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ithin Boston’s dense metropolitan landscape, a glimpse of nature can be encountered on West Broadway in Southie. Behind marvelous and imaginative window displays, there exists a flourishing environment focused on integrating art, flowers, and plants. This breath of fresh air is known as the Micro Plant Studio. Beginning with a straightforward goal to increase the world’s appreciation for greenery, this business has expanded far beyond its initial intent. They have become a critical component of cultivating communities throughout the greater Boston area.
The Micro Plant Studio was founded in 2017 by Julio César Román. Since its inception, the business has been leading the city towards the future of plant life. Through exploration with 3D printing, Román has developed a unique fusion of art and nature. He uses 3D printing as an instrument to create complex molds and experimental plant holders that would not be achievable through traditional means. Micro Plant Studio is showing the world how we can utilize once environmentally damaging technology to instead nourish nature.
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Román is a Boston-based artist who was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. After moving to the United States, Román lived in Hartford, Connecticut. Soon after, he went on to pursue higher education. He moved to Boston to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Román continued on to graduate school, earning his Master’s in Public Policy. With this education, Román worked
for non-profit organizations as well as the Boston Public School system. Even before starting his own business, Román was driven to make this city a better place for the people that live in it.
In 2017 Román needed an unanticipated surgery that would change his life forever. During the recovery period, Román found himself caring for an ever-expanding collection of succulents from his little studio apartment. Through these tough times, Román used plants as a tool to sustain his mental health. “Through the process of caring for plants, I found hope and light at the end of the tunnel,” Ramos said. Román began photographing these plants, adorning them with collectibles and toys to complete the scene. This quickly became a dominant medium for his artwork. Inspired by this self-sustaining experience, Micro Plant Studio came to light. Román journey stands as a reflection of Boston’s gritty and resilient attitude and proof that oftentimes the toughest conditions will blossom the most beautiful flowers. When strolling into the studio, you are instantly immersed in a rejuvenating reality, with an organic presence that is often missing from our daily lives. Boston architect, Elvin Zayas worked collectively with Román to devlope the studio. Drawing upon countless inspirations from nature, the aesthetic of this studio can be defined by its earthy color palette as well as the use of energetic textures and lighting. In an endeavor to expand the studio’s utility, Román created this space with the idea that it would serve a multitude of purposes. One way the studio has done this is by encouraging the local communities. He uses the studio as an innovative environment to explore artistic expression. Román makes his studio space available to a variety of groups: educational, corporate, and nonprofit. As a host, Micro Plant Studio allows these
