FIND ART IN NATURE

Story by Diana Keeler | Photography by Kate Mathis

This arrangement finds a balance between solid and airy shapes and a mix of natural textures: vase-shaped vessels made from reeds (which are really fishing traps made in Gallipoli) combined with oversized wooden chain.

"CARVED WOODEN CHAINS AND HAND-WOVEN BASKETS BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN ART, NATURE, AND DESIGN."

– Hilary Robertson, stylist, author, Bloomist collaborator

“Interiors photoshoots involve a unique set of challenges”, says stylist Hilary Robertson. “A primary one is art. Stylists often can’t use copyrighted artwork in photoshoots, so we turn instead to natural elements”, she explains. “I call it, “art that isn’t art.”

“You have to ‘find your ‘moment’ in either something natural or sculptural. Sculptural tumbleweed is an ideal example. “I was inspired by a visit to San Miguel de Allende. The artist Patricia Larsen has a beautiful shop there, and she had lots of hanging tumbleweed. I’d never seen it like that. It’s nice to have something amorphous and natural. When I’m doing shoots, that’s what I’m looking for: a natural statement.”

“HANGING TUMBLEWEED FROM THE CEILING MAKES AN UNEXPECTED, SCULPTURAL STATEMENT,  ESPECIALLY IN MULTIPLES.”

These wood fired ceramic wall beads from Tunisia can be piled into a bowl or hung on the wall, a clever alternative to a painting or print.

A cloud of spiky Tumbleweed works both as a floating sculpture and filler for the paper mâché bowl. Hanging bouquets and wreaths is a classic stylist trick as it adds interest to the space between tabletop and ceiling.