The Journey from Artist to Florist: My Story of Passion and Purpose
Every artist’s journey is unique, and mine is a story of passion, discovery, and transformation. From a young age, I was drawn to art, and by the time I turned 17, I knew that creating art would become a lifelong pursuit. I went on to major in Oriental painting at university, where I immersed myself in traditional techniques and the philosophies behind this beautiful art form.
After graduation, I followed my dream of becoming a painter. I showcased my artwork in numerous exhibitions, each one a window into my personal world. Painting gave me a profound sense of joy and fulfillment because it allowed me to express my inner thoughts and emotions visually. Every brushstroke was a reflection of my heart, and I cherished the process of transforming blank hanji (traditional Korean paper) into vibrant expressions of my world.
Color and Composition: The Hidden Power of Visual Storytelling
As I spent more time as a painter, I realized the immense power that color and composition hold in visual storytelling. One unforgettable experience still stands out to me. I had created several versions of the same sketch, each painted in a different color palette. When I displayed them at an exhibition, I was amazed at how people reacted to each piece so differently. Even though the structure and subject were the same, the mood and emotions they evoked varied drastically based on the colors alone. This moment sparked a deep fascination with the psychology of color.
I began studying color theory in greater depth, focusing on how specific color combinations could influence emotions, create harmony, or bring contrast. My curiosity led me to explore colorist techniques, and I soon realized that color could shift not only how people see art but also how they feel. This exploration became a defining moment in my creative journey and still influences my design process to this day.
From Painter to Stage Designer
While I was still focused on my artistic journey, a senior mentor introduced me to the world of stage design and spatial installations. It felt like a natural progression for me, as it combined my love for color, composition, and large-scale artistic expression. I decided to pursue this opportunity, and soon, I was working as a stage designer in Korea.
This experience opened my eyes to the concept of space and movement. Unlike a flat hanji, a stage was a living, breathing space that could be completely transformed through thoughtful design. I learned how to take an empty, blank space and turn it into a fully immersive experience for the audience. Every inch of space mattered. Every element needed to be intentional. I realized that the way you fill a space can completely change its atmosphere, energy, and impact.
This realization became a core part of my creative process. I began to see space not as something to "fill" but as something to "shape." This insight now plays a critical role in my work as a florist. Designing floral installations for weddings and events is like creating a large-scale work of art — one that people can walk into, interact with, and experience emotionally. My time as a stage designer taught me how to balance scale, structure, and movement, and those lessons still guide me when I design large floral installations and event spaces.
Becoming a Fine Art Florist
With all these creative experiences shaping my path, I eventually found my way to floral design. What began as a simple interest in flowers quickly turned into a full-fledged passion. My background in painting, color theory, and stage design came together naturally, giving me a unique perspective as a florist.
That’s why I now introduce myself as a “Fine Art Florist.” To me, floral design is so much more than simply placing flowers in a vase or an arrangement. Each flower is like a brushstroke on hanji (traditional Korean paper), and I approach every bouquet, centerpiece, and installation as if I’m creating a piece of fine art. I don’t just “arrange” flowers; I think about how each stem, color, and texture works together in harmony.
What sets my approach apart is the way I see flowers as part of a larger composition. Every bloom has a role to play, and I carefully consider how the colors, shapes, and heights work together to create balance, rhythm, and depth. It’s not just about looking pretty — it’s about telling a story. The colors speak. The composition moves the eye. The arrangement evokes emotion.
My floral designs aren’t just for the moment — they’re for the memory. I strive to create florals that become the heart of an event. They aren't just background decor; they become the event's defining moment. My goal is for every guest to walk away with a lasting impression of the flowers, remembering how they framed the celebration, enhanced the atmosphere, and captured the love shared on that special day.
Creating Timeless Wedding Flowers
For weddings, in particular, I believe that flowers should do more than just decorate a space. They should capture the essence of the day. Weddings are moments frozen in time — moments that couples will revisit through their photographs and videos for years to come. The flowers I create are not just for the day of the event; they live on in the images and memories that last a lifetime.
That’s why I strive to create floral designs that remain timeless, elegant, and full of meaning. My goal is that, even 10 or 20 years from now, when couples look back on their wedding photos, the flowers still feel relevant, sophisticated, and beautiful. I avoid fleeting trends that may feel outdated in a few years. Instead, I focus on designs that feel timeless, unique, and unforgettable.
This approach requires me to be intentional about every choice — from the color palette to the flower varieties to the style of the arrangements. My training as a painter taught me to pay attention to subtle color shifts and how different shades can evoke entirely different emotions. My experience in stage design taught me to understand the power of space and movement in creating immersive environments. By combining these principles with floral artistry, I create events that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally impactful.
Annie Lee
Why I Call Myself a "Fine Art Florist"
I call myself a “Fine Art Florist” because I don’t see floral design as simple decoration. It’s an immersive art form that involves composition, space, and storytelling. Just as a painter fills a sheet of hanji with color, form, and meaning, I do the same with flowers — but on a larger, more dynamic scale. My goal is not just to "fill" a space but to create an artistic experience where each floral element contributes to the overall masterpiece.
Each arrangement is a story. Each bloom has a purpose. And when all the flowers come together, they become a singular work of art.
I think deeply about how color affects mood, how texture creates depth, and how balance creates harmony. I strive to design florals that feel natural but purposeful — as if every flower has found its perfect place. This level of intention is what defines fine art floral design. It’s about artistry, not just arrangement.
Bringing It All Together
My journey from artist to florist has been anything but linear. But looking back, I see how every part of my story — from painting on hanji and stage design to studying color and space — has shaped me into the florist I am today. Each phase of my career taught me a new way to see the world, and each experience added another layer to my creative process.
When I design florals for weddings and events, I’m not just thinking about “pretty flowers.” I’m thinking about the story they tell, the emotions they evoke, and the timelessness they leave behind. It’s about creating something unforgettable — something that becomes a core memory for couples and their guests.
Today, I channel everything I’ve learned as an artist, stage designer, and colorist into every floral arrangement I create. Each flower I select, each design choice I make, is driven by purpose, passion, and love for my craft. I invite couples and clients to see the difference that artistry makes when it comes to floral design.
If you want your wedding flowers to be more than just decoration — if you want them to be a timeless, artful reflection of your love story — then I would be honored to bring that vision to life. Together, we can create something that not only looks beautiful on your wedding day but also remains beautiful in your memories forever.
Annie Lee, Fine Art Florist & Wedding Designer
