The Flower Arranger is produced by NAFAS (the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies) in the UK and as such reflects the in-house nature of its contents. Unless you are 'in the know' you are left wondering what it is all about.
The quality of the pictures of the arrangements are very mixed and although there have been recent alterations to the layout, the magazine itself is very stiff and formal. Any teaching or reference points tend to be very basic and seem to be aimed at beginners. Few references are made to up-to-date designs and, if there are, there are no real explanations about concepts.
This is a magazine suitable for members of the organisation it represents and is very formal in nature.
As a subscriber to several flower related magazines from across the world I consider this magazine a valuable and interesting read, and one which I would certainly recommend investing in. The Flower Arranger often showcases designs which are `fairly traditional' and perhaps `contrived.', but these are interspersed with other more 'of the moment' design ideas, and numerous other interesting articles about all kinds of related subjects. There are all kinds of foibles and controversies in this very emotive and personal industry/pastime. For example, I believe the term 'contemporary' is sometimes confusing and always changing as often there is nothing more appropriate than a simple collection of materials displayed in an appropriate setting yet it is fitting and 'of the moment' so must be contemporary but is it??!! Whilst the Flower Arranger may veer towards `safe' and `arranged' rather than `outlandish' or `startlingly simple' there is always plenty to glean from the multitude of contributors. Sure there are always arrangements and articles which do not fit in with your personal approach or interest in the subject, but if viewed objectively, they will aid the discovery, learning curve and development of your personal style, which is surely what it's all about? Often looking at a piece of work and working out why you don't like it is as valuable as looking at a design which you find enchanting because, as with any art form, if the work has caused a reaction from the viewer it has been successful. And thinking about the how, why and what ifs is how we all discover, learn and explore the never-ending possibilities of combining the treasures which nature has to offer to make an important and lasting visual contribution to our fast-moving, ever-changing lives. There is something for everyone in this magazine.
Buy Flower Arranger Now
Having not seen a copy after many months of waiting, I would not recomend the magazine to anyone. Send the magazine!
Read Best Reviews of Flower Arranger Here
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