In a world consumed by the rapid pace of modern life, where immediacy often overshadows depth, Sitio Serendipia is the place where culture and tradition are mixed with nature.

Their curated experiences intertwine with art, craftsmanship and the appreciation for plants and flowers. This combination results in breathtaking arrangements that got our attention.

Read more to discover the peaceful realm of Sitio Serendipia.

1. How were you introduced to Ikebana?

Evelyn: I discovered it from a very young age without knowing that it was called ikebana. I saw it for the first time at the Japanese dentist office my mother used to visit, there were beautiful Japanese magazines with arrangements and atmospheres that seemed mysterious to me and filled me with curiosity, that was my first encounter with ikebana and Japanese aesthetics.

Boris: I got to know about it thanks to Evelyn, in previous years I was more interested in other Japanese artistic paths, but as I really like balance as a creative concept, I liked discovering and exploring the world of Ikebana a lot and it allowed me to continue combining this same concept but with flowers and plants.

2. Why do you love Ikebana?

Evelyn: I always have a feeling of going to a very quiet place while doing it and the feeling of serenity watching it.

Boris: For me, it is an active meditation that allows me to find my center, I try to let myself be carried away by the shapes and the light, and I just do.

3. What is the best advice you have received through your ikebana studies?

Evelyn: Take time to do it, don’t rush, and look at each possibility before you put it in the pot.

Boris: The floral elements that are going to be used have already been cut; the least that can be done is to give your best effort to pay homage to them, seeking to exalt their beauty.

4. How did you manage to turn your passion into a business?

Evelyn: The intention to share beauty, the philosophy and symbolism of ikebana was the driving force, which put us on the road, I had no idea or expectations of the possibilities that would arise from it, but it has always been surprising in a good way. It constantly keeps happening and changing.

Boris: It is part of many other activities that we do around art and the appreciation of beauty. We live in a time where it is necessary to do many different things when one seeks to live as an artisan/artist. It is not easy, but it brings meaning to our life, more than many other professional activities could.

5. Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?

Evelyn: Japan in general is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, and we always discover wonderful teachers and incredible artists. Bookstores are that directory of people doing all kinds of art with flowers. Right now I am very inspired by Toshiro Kawase his daily work and synthesis as well as the subtle changes of light in his photos, always keep me attentive and inspired. I find new artists and I come back to him.

Boris: I don’t have much knowledge of artists in particular; I like Watarai Toru’s work, for its simplicity and honesty. Beyond that, to be honest, nature is what inspires me the most. There is everything you need.

6. Where do you source your materials & containers?

Evelyn: We are lucky to live in the countryside, Mexico, especially Oaxaca, is a place that gives us beautiful materials to work with all year round. So we go for a walk or on a relatively short drive we always find inspiring natural elements. Local flower markets and vendors, as well as our neighbours with orchards, are a way to get unusual materials. We make the vessels at home, a good part of our time is dedicated to the production of ceramics and wood, so we can always make a piece to our liking. We like to have special pieces from local artisans and when we have the opportunity to travel there is always a good find to bring home to explore new possibilities**.**

Boris: Most of the material is natural, meaning we found it around our place or during nearby explorations. If needed for specific works, we can go and fetch some commercial ones, but tend to avoid that. The containers are mostly made by Evelyn, and we sometimes combine them with natural or wooden things that seem to correspond to the moment or the material.

7. How would you describe your style of Ikebana?

Evelyn: Eclectic, I like to think of a style that flows and changes. That feeds on everything and where everything is possible.

Boris: I don’t get along well with the free or more contemporary style, but I also don’t have the ability (or time) to achieve traditional perfect forms, so I only guide myself by the basic principles of the Seika (which for me begins with the journey of mankind between the material and the spiritual worlds, and follows with an aesthetic of balanced asymmetry) and from there I let myself be carried away by the material.

8. Do you have a favorite material or season?

Evelyn: Now I am very curious to explore with green materials, foliage with different textures and tones. I like blue flowers, wild, not fancy, and all seasons of the year.

Boris: Long grasses or branches with unexpected angles. In Mexico, there is always interesting material whatever the season, so it depends more on my own schedule and the light.

9. What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or teaching Ikebana?

Evelyn: Practice as often as possible. Enjoy the silent presence that ikebana requires. Find joy in the creative process.

Boris: Try to work with elements that are around you and leave the cut flowers for another moment. There is a lot of material everywhere and it seems important to me to reconnect with the beauty of things that we take for common and therefore without interest.

10. Do you have any good Ikebana secrets / tips to share?

Evelyn: I like to spend time exploring how to extend the life and beauty of botanical

materials, so it continues to amaze me how at one hour of the day the cut favours certain flowers and foliage more or how with mint, vinegar or sake you can extend the duration of some flower. Sugar, burn some stems, cut diagonally, prune, change water. Etc… And on the other hand with Scissors always sharp and clean. Your hands and the flowers will suffer less.

Boris: Seek balance on the verge of imbalance, both with gravity and light and darkness.

11. What is ahead in your flower future?

Evelyn: I will let myself be carried away by them. I know they will always be in my life, I am anxiously waiting to know where we will go.

Boris: I don’t know, and I’m not worried, I think it’s important to cultivate the emotion that always pushes us to go see what’s behind the next mountain.

12. For flower lovers – where would you recommend they visit in your city in a 24 hour visit?

Evelyn: Oaxaca has many different types of landscape and vegetation within short distances, of course I would recommend hiking in the town where we live, San Agustin Etla. Apoala and Ixtlan for their diversity and of course the coast of Oaxaca and all the way to get there from the city is a trip through nature that is worth enjoying.

Boris: None in particular. I really think everything can potentially be interesting and can inspire us. Just open your eyes and be willing to discover the beautiful.

Business Details

• Website: www.sitio.serendipia.com
• Instagram: @sitio.serendipia
• Email: [email protected]
• Services: Bespoke botanical experiences for events with local flowers with a philosophy of no plastic and a minimal carbon footprint. Floral styling and Art Direction for any project that requires botanical materials. Group experiences around ikebana, ceramics and wood in Mexico, Japan and France. One to one sessions and ikebana experiences for small groups in our workshop house in San Agustín etla Oaxaca.

We are always open to exploring and collaborating with artists and brands that inspire us and to which we can join!

Do you have a shop front open to the public or by appointment only?

We receive visits to our workshop house by appointment in San Agustín Etla Oaxaca. Where we have available pieces for sale and always happy to share valuable time.

Upcoming events:

• Ceramics, kintsugi, ikebana in Tokoname Japan. (October 20 to November 4, 2023)
• Road trip through an incredible route in several cities all connected around the wood culture.(November 6 to 13, 2023)

We love meeting you and making the circle of flowers around the world bigger! We always wait for you in Mexico, Japan, France or somewhere in the world.