Monthly Archives: September 2016

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Universality

Speaking Your Language!

For centuries, people have “discussed” art, so it’s not surprising that thru the ages a language, “a vocabulary” developed to describe art and design – for architecture, painting, dance, graphic arts, websites, floral design, etc.

From New York to New Zealand, from New Delhi to Newcastle on Tyne, ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN are the “vocabulary” that has come to express common understandings and ideas about art and design. Indeed, they do not belong to any one person or organization, nor to any one country. They are the property of all mankind, and have belonged to them from the beginning of time. They are UNIVERSAL!

“A Fresh Look at Judging Floral Design, A Guide for Judges, Designers, Teachers, Mentors and Hosts” explores the “vocabulary of the arts,” nurturing a strong understanding of Elements and Principles of Design and how they function.

Increased understanding unlocks how to infuse expressive content into design, whether a designer, teacher, judge, or regardless of which organization is involved. And it unlocks how to see and recognize excellence in design. The tools presented in the book, the Elements and Principles and more, are relevant around the globe.

Scoring by competent judges, with consistency to an organization’s standards, brings integrity to the process, along with fair and just results. Depth of understanding of Elements and Principles is critical to applying a system of scoring.

NOTE: Some aspects fall beyond the scope of the book, such as the ‘application of details of judging’, for example, the number of points to be allotted to particular Elements or Principles of Design. These details are appropriate for each organization to determine internally.

September 14th, 2016|

Garden Club Members – Is This Book for You?

How humbling it is to hear comparisons between Esther Hamel’s long-revered 1960’s book “The Encyclopedic of Judging and Exhibiting” and our “A Fresh Look at Judging Floral Design!” We are truly honored when people who know the Hamel book make such a comparison and, quite honestly, nothing makes Hitomi and Kathy feel more proud! Thank you, readers, for the ultimate compliment!

Our contemporary book is brimming full of updated and new information. It is written for a broad range of audiences in the floral community – from amateurs to garden club members to professionals. As the subtitle says, it is for designers, teachers and mentors as well as judges.

It uses a graphic, easy-to-read style with 338 full-color images and 39 exercises to address 21st century design, techniques and materials. It is particularly helpful in handling new and more complex designs.

Many garden club readers tell us that “A Fresh Look for Judging” is a great favorite they’ve added to their libraries and use as a constant reference.

Maybe it’s right for you too!

September 13th, 2016|

Comments from Garden Club Members:

“After going through the National Garden Club schools and ultimately attaining Master Judge status (now Emeritus) and becoming an Accredited GCA Floral Design Judge, I can confidently say this fresh approach is long overdue.

“You have renewed my original vigor to the task of good judging. I will pass on the info to purchased a book to anyone I know who wishes to improve their exhibiting and/or judging skills.  It was well worth the wait.” – G, Pennsylvania

 

“Oh my goodness — you can’t imagine my excitement upon receiving “A Fresh Look at Judging!” I have been devouring it with such pleasure and saying ‘Yes, Yes, Yes’ along the way!” – B, Pennsylvania

 

“Received the book Monday, and can’t wait to sink my teeth into it.

Thank you, Kathy, (and Hitomi) for recognizing – and fusing together – Western, European, and Asian designs techniques into EPTAS for the 21st century!” – G, California

 

“Thank you for all of the great work that went into creating this wonderful guide. You have inspired me and given me new tools for understanding and explaining this amazing field!” – B, Pennsylvania

September 12th, 2016|