CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS
Katrin Engler
Katrin Engler
is a photographer and gardener in Leipzig, Germany, who captures the beauty of vibrant seasonal blooms set in fantastical tableaus. Floral magic abounds in her stunning pieces, featuring dimensions of rich color and expressive shadows. Katrin has also worked as a graphic designer and illustrator.
Where you can find Katrin
What’s your earliest memory involving flowers?
When I was a kid, we had a beautiful wildflower meadow behind the house in our small town. I often sat in that meadow. There were quite ordinary flowers growing there, as far as I remember. Red clover, daisies, from which I made wreaths, and sorrel, which I picked and ate directly.
Are there specific flowers that are native to Leipzig that appear in your work?
Leipzig is located in winter hardiness zone 7b. So a pretty standard perennial garden grows here. There is even a typical plant here, the Leipzig wood anemone (Anemone x lipsiensis). There is also a large floodplain forest here that is full of wild garlic in spring. This has not yet been reflected in my work, but I see the forest every day when I look out of the window, so my surroundings naturally influence me.
What drives you to be creative and put your work out into the world?
When I arrange flowers and photograph them, I create an idealized image. Flowers would not grow like this in the garden and so I create a piece of exaggerated nature. It allows me to express my love for nature and flowers. Unlike creative gardening, where you have to plan very long term, I can achieve a beautiful result quickly and experiment freely.
What were some of the major points along the trajectory of your floral-related design work?
I taught myself everything. It all started with my own garden. Here I immersed myself in the world of plants and deepened my knowledge over the years. You never stop learning in the garden. This passion is reflected in my photographs.
What role do flowers play in your life?
Flowers play a big role in my life. I like to take care of plants and a blossom is like a reward for that. Gardening keeps me physically fit and creative work with flowers is really relaxing.
What’s a non-negotiable for your creative workspace?
Good light and quietness.
“There is no such thing as perfection
and you cannot plan everything.”
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned while working with flowers & growing your garden?
There is no such thing as perfection and you cannot plan everything. In nature you learn to accept that things don't always work out either, on the contrary, there are always nice surprises.
What advice would you share with others who are beginning to develop their creative styles?
I would advise anyone to just make things and try their hand. Just go for it.
All images above by Katrin Engler
Handpicked
A few of Katrin’s favorites…
Favorite flower
I love them all.
Favorite season
Spring
Favorite color
My favorite color is blue. When it comes to flowers, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of blue is delphinium.
There are varieties here in really bright blue that are also in my garden. Delphinium is still beautifully blue even when dried.
Your last great read
Dior in Bloom by Jérôme Hanover, Justine Picardie, Naomi Sachs, Alain Stella, and Nick Knight
Favorite botanical destination
I love English gardens.
Thank you so much, Katrin!
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