SAIFD Artist in Residence (AIR) Presentation
Seneca College, Trillium Chapter

Theme: Botanicals
Date: February 17, 2009

Mr. Harvey Pope AIFD, CAFA and Ms. Barbara Hensel, MF gave a thorough presentation on the manufacturing and production of silk flowers, and gave an exciting workshop on designing with silks, or as we have come to know them "permanent botanicals." This is a component of the industry that many of our chapter members were very unfamiliar with, and from what I observed rather skeptical of. Many, however, had changed their opinions regarding silks by the end of the presentation. Barbara and Harvey were able to demonstrate the use of silks in incredibly modern and contemporary designs, as well as the use of silk and fresh material together. They explained how silks have come along in history - being used in the ground as spring flowers, found in Egyptian tombs and in medieval Europe they were used in churches, during the Victorian period in fashions and explained the different trends up to the present time. Barbara's and Harvey's extensive professional experience, which often takes them to the Orient, also enlightened our group on how these botanicals are actually produced.

Again, they provided an exciting and wonderful learning experience.

Marianne Suess AIFD, CAFA
Program Coordinator