“Minimizing input and relying more on the raw creativity inside me informs my creative process.”

Meagan approaches her work as a floral designer in the same way she approaches everything in her life: with a calm, open, and humble spirit. She never forces anything. She simply helps reveal the beauty that was always lying directly under the surface.

In Meagan’s hands, a forgotten branch or sprig becomes an elegant accent in an arrangement. She is always willing to experiment and to learn from nature itself. Her work is soft and organic- never fussy.

She sees the value in simplicity- of noticing and cherishing the little pleasures of everyday. Being around her inspires one to do the same: Savor a morning breeze on the front porch, coffee in hand, or relish the sunshine on a long walk with a family member or friend.

“My work with flowers hopes to be a reflection of the beauty in creation”

How would you describe your work and your process?

My work with flowers hopes to be a reflection of the beauty in creation. I love organic colors and textures. I love working with organic materials to highlight their natural beauty. My medium has already been built; I just place it in patterns and spaces to acknowledge the dignity it already held.

From where do you draw inspiration?

I am inspired by natural beauty. I am inspired by seeing a form or a shape, and discerning how to highlight its beauty. I am inspired by the challenge of a new medium, and by bringing other people’s creative ideas into life. I don’t totally understand inspiration. Why is it that sometimes I could bust out of my skin with dreams and ideas while at other times it’s just slow, steady, familiar creations? I’m not quite sure. Fresh air is inspiring and quiet is inspiring. I studied Fibers at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and always drew inspiration from nature, specifically flowers, trees, water, and stones. Working with actual elements has captivated me.

How do you cope with a creative block?

I feel that I struggle more with creative overload. I love to experiment with different mediums, but finding a balance that serves others, serves my family, and serves my soul can prove difficult. I believe that I have been created to create! When I feel unwilling or unresponsive to a creative endeavor, I reduce. I go outside. I look at balance, structure, pattern, repetition, and color in nature. I look for whatever has already been made perfectly and it inspires me to continue working. It inspires me to make! I feel strongly that putting things that are not exemplary into the world is not worth it. Excellence is a continuous challenger to me. How can what I am doing be better, more refined, more lovely, more of a reflection of what is good, true, and beautiful? Minimizing input and relying more on the raw creativity inside me informs my creative process.

Favorite item in your closet?

My favorite item in my closet is a hard one! My brain won’t let me have just a closet of clothes that you pick from here and there. Instead, it is one curated piece that makes a whole. I love wool, cotton, linen, and denim. No plastic around here. A favorite would have to be a heather-grey wool sweater that was my Grandma’s. The tag reads, “Woolrich Woman." Okay, fine! Two other favorites: A linen pinafore apron the color of sand from my mother-in-law and a pair of second-hand Rustlers that I think are appropriate for every occasion (although some may argue they aren’t).

Favorite item in your home?

My children??? Does that count? When they are in my home, they more than likely are outside playing with grass and bugs and dirt. My favorite material item in my home… difficult again! A painting of a man from a friend, a wooden charcuterie board made by my brother, my brass watering can from my husband, a table made from driftwood collected in the marsh, my mom’s garlic press, a good pair of sewing scissors, my sheepskin slippers, handmade ceramic baking trays, and my plants… who I regularly have to remind myself are not people.

What are you watching/reading/listening to lately?

I read a variety of things, but most commonly the Bible. I love paper and pictures and things I can touch. The density and texture of the pages have an effect on my experience with the work. My favorite fiction book is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I very rarely have music or other things playing in the background; I am eager to hear what is actually happening nearby. What is actually making noises, what is actually creating light or darkness. It is probably to a fault how little I listen to radio or podcast or music. I am missing out on updates, other’s thoughts, and a creative process different than my own, but to sacrifice the quiet and the noise that happens within the quiet would be a loss to me too. I don’t watch very much, probably because since I went to college, I haven’t owned a TV!

Are you more productive in the morning, afternoon, or evening?

I’m not sure how productivity is completely weighed when you are a mom. In the morning, I am often filled with ambition! What to fill a whole day with exhilarates me. Sometimes my creative endeavors are materialized, and other days I found that I made cardboard houses and colored for 4 hours/all day. Serving and loving my little people has allowed me to see creativity in so many areas. Cooking doesn’t have to be a job- it can be a piece of art involving flavors and colors and garnishes. Putting away dishes can be a duty or it can be a way to create a unique and lovely space, even inside your cabinets. The way towels are folded and beds are made can reflect the creative process and even set you up for your next art piece. Productivity within my floral business is seeded in how I carry out mundane duties in the home. The little things are meaningful. By evening, it is time to sleep and rest. However, around 10:00 pm, I can’t help but begin a new project.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

For anyone new to floral design, what are some of your best ideas for getting started?

Friends who are new to floral design! What would I say…hmmm…I think the best piece of advice I have for creative people in general, not just florists, is to trust the creativity inside you. Not to rely too hard on networking or connections, what’s “in” or what others will think, but to make what is original to your thoughts and your ideas. To strive for excellence in your own unique art form, doting on details maybe only your eyes will see. And do what is life-giving. Let your art reflect you and the beautiful creation you are.

Also… favorite flower: Dogwood.

Photo credits:

Amy Anstatt

Photography Anthology

Meet the Maker

We caught up with Meagan to talk about how she cultivates her creative spirit and energy

You can find more of Meagan’s beautiful creations by visiting her website http://meaflowers.com/ or following her on Instagram mea_flowers