Awarded for her perfect technique and eye for detail, floral designer Hanneke Frankema's working method combines aesthetics with functionality and symbolism. In Afscheidsbloemwerk, Hanneke searches for stillness, symbolism and tactility.

'I love floral work with a mix of many kinds of flowers and details in which a lot can be seen. However, for this series I have mostly deliberately chosen fewer species and a clear form language: Simplicity but a powerful form is also very beautiful. It is then about the art of omission.'

'What that produces? Cuddly texture, for example, from soft Clematis fluff or finely feathered foliage from Asparagus. Nice skin from Hypericum berries, which dry in nicely, also works well. All this, of course, on a bio base and fixed for long lasting durability. Nice carefully placed details, such as inverted Clematis flowers or sinuous Allium stems, bring enough movement or, on the contrary, form a quiet focal point without disturbing the overall picture.'

And again and again, the heart shape returns as a timeless symbol of closeness and remembrance. 'Hearts simply remain my favorite.'