Emily Thompson, the founder of Emily Thompson Flowers in New York, is a celebrated floral designer whose work transcends traditional floristry. Known for her wild, evocative arrangements that draw inspiration from nature, art, architecture, music, and dance, Thompson has redefined floral design as a medium for storytelling and emotional expression. Her debut book, Emily Thompson Flowers (2025), showcases her 15-year career, highlighting her unique approach that reveres the raw beauty of flowers, plants, and natural elements. This guide explores her philosophy, techniques, and contributions, offering practical insights for aspiring florists inspired by her artistry.

Emily Thompson’s Philosophy

Emily Thompson’s approach to floristry is deeply rooted in her background as a sculptor and her reverence for nature’s untamed beauty. Her philosophy can be summarized in a few core principles:

1. Embracing Nature’s Raw Beauty: Thompson views flowers and foliage as nature’s most exquisite gifts. Her arrangements often incorporate unconventional elements like branches, vines, or even birds and beasts, creating compositions she describes as “thickets, heaps, vapors, gusts, and gales.” This reflects her desire to capture nature’s wild, organic essence rather than forcing it into rigid forms.
2. Interdisciplinary Inspiration: Drawing from art, architecture, music, and dance, Thompson’s designs are informed by a rich cultural context. Her background as a sculptor allows her to treat floral arrangements as three-dimensional works of art, with a focus on texture, movement, and narrative.
3. Cultivating Presence: Thompson sees floristry as a way to cultivate mindfulness and connection with the environment. Her work encourages designers to engage deeply with their materials, fostering a sense of presence and intentionality.
4. Collaborative Creativity: Thompson emphasizes collaboration, as seen in her workshops where she guides participants in creating installations that reflect collective vision and phenomena. Her teaching style encourages experimentation and individuality.

Key Techniques in Emily Thompson’s Floristry

While Thompson’s work is highly artistic, her methods can inspire practical techniques for florists at any level. Here are some key approaches, drawn from her practice:

1. Sourcing Unique Materials

• Forage Thoughtfully: Thompson often incorporates foraged elements like wild branches, moss, or seasonal foliage. Aspiring florists can explore local environments (with permission) to find unique, natural materials that add character to arrangements.
• Work with Local Growers: Partnering with local farmers ensures fresh, seasonal blooms that align with Thompson’s ethos of celebrating nature’s cycles. This also supports sustainability.
• Experiment with Non-Traditional Elements: Incorporate unexpected items like feathers, stones, or even small animal bones to create dramatic, narrative-driven designs.

2. Designing with Intention

• Focus on Texture and Movement: Thompson’s arrangements often mimic natural forms, like windswept landscapes or tangled thickets. Use a variety of textures (e.g., soft petals, rough bark) to create dynamic compositions.
• Create Narrative: Each arrangement should tell a story or evoke an emotion. Consider the setting, occasion, or cultural context when designing. For example, Thompson might design a “gust” of flowers to evoke a stormy mood.
• Use Unique Vessels: Thompson teaches the use of distinctive containers to enhance designs. Experiment with vintage urns, sculptural vases, or handmade pottery to elevate arrangements.

3. Building Large-Scale Installations

• Plan Structurally: For large installations, like those Thompson creates for events or phenomena, start with a strong framework (e.g., wire or foam bases) to support heavy materials.
• Layer Gradually: Build arrangements in layers, starting with structural elements like branches, then adding focal flowers and delicate fillers to create depth.
• Collaborate: Thompson’s collaborative workshops highlight the value of group creativity. Involve others in brainstorming or execution to bring diverse perspectives to large projects.

4. Teaching and Sharing Knowledge

• Guide, Don’t Dictate: Thompson’s teaching style, as seen in her workshops, encourages participants to explore their own creativity. When mentoring others, provide guidance but allow room for individual expression.
• Host Workshops: Offer hands-on sessions where students can create and take home their own designs, as Thompson does at FlowerSchool New York.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Florists

Inspired by Emily Thompson’s approach, here are actionable steps to start or enhance your floristry journey:

1. Study Nature: Spend time observing natural landscapes to understand how plants grow and interact. This informs organic, Thompson-inspired designs.
2. Learn Art History: Thompson’s work is influenced by art and architecture. Study these fields to enrich your design perspective.
3. Practice Sustainability: Use locally sourced, seasonal materials to reduce environmental impact, aligning with Thompson’s nature-centric ethos.
4. Experiment Boldly: Don’t shy away from unconventional materials or forms. Try creating a “heap” or “thicket” to push your creative boundaries.
5. Document Your Work: Like Thompson’s book, keep a portfolio of your designs to track your growth and share your vision with clients or collaborators.

Emily Thompson’s Contributions to Floristry

• Published Work: Her book, Emily Thompson Flowers (2025), is a landmark in contemporary floristry, showcasing her 15-year career and offering inspiration for designers. It’s described as unlike any other flower book due to her distinctive style.
• Innovative Designs: Thompson’s creations for high-profile events and installations have set a new standard for artistic floristry, blending natural beauty with sculptural precision.
• Educational Impact: Through workshops and collaborations, like those at FlowerSchool New York, Thompson has mentored countless florists, encouraging them to find their unique voice.
• Cultural Influence: By drawing on art, music, and dance, Thompson has elevated floristry to a multidisciplinary art form, inspiring designers to think beyond traditional arrangements.

Conclusion

Emily Thompson’s approach to floristry is a celebration of nature’s wild beauty, infused with artistic vision and cultural depth. Her work challenges florists to see their craft as a medium for storytelling, mindfulness, and collaboration. By embracing her philosophy—revering nature, drawing interdisciplinary inspiration, and designing with intention—aspiring florists can create meaningful, impactful arrangements. Whether you’re foraging for materials, experimenting with textures, or leading a workshop, Thompson’s legacy offers a roadmap for transforming floristry into an art form.

For further inspiration, explore Emily Thompson Flowers (available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble) or attend a workshop to experience her collaborative teaching style firsthand.

https://www.floristryandartofliving.com