I have combined two designs in this post as they are both from the same competition but different years.
Both are impose, meaning that we did not know the class title until 15 minutes before the start of staging time (3 hours) and all materials including mechanics were supplied. Every competitor received the same materials which were also not known until the start of the competition staging time.
2017
The brief for this was to have a design suitable for the entrance to a hotel showcasing Australian native plant materials. The circular stand was supplied as the staging and could not be moved from its position. Sizing is 2m x 2m x 2m
Using the supplied materials I covered the stand and two foam cicles with raffia and bark, using the most spectacular of the flowers as highlights around the circular top. My idea was to make it like Alice in Wonderland looking through the “glass”. The base uses more of the circular foam pieces cut in half.
Judges Comments: A strong message highlighting the native flora. Be careful of base placements – there is too much plant material here for balance with the rest of the design.
2018
The brief for this design was to present something for the entrance to an outback masquerade ball. Staging was on the supplied wire mesh frame. Sizing is 2m x 2m x 2m.
I have covered the supplied masks with bark and tried to present another central “mask” using only plant material. The other placements were to give a sense of celebration – bouquets and fireworks.
Judges Comments: This design lacks unity – I can’t tell what it is trying say.
(Having looked back at this to write this post, I totally agree. All I will say in my defense is that I did this design very, very sleep deprived. It is definitely not my best work!)