Jess Nguyen selected for “Bouquets To Art 2023”

The 39th “Bouquets To Art” is on display from June 5–11, 2023 at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. This special annual engagement is where you can view outstanding floral design inspired by the permanent art collection of the de Young Museum. For 1 week only, flower lovers can enjoy the works of more than 100 of the Bay Area’s most renowned floral designers.

“Wave & Garden” was inspired by the poetic experience of visiting beautiful gardens and the designers who thoughtfully curate, cultivate, and nurture these precious spaces. I want to honor the natural diversity of environments where plants and flowers can grow, whether it's water lilies floating in a pond, orchids growing on trees, or a wildflower field. My intent was to mimic what visiting a garden would do, provide a visual space for quiet reflection and experiencing this ephemeral art of flowers. Each section of the design will have your eyes travel around the mannequin and appreciate the individual material choices. The blue wave design will be constructed of various flowers and chicken wire making the 3D design dynamic.

I was inspired by San Francisco parks, gardens, watching “The Gardener”, a film about the extraordinary Frank Cabot. I would like to have people feel like they are transported elsewhere and feeling a little more hopeful. If people were coming to my garden, they would experience explosion of colors, textures, joy, and hopefully a sense of peace.