The Relationship of Contrasts

The game of opposites is – not only in floristry – one of the most expressive design elements. It is particularly important to find the right dosage of two extreme positions in order to find the level between tension and rest, colour and non-colour, diversity and reduction that we intend, and can then apply to make our emotional statement. This can not be achieved without proper practice. Gregor Lersch has analysed the main contrasts in floristry which are used to steer emotion. Using many step-by-step examples, he illustrates the possible transformations and nuances. The examples are designed to help identify what happens when we make certain changes, so that the designer is able to make informed decisions between harmony and contrast, and is thus able to develop a feel for the correct dosage at a given moment. In this way he becomes more and more skilled in the application of an elementary design principle.