Matthew Mead’s Blog

Flowers needn’t be colorful or traditional to bring beauty to your world. 

I’ve been fortunate in my career to be reminded over and over again that beautiful objects are everywhere.  Interesting and unique shapes, textures, and patterns live in all objects. As a stylist and avid photographer, it is my job to discover it and share it.

My first book, GIFTS FROM NATURE (Amazon) is all about nature and enjoying those seasonal things that grow and change around us. I think it was a bit before its time… because it was green before green was a term, and its images and ideas are as fresh today as they were back in 1997 (check it out for yourself).

I learn and re-learn these ideas constantly.  And while I love propagated plants and flowers, there is nothing like the natural things that grow along the roadside and sometimes in your own backyard.  I started my career back in the late 80’s gathering wild flowers to weave into wreaths and arrangements, so keeping track of what blooms naturally is simply part of my genetic makeup.

I recently returned from a trip to Pennsylvania to find  my yard filled with dandelions gone to seed.  Now some people might be horrified by this, but I took it as a joyful opportunity to do a study of these modern looking puff balls (I was inspired by some photography I had seen in Paris a few years ago.) The results are beautiful, and, if you can download this series of images, I encourage you to frame or tack these to your inspiration wall.

The puff ball of the dandelion reminds me of exploding fireworks… luminous, they catch the glow of light with a defined central burst.  I love that the stems are green dabbed with shades of pink and how the variations of white and gray look so great with my zinc sink surface. They display a modern, but quiet sensibility… and I marvel at nature’s ability to make something so beautiful and functional in its design. All the dandelions in the yard are proof of this.

Inspiration is everywhere. Even in the weeds on your lawn. Take time to breathe in the details and intricacies of the beauty that surrounds you, and you’re sure to find inspiration of your own.

Bye for now…I’m off on a walk to find what inspiration may lurk in the morning mist.

Matthew