FLOWERS & DESIGN FLOWERS & DESIGN Gary Kwok
Gary Kwok is the founder of Gary K Limited. Within the competitive floral arena of Hong Kong her brand is synonymous with excellence, superior craftsmanship, attention to detail and exquisite tailor-made design. With her exceptional success in floral art, Gary Kwok has made a quick ascent towards leadership and has become the most applauded company in event decoration and weddings of prestige and elegance in Hong Kong. Whatever the client’s wishes or occasion, Gary Kwok and her team deliver bespoke floral creations from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Sublime beauty expressed in the language of flowers. Gary’s floral design demonstrates a new use of form, colour and texture, which compliment and integrate both the flowers and the vase, creating a clean and modern look. A style that also caught the attention of Mr. Giorgio Armani who has invited Gary Kwok to form a partnership, which resulted in the Armani Fiori HK brand in 2002. This book is an anthology of Gary Kwok’s most impressive accomplishments in floral design.
Gary Kwok
ISBN 978-90-5856-585-3
9 7 8 9 0 5 8 5 6 5 8 5 3
2017SKB026_GARY_KWOK_COVER_DUST_JACKET.indd All Pages
10/11/17 11:53
INTRO
For centuries flowers have been prized by various cultures across the world as objects of beauty. In today’s society, however, their value goes beyond aesthetics. These breathing works of art are testament to the powerful force of nature. Flowers not only express and elicit emotion – they have an innate ability to form a deeper connection with the environments that surround them. Familiar spaces come alive again, creating a new way of living. Floral art is not like a painting that you view in a museum – every aspect of it is personal. I want people to relate to flowers as living objects that they can admire, appreciate, touch or even integrate into their daily lives. Flowers can transform any environment or space, and I want to showcase that. Gary Kwok Floral Artist
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INTRO
For centuries flowers have been prized by various cultures across the world as objects of beauty. In today’s society, however, their value goes beyond aesthetics. These breathing works of art are testament to the powerful force of nature. Flowers not only express and elicit emotion – they have an innate ability to form a deeper connection with the environments that surround them. Familiar spaces come alive again, creating a new way of living. Floral art is not like a painting that you view in a museum – every aspect of it is personal. I want people to relate to flowers as living objects that they can admire, appreciate, touch or even integrate into their daily lives. Flowers can transform any environment or space, and I want to showcase that. Gary Kwok Floral Artist
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Material: Iris (various)
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Material: Iris (various)
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Material: Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ / Helleborus orientalis (various)
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Material: Aquilegia (various) / Tillandsia
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Material: Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ / Helleborus orientalis (various)
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Material: Aquilegia (various) / Tillandsia
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Material: Cissus sicyoides ‘Ovata’ / natural reed
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Material: Allium ‘Hair’ / Cotinus coggygria / Glossogyne tenuifolia / Pieris japonica / Polygonum / Setaria italica / Thlaspi ‘Green Bell’
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Material: Cissus sicyoides ‘Ovata’ / natural reed
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Material: Allium ‘Hair’ / Cotinus coggygria / Glossogyne tenuifolia / Pieris japonica / Polygonum / Setaria italica / Thlaspi ‘Green Bell’
Material: Leucospermum “Nutan Soleil” / Leucospermum “Nutan Succession” / Reed / Senecio “Herreianus” / Xanhtorrhoea ( Steelgrass )
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Material: Leucospermum “Nutan Soleil” / Leucospermum “Nutan Succession” / Reed / Senecio “Herreianus” / Xanhtorrhoea ( Steelgrass )
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NEW IMPRESSIONS
Location: Van Gogh Senses Vincent Van Gogh is one of my favourite artists and I turn to his work time and again for inspiration. His paintings are full of energy – you can really feel his passion in every brushstroke. I wanted my floral arrangements to celebrate the beauty of his masterpieces. The colours are opulent and bold, and I’ve used many techniques and details much like a painting itself.
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Material: Daucus carota / Galax / Gloriosa / Heliopsis / Xerophyllum (steelgrass)
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NEW IMPRESSIONS
Location: Van Gogh Senses Vincent Van Gogh is one of my favourite artists and I turn to his work time and again for inspiration. His paintings are full of energy – you can really feel his passion in every brushstroke. I wanted my floral arrangements to celebrate the beauty of his masterpieces. The colours are opulent and bold, and I’ve used many techniques and details much like a painting itself.
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Material: Daucus carota / Galax / Gloriosa / Heliopsis / Xerophyllum (steelgrass)
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CREATIVE UNDERGROUND
Location: Victoria Wine Cellar Art pieces: provided by Mr. James Tong This wine cellar is unique because it is decorated with contemporary art pieces. The arrangements I used here are more conceptual to accentuate the work on display. Everything looks earthy and natural. Acrylic cases are filled with fruits to symbolise growth and transformation, while a hand-woven container is filled with branches dotted with berries, bringing to mind the circle of life.
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Material: Anethum Graveolens / Chamaerops / Helenium / Heliopsis / Tanacetum
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CREATIVE UNDERGROUND
Location: Victoria Wine Cellar Art pieces: provided by Mr. James Tong This wine cellar is unique because it is decorated with contemporary art pieces. The arrangements I used here are more conceptual to accentuate the work on display. Everything looks earthy and natural. Acrylic cases are filled with fruits to symbolise growth and transformation, while a hand-woven container is filled with branches dotted with berries, bringing to mind the circle of life.
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Material: Anethum Graveolens / Chamaerops / Helenium / Heliopsis / Tanacetum
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Material: Bark / Viburnum “Compactum”
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Material: Bark / Viburnum “Compactum”
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the following people for helping me bring this book to life:
Divia Harilela for interviewing me and giving me the opportunity to reflect on my career as a floral artist. Thank you for the beautiful write-up.
My parents for their unconditional support and endless love. I am especially grateful for the freedom you have given me to choose my own career path. Thank you for allowing me to spread my wings and fly.
The team at Hilverda de Boer (www.hilverdadeboer.nl), especially Gert-Jan Schoneveld and Lee Yongfang. You are more than just suppliers – you are treasured friends. I feel blessed to find a partner with whom I have grown and developed professionally for more than a decade. Thank you for your generous support.
My husband Jiro for his unconditional support, encouragement and for giving me the time and space to grow in my professional life.
Shina Tamaki, for being the best model I could ask for. Thank you for showcasing my floral arts since you were 14-months-old. I wish you the brightest future and I hope you will always remain the same happy little girl.
My sister Miki, who is not just the best sister I could hope for, but also my loyal business partner and consultant. Thank you for your endless love, patience, support and trust.
My publisher Stichting Kunstboek for giving me the opportunity to create this book and making all my dreams come true.
My business consultant, Tamaki Ryozo. Thank you for listening and guiding me through the world of entrepreneurship. I still have so much to learn from you.
My business associates Andy Chu, Ophelia Chong and the amazing A-Events team; Mona Wong, Chris Cho and the resourceful PR experts of Moxie Communications; Syna Lee & the On Stage Production team; Evelyn Mills & the wonderful team at Marriage Maestros; and Michele Li & her brilliant team at The Wedding Company.
My family for always being there when I needed them the most. Andre Fu, my dear friend of many years. You are an inspiration, and together we always achieve more. I look forward to many more years of friendship, inspiration and creativity. Thank you for lending us your stylish home for one of the book’s shoot locations.
Mr. Giorgio Armani, words are not enough to express how grateful I am for the opportunity you have given me. I am beyond lucky to have met you. Thank you to the Giorgio Armani Hong Kong team for the support and kindness each and every one of you has given me since we began Armani Fiori HK 15 years ago.
Anna Morgiana Chau, a wonderful friend and mentor. Thank you for your limitless support in everything I do. I deeply appreciate your kindness, support and friendship.
Thank you to our generous location sponsors including Christie’s Hong Kong, Kerry Hotel, Lane Crawford, Park Yoho, Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, Mask of Si Chuen & Beijing, Van Gogh Senses, Victoria Wine Cellar Limited, The Upper House and The Yuu Japanese Restaurant.
James Tong, although our friendship has just begun, your love for the arts truly inspires me. Thank you for lending me your home. It was an honour to work with your fantastic collection of art pieces. Simon Chim, we have encountered many adventures together and I am grateful to have you by my side. Thank you for your unflinching support, encouragement and for bringing out my best potential.
A big thank you to my colleagues for their support and trust in me throughout my floral adventures. You drive me to do better and are the reason why I keep myself motivated and never stop learning.
Pinky Chau, my supportive friend and trusted advisor, not just for this project, but for everything I do as a floral artist.
Finally, to everyone who has loved my work and supported me throughout my professional career - without your trust, support and friendship I would not be where I am today. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
The talented Chris Chan – you are one of the best photographers in Hong Kong and Asia, in my eyes.
Gary Kwok
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95
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the following people for helping me bring this book to life:
Divia Harilela for interviewing me and giving me the opportunity to reflect on my career as a floral artist. Thank you for the beautiful write-up.
My parents for their unconditional support and endless love. I am especially grateful for the freedom you have given me to choose my own career path. Thank you for allowing me to spread my wings and fly.
The team at Hilverda de Boer (www.hilverdadeboer.nl), especially Gert-Jan Schoneveld and Lee Yongfang. You are more than just suppliers – you are treasured friends. I feel blessed to find a partner with whom I have grown and developed professionally for more than a decade. Thank you for your generous support.
My husband Jiro for his unconditional support, encouragement and for giving me the time and space to grow in my professional life.
Shina Tamaki, for being the best model I could ask for. Thank you for showcasing my floral arts since you were 14-months-old. I wish you the brightest future and I hope you will always remain the same happy little girl.
My sister Miki, who is not just the best sister I could hope for, but also my loyal business partner and consultant. Thank you for your endless love, patience, support and trust.
My publisher Stichting Kunstboek for giving me the opportunity to create this book and making all my dreams come true.
My business consultant, Tamaki Ryozo. Thank you for listening and guiding me through the world of entrepreneurship. I still have so much to learn from you.
My business associates Andy Chu, Ophelia Chong and the amazing A-Events team; Mona Wong, Chris Cho and the resourceful PR experts of Moxie Communications; Syna Lee & the On Stage Production team; Evelyn Mills & the wonderful team at Marriage Maestros; and Michele Li & her brilliant team at The Wedding Company.
My family for always being there when I needed them the most. Andre Fu, my dear friend of many years. You are an inspiration, and together we always achieve more. I look forward to many more years of friendship, inspiration and creativity. Thank you for lending us your stylish home for one of the book’s shoot locations.
Mr. Giorgio Armani, words are not enough to express how grateful I am for the opportunity you have given me. I am beyond lucky to have met you. Thank you to the Giorgio Armani Hong Kong team for the support and kindness each and every one of you has given me since we began Armani Fiori HK 15 years ago.
Anna Morgiana Chau, a wonderful friend and mentor. Thank you for your limitless support in everything I do. I deeply appreciate your kindness, support and friendship.
Thank you to our generous location sponsors including Christie’s Hong Kong, Kerry Hotel, Lane Crawford, Park Yoho, Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, Mask of Si Chuen & Beijing, Van Gogh Senses, Victoria Wine Cellar Limited, The Upper House and The Yuu Japanese Restaurant.
James Tong, although our friendship has just begun, your love for the arts truly inspires me. Thank you for lending me your home. It was an honour to work with your fantastic collection of art pieces. Simon Chim, we have encountered many adventures together and I am grateful to have you by my side. Thank you for your unflinching support, encouragement and for bringing out my best potential.
A big thank you to my colleagues for their support and trust in me throughout my floral adventures. You drive me to do better and are the reason why I keep myself motivated and never stop learning.
Pinky Chau, my supportive friend and trusted advisor, not just for this project, but for everything I do as a floral artist.
Finally, to everyone who has loved my work and supported me throughout my professional career - without your trust, support and friendship I would not be where I am today. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
The talented Chris Chan – you are one of the best photographers in Hong Kong and Asia, in my eyes.
Gary Kwok
94
95
FLOWERS & DESIGN FLOWERS & DESIGN Gary Kwok
Gary Kwok is the founder of Gary K Limited. Within the competitive floral arena of Hong Kong her brand is synonymous with excellence, superior craftsmanship, attention to detail and exquisite tailor-made design. With her exceptional success in floral art, Gary Kwok has made a quick ascent towards leadership and has become the most applauded company in event decoration and weddings of prestige and elegance in Hong Kong. Whatever the client’s wishes or occasion, Gary Kwok and her team deliver bespoke floral creations from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Sublime beauty expressed in the language of flowers. Gary’s floral design demonstrates a new use of form, colour and texture, which compliment and integrate both the flowers and the vase, creating a clean and modern look. A style that also caught the attention of Mr. Giorgio Armani who has invited Gary Kwok to form a partnership, which resulted in the Armani Fiori HK brand in 2002. This book is an anthology of Gary Kwok’s most impressive accomplishments in floral design.
Gary Kwok
ISBN 978-90-5856-585-3
9 7 8 9 0 5 8 5 6 5 8 5 3
2017SKB026_GARY_KWOK_COVER_DUST_JACKET.indd All Pages
10/11/17 11:53