Q&A with our Keynote Presenter Susan McLeary

Susan McLeary (c) Amanda Dumouchelle

"I might see a fashion show, for instance, and think—wow, that collar on that jacket is just amazing, I wonder how that would look made out of carnation petals."

As a designer, artist, educator, and author, Susan McLeary, this year’s Slow Flowers Summit keynote speaker, stretches her floral wingspan, producing a feast for the eyes in her designs. In addition to arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces—more typical fare when it comes to floristry—Susan also combines flowers to create jewelry, installations, clothing, and more. Whether she is working on “a tiny little floral ring or a huge floral installation,” her process relies on working in layers—heaviest and darkest to lightest and most airy—to create interest, movement, and depth. With wearables, one of the signature elements of her design work, Susan likes to spur curiosity. “What’s interesting to me now is choosing materials that, when combined, don’t at first glance say ‘flower.’”