About Me
Hello, I’m Catherine, a sustainable floral artist based in southwest Western Australia.
Today I find myself deeply connected to two lands, Aotearoa, New Zealand, where I was born and raised, and Australia my home for over 35 years.
Growing up outdoors in the rural landscapes of New Zealand, I spent my childhood exploring farmland and the native bush that surrounded me. These early years nurtured my lifelong love for foraging and creating with natural elements, collecting sticks, seedpods, moss, and feathers to crafting imaginative treasures, I found endless joy in the wonders of the natural environment. Whether it was the magic of an acorn seed helicopter or the simple fun of sticking rose thorns on my nose, nature has always been my playground and muse.
Through my sustainable floral art, I strive to channel this passion by blending creativity with environmental mindfulness, ensuring that my designs protect and respect our planet. Gardening, my background in floristry, and traveling the world have connected me to extraordinary experiences, always drawing me back to nature. This connection is at the heart of my work, providing endless inspiration for my floral art.
I create sculptural and functional designs from my home-based studio, teach workshops, plan presentations, demonstrate, and design public art installations. My work is deeply inspired by materials that might otherwise be overlooked—botanical waste, weeds, and debris—transforming them into pieces that celebrate the beauty of nature’s hidden gems. Foraging and collecting allow me to see, hear, smell, and touch the natural world more closely, I strive to support local growers and suppliers, along with using seasonally grown flowers and greenery to align with my goal of working harmoniously with nature.
Continuing to learn new techniques and exploring different mediums keeps my work evolving. This constant curiosity fuels my passion for discovering new design opportunities and deepening my connection to nature.
Design innovation and growth
Exploring different mediums and continuing to study with leading experts in my field allows me to bring advanced design concepts and new techniques to my floral art. This dedication to growth and innovation enables me to evolve, push boundaries, and bring fresh ideas and perspectives to my work.
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2023/2024: Freesia Challenge Participant - Top Three Finalist.
Freesia: Florists Recognising Environment and Eco Sustainable Ideas and Applications - a worldwide movement to educate and design, facilitated by Hitomi Gilliam and Gregor Lersch.
Bunbury Fringe Festival: Botanical Public Art Entrance Installations
AIFD Symposium, Chicago:
Team Member for Designers Per Benjamin and Max Van der Sluis.
Assistant for Per Benjamin's ‘Colour My World’ Workshop.
Workshop Participant: Elly Lin Botanical Fashion Workshop.
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival: Botanical Public Art Installation.
Solo Exhibition (2023).
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show: Main Stage Presentation – ‘Sustainability: What Does It Mean?’
The Ivy Institute: Team Member – Botanical Art Installations.
Sustainable Floristry Network: Completed the Foundation in Sustainability Floristry Course.
Perth South Metro TAFE: Sustainability Presentation to First-Year Students.
Sue McCleary “Passionflower Sue” Online course – Modern Floral Fashion.
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery:
Designer of the Year 2024.
Best in Show Award.
Ongoing study: ‘Floristic Dialog’ with Hitomi Gilliam and Per Benjamin.
Catherine Meads is an SFN Member Florist