The Anatomy of a Branch
Katie’s favorite modality to make her exquisite and unique floral sculptures are several willow varieties, hemlock, quince, and most of all, hazelnut (filbert) in italian, nociolo branches. Sourcing her branches locally, she chooses bunches with the most interesting curves and angles. She heads to her studio with branches, gets out her sheers and other instruments, a yardwaste bag, and gets to work.
Once branches are trimmed and cut to size, she works meticulously to remove the bark and rugged bits to get the branch ready to be primed. This process is all done by hand with a sanding sponge and her handy sheers. Next, she uses a high quality acrylic primer to paint the entire branch. Once dry, sanding and prepping of the branch continues. Typically a branch is primed and sanded at least twice.
Next, a high quality base paint layer is applied and allowed to cure or dry for several hours (She does not recommend watching this phase).
Then the fun begins! Katie goes to work on the first coat of color. Typically a Farrow and Ball favorite, like “London Clay”, “Mahogony”, “Vardo”, with a splash of Golden’s Metallic “Pearl” is applied in multiple layers. It’s important each branch is a little different so one may have a darker undertone and less metallic feel than another. This creates the depth and the story of the piece. Once satisfied, the varnishing begins. Katie prefers a matte finish especially when metallics are involved to allow the color rather than shine to stand out.
She has already chosen the vessel eons ago and knows the space her creation is going. She does a test run in the studio, using coated chicken wire placed randomly in the vessel to simulate water. Large branches are cut at an angle on the bottom using her electric sheers, and she places each branch in the vessel.
Meantime, when paint is drying and between steps she has created, curated, or embellished beautiful adornments to her branches. Vintage appliques, dried luminaria from her own garden, canvas leaves and florals she has created, and whatever piece she dreams up. She is always happy to collaborate and give other artists an opportunity to star in her subscriptions, buying floral creations at a price worthy of the time and creative energy put into the pieces. She gives credit where credit is due, elevating and celebrating the artists with whom she has collaborated.
Once completed, the work is part of her LUSH line (Local, Unique, Sustainable, and Hassle-free) Hand-Painted Floral Scupltures. Her work is sustainable in both permanence and responsible environmental and labor practices.
