Miguel Luis Flores is bringing Mexican colour to floral design in Oslo

My name is Miguel Luis Flores. I am originally from Mexico, but I now live in Oslo, Norway. Although, I have always been around gardens and flowers. It wasn’t until this spring that I obtained my Professional Florist Certification from the Centro de Arte Floral (Floral Art Center) in Mexico City. After working 20 years in the non-profit field, I really wanted a career change and a creative outlet. This is how my path in floral design started.

Walking and helping in my grandmother’s garden in rural northern Mexico are my first memories of my love for flowers. I vividly recall the sweet scent of garden roses and the warm yellow and orange tones of Marigolds. Then, 3 decades later life took me to a town in Norway called Lillehammer where I found the most charming and whimsical floral design studio I had ever seen. The studio is called Bergamot and I remember telling my husband that one day I would love to own a flower shop like that.

Currently, I am interested in finding sustainable ways to arrange flowers sometimes in a natural way and others in a more structural form. I like to experiment and see what materials work to achieve the form and shape I desire for that particular arrangement. My main reason for doing this is to avoid using floral foam, but sometimes it is out of necessity if I don’t have with me items like chicken wire or a kenzan at the moment I am arranging.

To be honest, it depends on what I am creating at that particular moment. I find that if I am arranging a professional floral arrangement for either a project or for someone with specific requests, sketching and writing some simple notes are great ways to keep myself organized and on the right path. However, if I am creating something for myself or a friend, I like to let my imagination run wild and let the material dictate my path. I believe in also having fun with whatever materials are available at the moment.

Since starting my floral design journey, I have been very interested in locally grown flowers. Even if I am buying flowers from a shop, I always try to search for some flowers grown nearby. I would love to start connecting with Norwegian and Nordic flower farmers. Right now, I am also very drawn to flower textures and cheerful and lively color combinations.

My Mexican heritage is my main inspiration. I love elements such as colors, stories, and the joy of life of my roots in my floral arrangements. In a time in which soft pastel colors dominate the world of floral design, I like to inject my arrangements with bright yellows, vivid pinks, dark purples, bright blues or even whimsical foliage with unique textures.

Flowers have taught me to be present in that moment and to find comfort and joy in their fleeting beauty. It is ok to slow down and most importantly it is ok to enjoy the moment.

For anyone just starting their floral design journey, there is never a better day to start that today. Also, as you progress, don’t forget to constantly arrange flowers. Even if it is something simple, you will learn something new every time.