The Conservatory of Flowers is thrilled to present a live floral arranging demonstration hosted by famed arranger Jun Pinon on December 3, in the Orchid Gallery. A much more intimate occasion than Jun's large-scale shows, this will be a rare opportunity to interact with Jun as he creates. On a busy November morning, Jun took a moment to sit down with the Conservatory Chronicles to share some of his knowledge.
CC: In your arrangements, do you have any seasonal traditions?
JP: For Thanksgiving, people like to get a lot of texture in arrangements. Blackberries are coming in beautifully, and anything with orange hues, people tend to like that. For fall, jewel tone colors are big. We get flowers from all over the world at the SF Flower Mart, so we can really do anything people can imagine.
CC: What inspires you?
JP: I like simple things. Monochromatic styles are among my favorite, giving just a quick one-two punch. My arrangements are designed to inspire, not impress.
CC: How did you become interested in flowers?
JP: I studied interior design, and I graduated here in SF. I worked for a shop here in the Bay Area, and I had the opportunity to deliver flowers, and to see the magical affect of flowers on people. It's very powerful. I was delivering flowers on Mother's Day, and at the end of my route, I had a delivery for a lady who was well into her 80s. When she opened the door, she had a walker, and when she saw the flowers, her face lit up and her smile made my day. It was a life changing moment for me. I went home, and shared my experience with my parents: I said, right then and there, I wanted to be the best at bringing flowers. Flowers are meant to be shared. This is why I take my time to make sure I share what I know.
CC: What is your favorite flower to work with?
JP: Roses. They come in so many different varieties!
CC: What is your favorite color?
JP: Everything! I love everything!
CC: What are some of your career highlights?
JP: I worked at the Ritz Carleton for ten years, then the Four Seasons, and love that. What makes me happy is when I'm doing the shows, and traveling. I lived in Hawaii for a year, and did the Hale Kulani Hotel's 25th anniversary in Honolulu, for example. I'm looking forward to traveling and bringing the shows on the road.
CC: Do you have a particular flower that you like to have in your own home?
JP: I love orchids. And I love succulents. I love how they last. When I give flowers to my friends, I tend to give them orchids, as they last longer. They're a great gift idea.
CC: Do you have any advice you would like to share with our readers?
JP: Don't be intimidated by trying something different. One thing to remember in arranging: always try to simplify. Monochromatic designs, different flowers of one color, these are so elegant. And eco-friendly is the next wave of designs, so always look to that! I look forward to sharing more at the demonstration on December 3rd! Remember, working with flowers is therapy! Be well!
