Ron Morgan has created a lush, vibrant collection of floral arrangements --- no, I think that floral sculpture is a more appropriate moniker--- in his latest publication, A Glass Act. What sets this book apart from the traditional floral books that provide us with stringent rules of proportion, color and plant material, is his unique way of interpreting and displaying nature. Every piece is absolutely breath-taking and innovative. However, what most appeals to this self-proclaimed flower novice, (but entertaining maven!), is the "approachability" of each of his displays. Without exception, Morgan's glass and floral sculptures scream "I can do that."
So, rather than go through the book page by page, describing the plant genus and hardscape materials Ron Morgan has married, I will include photo links to some representative pages. What I'd really like to accomplish in this multi-part series, is to convince you that whatever designs Ron has envisioned and created, we can replicate in our own homes and for our own events.
In his chapter on the exploration of the color red, Morgan has created a light summer display that would be perfect on a breakfast buffet or luncheon table. Imagine a clear glass cylinder filled with water to within an inch of the rim. Into this landscape, Morgan has casually tossed the most perfect and petite strawberries, in their varying shades of ripeness. The berries extend above the waterline, in an expression of seasonal freedom. But, what really makes this sculpture sing, is the addition of just-picked tendrils of clematis leaves and white blooms, casually tumbling over the edge of the cylinder and dripping down to the table. Again, I will state that ANYONE can recreate Morgan's vision in their own environment, and that is what makes this book a must for every entertaining library.
In Morgan's orange chapter, he creates a stunning visual display using only three elements: glass, water and stemless gerbera daisy blooms. The uniqueness and originality of this arrangement is in its bold starkness and the contrast of geometry. Morgan used six clear glass cubes, filled with water. Into each cube, he suspended a single, barely-orange flower head, using floral adhesive at the bottom of the vessel. He then staggered and stacked five of the six cubes, leaving the last one solo, at the end of the sculpture --- almost an afterthought. What I love about this creation is the interplay between the harsh lines of the glass cubes and the graceful arch of each petal on each bloom. In addition, tiny water bubbles cling to the undersides of the petals and create a sense of movement that looks like it's been suspended in time. This floral arrangement would be the perfect centerpiece statement for an elegant autumn dinner --- the simplicity and elegance are stunning, and the table-hugging nature of the sculpture encourages dinner conversation across the table. And again, any of us could recreate Morgan's brilliance in our own homes!
Book information
A Glass Act by Ron Morgan, photography by Keith Lewis
Published by Half Full Press; 1814 Franklin Street, Suite 815, Oakland CA 94612
ISBN: 978-0-9719552-5-7
$34.95
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© Text by Janice Benoit. [February 2007]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
