meeting. 

The workshop was conducted by FAS President Waqar Boolani and the demonstrators were Huma Ahsan; Yasmeen Salman and Zeenat Saleem, while Farhat Zaman also arranged a piece to show what can be done with the textured materials she had brought along.

As explained, texture as an element of floral design refers to the tangible and visible surface quality of plant and arranging materials. Texture can be coarse or fine, smooth or rough, shiny or dull, and it can be either physical (noticeable to the touch) or visual (noticeable to the eye) Contrast of texture is vital for good design. When designing an arrangement, successfully incorporating a variety of textures will increase visual interest. Contrast of textures can provide a dynamic factor, contributing excitement, attracting attention and relieving monotony. However, using too many textures or combining some textures that are extremely different can detract from the arrangement; a balance must exist. 

When more than one texture is being incorporated into the design, it is necessary to include a form that is plain and smooth -- like that found in leaves - to give a calm contrast to the other textures in the design. One texture should be dominant with the others being of less importance in order to encourage the eye to travel through the design. Repetition of textures can achieve a rhythmical sequence. Rough textures hold the attention longer than smooth and appear to advance, while smooth surfaces seem to recede, so this can be used to create depth in a design. The manner in which texture is distributed through a design can affect balance as well, since coarse textures appear visually heavier than smooth or fine textures.

Combining materials with similar textural qualities creates comfortable, pleasing harmony and unity, while combining materials with contrasting textures increases visual interest and typically results in more contemporary, adventurous design, while exaggerated contrasts in texture are often played against each other in abstract design.

After this the members were divided into three groups and were kept busy learning how to make props, weaving and pasting materials in different shapes and sizes with the demonstrators supervising as well as showing them techniques. Farhana Azim also gave her opinion about the arrangements on the stage as, being a senior member and an expert, her critique is important and valued. When the allocated time was over, tokens of appreciation were given to the three teachers; the president announced that FAS was ‘going green’ so newsletters/information would not be sent by snail mail – only e mail so members should ensure their addresses were noted. Refreshments were served and this was the time for members to relax and switch their attention to the lighter side, with laughter and bonhomie being the order of the day.