For centuries, flowers have adorned our lives, gracing momentous occasions and breathing vibrancy into everyday spaces. Yet, their role has often been relegated to the realm of decoration, a beautiful but fleeting enhancement. Braer Studio, however, challenges this perception. Founded by the visionary Azzmin Frances, Braer Studio has transformed from a traditional flower shop into a gallery space that transcends the boundaries of floral design.

Azzmin's background fostered a deep appreciation for creative expression in all its forms. This perspective is woven into the very fabric of Braer Studio. "Flowers have been used to mark ceremonial occasions throughout all of history," Azzmin explains. "Flowers for me are more than just a gesture or a gift marking a special occasion. Flowers are a moment of reverence for the finite beauty of nature and a reminder to be in the here and now." It's this reverence that fuels the desire to elevate floral arrangements into the realm of art installations.

Azzmin's approach to floral design defies traditional notions. Rigid rules are eschewed, drawing inspiration from the philosophy of Sogetsu Ikebana, a Japanese school of ikebana that emphasises artistic freedom and the exploration of space. "I wouldn't claim to know the basic principles of floral design," Azzmin says. "I have never trained in traditional floristry. Instead, I have chosen to adopt principles and techniques from all different ways of making flowers and art. I learned through trial and error, lots of research and from watching other floral artists I admire. I have delved deeply into practising creating flowers from a place of deep creativity and meditation in motion. My main inspiration and continued learning come from practising Sogetsu Ikebana. Sogetsu was founded by Sofu Teshigahara – where traditional Ikebana was about following rules, Sogetsu was about creating art anywhere, anytime, using any material. Ikebana is the art of space … space between branches and leaves.” Quoting Sofu Teshigahara, Azzmin says, “Space is a plentiful void projecting tension and power.” It’s clear this philosophy resonates deeply with Azzmin, who finds endless inspiration in the natural world and the way materials can be manipulated to create evocative works.

The shift towards a gallery space was a natural progression for Braer Studio. "We've always used special ceramic vessels to display our flowers," Azzmin explains. "They are as important as the flowers themselves." This focus on holistic composition led Azzmin to forge connections with a diverse range of artists, from ceramists to lighting designers. The gallery space allows them to showcase these artistic dialogues, presenting floral creations alongside works that complement and enrich their essence.

Azzmin's curatorial vision is one of inclusivity. She seeks out artists who share a boldness of expression and a meticulous approach to their craft. "My vision for the Braer Studio is to be a place for the community to experience the beauty of the natural world and a place for artists to exhibit work that is invigorating to experience," Azzmin says. "I find I am drawn to artists' work that is made with bold expression and crafted with careful consideration. I choose work that could be placed inside the home of someone who would also appreciate Braer flowers." The resulting exhibitions are a harmonious blend of artistic disciplines, each piece amplifying the power of the others. "The artists we exhibit at Braer are deeply passionate and what they are dedicating their life to is unique and made with so much integrity. They inspire me every day," Azzmin adds.

Blurring the lines between floral arrangements and art installations is a cornerstone of Braer Studio's work. One such project involved a collaboration with Aesop Skincare. Here, Azzmin transformed Aesop stores across Queensland with immense, glowing installations crafted from thousands of dried Australian native flowers. The colours and shapes echoed the Aesop fragrance campaign, creating a truly immersive experience.

Another project, a personal wedding commission, exemplifies the profound impact floral art can have. Azzmin and the Braer team built a vast meadow of wildflowers, with a spiral pathway leading the couple into the heart of a floral sea, where they exchanged vows. The flowers became an integral part of the ceremony, heightening the emotional resonance of the occasion.

Inspiration for Azzmin comes from a multitude of sources. From the childhood spent exploring the natural world to the awe-inspiring works of Andy Goldsworthy and Mark Quinn, Azzmin's creative wellspring is constantly replenished. "I'm revisiting my love for Andy Goldsworthy – his work was such an inspiration for me from a young age. My parents had a book on his work and I would try to thread leaves together in the forest on family bush walks. The documentaries of his work are really inspiring," Azzmin shares. Collaboration is another key element in their practice. "Collaboration is at the core of everything we do at Braer," she affirms. This extends beyond fellow artists, encompassing growers, stylists, and clients, each playing a vital role in bringing Braer Studio's visions to life.

The impermanence of flowers is a central theme in Azzmin's work. "The way I create art and work with plants is with a deep reverence for the natural world," she explains. The fleeting nature of flowers becomes a meditation on mindfulness, reminding us of the preciousness and impermanence of life itself. This theme of impermanence extends to Azzmin's artistic practice. She delves into the materials themselves, finding solace in the act of transforming them into new shapes, capturing their ephemeral beauty before they wilt and decay.

Azzmin's personal journey has also profoundly shaped her artistic path. Growing up in an environment that nurtured creativity instilled in her a deep appreciation for the natural world. This appreciation ultimately led her to see her work not just as floral design but as art in its own right.

The transition from a flower shop to an art gallery presents both challenges and opportunities. There's a challenge in shifting public perception in encouraging viewers to see floral arrangements not just as decorative elements, but as legitimate works of art. However, Azzmin embraces this challenge. She sees the gallery space as a platform to educate and engage audiences to spark a conversation about the artistic merit of floral design.

Looking ahead, Azzmin is brimming with ideas. Experimenting with more permanent creations using natural materials is a current fascination. She envisions a future where floral design becomes even more integrated into the art world, where the ephemeral beauty of flowers finds its rightful place alongside more enduring art forms. This future, Azzmin believes, is already beginning to bloom.

Braer Studio is currently showing an exhibition featuring Georgina Davies, an interior and product designer based in Northern Rivers, NSW. Her designs are both functional and enduring, complemented by Braer's ephemeral floral artistry. The exhibition runs until August 3rd and is available for viewing by appointment only.

Find Braer at 1/11 Banksia Drive.