Tell us a little bit about yourself and your practice.
My name is D’Ara and I’m a multidisciplinary artist specializing in design, and floristry. My work is a testament to the idea that creativity transcends limits. Whatever the medium my love for design remains unwavering. I am driven by the desire to craft work that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring others.
What/who is influencing your work right now?
Currently, the women in my circle are my biggest inspirations. I’m truly amazed by their remarkable achievements in their various fields. Witnessing their innovative approaches never fails to inspire me. The synergy when we collaborate is truly remarkable, as our diverse worlds intersect. Few things bring me as much joy as this does at the moment.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
I’m inspired by anyone who is currently crafting their own universes and inviting others to pull up a seat. Witnessing artists push the boundaries of authenticity in their self-expression truly resonates with me.
What is one of the bigger challenges you and/or other artists are struggling with these days and how do you see it developing?
I would say the numbers game of it all . Attention seems to be the most coveted currency; at times, it appears that what holds the greatest value to people is who can amass the most of it.
How do you see your practice evolving in the next 3-5 years?
The few glimpses I catch of Aris’ future I’m nurturing and guarding closely for the time being. Most importantly, I’m tempted to surrender to its guidance, as that’s how this journey began. Initially, there was no definite plan; I simply surrendered, trusting that wherever I ended up was where I belonged. Historically, I’ve been very cerebral, relying on rigid plans that I followed meticulously. Now, I’m striving to let intuition steer me.
What do you want a viewer to walk away with after interacting with your work?
I want them to FEEL!
What have you been reading lately and are there any quotes that have resonated with you from the material?
The body keeps the score – “ The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves”
How has your knowledge as a designer aided you in your floral work?
I think what I lacked in practical floristry knowledge was compensated by my design background. Years of observing form, compositions, and colors have unconsciously contributed to the evolution of my work. While I may not always perceive it, I’ve been informed that there’s a distinct coherence between my digital and floral creations.
What is your driving force?
Recently, I’ve made a firm commitment to infuse all aspects of myself into my work.
All the feelings, the good the bad the indifferent, messy, sticky and complex. For the first time, I can confidently state that what I create is one of the purest reflections of myself, capturing a snapshot of my journey at any given moment. Love emerges as one of the predominant themes in my work: the construction, deconstruction, and yearning for something greater than what I’ve previously encountered. A year ago, I found myself fragmented, with a friend likening my venture into floristry as a response to profound devastation, driving me to delve into the earth, reconstruct, and assess what remained. A year later I can say that the love doesn’t die, it only multiplies and builds again into something new.
How would you describe your work to a stranger?
I’d describe it as a deeply personal and transformative journey through my personal work, that I am using this medium to express the full spectrum of human experience, especially love and loss while finding renewal and growth amidst the fragments.
What do you do when you’re not working on your art?
I’m really trying to sort that out right now. There’s a beautiful interplay between my social life, my craft, and the ongoing work that is the evolution of my womanhood- it’s so captivating. It’s really intoxicating when what you do becomes a real reflection of who you perceive yourself to be. However, what’s missing are grounding routines and rituals to anchor me amidst this beautiful chaos. Thus, my focus lies on establishing those foundations at this moment.
Who are some of your dream clients?
I’m very much wanting to venture into the experimental space. I love an experimental client who’s open to thinking outside the box and wants to create something that is truly unique to our partnership.
Interview conducted by Wonu Balogun