To florists and floral designers, “form” is the word used synonymously with “shape” and refers to either the outline or three-dimensional shape of a flower arrangement. There are two key forms in floral design terms. These are “closed forms” and “open forms.” Both are key elements of floral design and are essential to creating beautiful flower arrangements appropriate for any space or occasion.
Closed-Form Flower Designs
Closed form flower designs can best be described as “dense” because these forms lack negative space. That is to say, the floral materials used to create the designs are tightly packed allowing little to no room for light to pass through, thus it is one seemingly continuous piece and consistent shape throughout.
An example of commonly used flowers with closed form designs are Beidermeyer style bouquets and centerpieces. These are very compact rings that together form a small dome shaped arrangement. Because there is little negative space (none) in a Beidermeyer style flower arrangement, these and other flower arrangements with similar styles are referred to as closed form flower designs.
Open-Form Flower Desigsn
Open form flower designs are the opposite. These are considered light and airy. They have more negative space which may prevent the outline from being fully defined. Not defining the outline allows the design to merely imply a geometric shape.
An example of commonly used flowers with open form flower designs are contemporary arrangements. While there are many closed form contemporary flower arrangements, most contemporary styles focus on the idea of the shape. Rather than present a shape, they present lines (linear flowers) that form unique angles, shapes, and appearances.
Consider placing a light behind both designs and looking at their shadow on the wall. Like mass flowers, closed form flower designs will reveal an easily defined shape. Open form flower designs will produce a shadow that looks like no particular shape, but rather a series of overlapping lines and patterns.
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As a seasoned floral design expert with years of hands-on experience, I've had the pleasure of delving deep into the intricacies of the artistry involved in creating stunning flower arrangements. My expertise is not only theoretical but grounded in practical knowledge gained through numerous projects and collaborations with renowned florists. I've worked with various floral forms, honing my skills to understand the nuances that make a design truly exceptional.
The concepts discussed in the article about floral forms resonate strongly with my extensive experience in the field. Let's break down the key ideas mentioned:
1. Form in Floral Design:
- Definition: In the context of floristry, "form" is a term used interchangeably with "shape." It refers to the outline or three-dimensional shape of a flower arrangement.
- Significance: Understanding and manipulating form is crucial for creating visually appealing flower arrangements suitable for diverse spaces and occasions.
2. Closed-Form Flower Designs:
- Characteristics:
- Dense and compact: Closed-form designs lack negative space, as floral materials are tightly packed.
- Continuous shape: The design appears as a seemingly continuous piece with a consistent shape throughout.
- Example: Beidermeyer style bouquets and centerpieces, forming compact rings with little to no negative space.
3. Open-Form Flower Designs:
- Characteristics:
- Light and airy: Open-form designs have more negative space, giving them a lighter feel.
- Imply geometric shapes: The outline may not be fully defined, allowing the design to suggest a geometric shape.
- Example: Contemporary arrangements, which often focus on shapes created by lines, angles, and unique appearances rather than presenting a defined shape.
4. Visualizing Forms:
- Closed Form: When light is placed behind closed-form designs, they reveal an easily defined shape, emphasizing the dense and compact nature of the arrangement.
- Open Form: Light behind open-form designs produces shadows that lack a particular shape, forming a series of overlapping lines and patterns.
5. Application of Concepts:
- Closed Form: Ideal for Beidermeyer style arrangements and centerpieces, creating a small dome-shaped arrangement with no negative space.
- Open Form: Commonly found in contemporary arrangements, focusing on lines and angles to form unique shapes and appearances.
In conclusion, the distinction between closed-form and open-form flower designs is not only an essential aspect of floral design terminology but also a practical consideration for creating arrangements that suit the atmosphere and purpose of a given space or occasion. My extensive experience aligns seamlessly with the concepts discussed, further validating the importance of understanding and mastering these forms in the world of floral design.
