Flower Club International

Renko Floral | Floral Design Studio | Los Angeles

Renko Floral | Floral Design Studio | Los Angeles

Renko Floral | Floral Design Studio | Los Angeles

Nestled at the crossroads of creative expression and the bountiful beauty of nature, Renko Floral emerges as a captivating floral studio, where the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles merges seamlessly with the enchanting allure of Honolulu. Founded by the visionary floral artist Ren Macdonald-Balasia, this distinctive business is more than a mere collection of blooms; it is a harmonious symphony of artistry, craftsmanship, and nature’s boundless elegance. With dual roots in two captivating cities, Renko Floral captures hearts and imaginations, weaving together a tapestry of colour, fragrance, and emotion that transcends geographical boundaries and the physical world.

Join us on an explorative journey into the realm of Renko Floral.

   

  
1. How were you introduced to the world of flowers? 
I was introduced mainly by my fascination with botanical illustration. I figured somehow floristry was a segway into botany which wasn’t really too accurate. However my fascination with botany grew in tandem the more I was able to interact with flowers through floristry so it kind of worked out.
 
2. Why do you love working with flowers?
I love working with flowers because I can be weird and I can push limits. I can argue and fight with my medium…and somehow I can tell a story. I’m not religious in the slightest, but my Dad once said that our creativity and art is our way to glorify God. I love that I can attempt to spiritually glorify my existence and the existence of the unknown through something tangible and from the earth.
  
3. What is the best advice you have received through your floral arrangement studies?
More is More is More. And f*ck this sh*t. 
  
4. How did you manage to turn your passion into a business? 
I worked for others for a long time, long enough to be able to do it myself (though that was never the intention). Then I moved and things shifted… I knew enough and had the mental tools to run a business and wanted to make my own work and create my own style. Having moved, the necessity to provide for myself and a very much childhood induced survival mentality forced me to try….then it snowballed and became a hyperactive fixation. Thanks ADD.
  
5. Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?
Azuma Makoto‘s work, he is a big floral inspiration to me for how he pushes large scale boundaries. Maria Maea, a master palm weaver and local female Angeleno with Polynesian and Latina roots, her work and relationship to plants through her multicultural heritage really speak to me as an island girl. And then of course there’s Emily Thompson, my mentor. I don’t really think Emily and I are florists though. We are aliens. She would say we’re butchers. 
   
    
6. Where do you source your floral materials, vases & tools?
Everywhere. I think this is personal to each artist.
   
7. How would you describe your style of floral art?
Currently my style feels determined and unregulated and unphased, with something to say rather than see. This evolves like anything or anyone in any practice and will change into something else eventually but right now that’s where it feels good.
  
8. Do you have a favourite material or season?
Not anymore. I used to indulge in that but as I have become less judgmental about art and artists in general, I’ve realized the playing field is equal…it’s really up to you to find the good in everything (and the bad, which can be just as good). How can anything be the ultimate when everyone’s reality is so completely different? I think about that a lot…and that’s why I choose to approach it that way. That also doesn’t mean that if someone does have a favorite anything they are wrong either…just a very long tangent on my equality beliefs in the natural world.
   
  
   
9. What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or wanting to study floral arrangement?
Do what makes you feel not what people want to see. Easier said than done especially when running a business, but this generation needs a revolution.
  
10. Do you have any good floristry secrets / tips to share?
Good florists/ floral artists don’t use flower foam. 
  
11. What is ahead in your flower future?
Creating new ways of seeing and including rest in my programming to get there. I’m excited to get weirder.
     
12. For flower lovers – where would you recommend they visit in a 24 hour visit near your city? 
The LA River. Elyria Canyon. 
  
13. Tell me more about the name Renko and where it’s come from?
It was my nickname growing up.
       
  
Business Details
Instagram: @renkofloral
Services: Destination events, editorial, installations and accounts.
Do you have a shop front open to the public or by appointment only? It is mainly closed to the public, and used as our working lab, but we do occasionally open it up and when we do it is posted on our Instagram.
Upcoming events: We have a piece in a group show at Canary Test in Downtown LA with some of our esteemed floral friends September 19th.

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