Introducing Joe Horner, also known as Flower Blocks, a distinguished UK-based photographer and visual artist renowned for his vibrant and visually striking compositions featuring flowers as the central theme. An esteemed Portrait of Britain award winner, Joe's artistic practice revolves around preserving the inherent beauty of flowers, presenting them in a unique light that reflects his meticulous curation, with each flower personally hand-picked. Passionately working with flowers, Joe finds inspiration in the symbiotic relationship between their life cycles and his artistic creations. The essence of his art lies in crafting images that offer a soothing experience for the audience while simultaneously serving as a cathartic expression for the artist himself. Joe Horner extends his gratitude for taking a moment to explore his art, inviting viewers into a world where the timeless beauty of flowers converges with his creative vision.
Photography has been an enduring passion for Flower Blocks, a third-generation artist inspired by a family legacy in printing and photography. The pseudonymous artist shares the intriguing story behind the evolution of flower block photography, a creative venture sparked by the curiosity of freezing flowers and observing their reactions to the cold. Rooted in a love for the art of creation instilled by a gardening enthusiast mother, Flower Blocks strives to offer audiences a moment of calm through their captivating floral compositions.
The artist's collaborations with renowned brands such as Cos, Zara Home, and MaxMara have marked significant milestones. The MaxMara collaboration, in particular, stands out as a poignant moment, seeing their art displayed worldwide. Flower Blocks views each collaboration as a learning experience, relishing new challenges and opportunities for growth. When creating for brands, Flower Blocks adheres to briefs emphasizing tones, colors, and other specific aspects. In contrast, personal creativity is explored without constraints, fostering a continual flow of ideas for brand collaborations. The artist describes the cathartic nature of their work, finding unexpected freedom in creating for the sake of creation and deriving joy from the process.
Flower Blocks sources flowers mainly from the wild in Yorkshire, occasionally collaborating with local florists for specific projects. Despite the challenges faced, the artist's art seamlessly intersects with commercial photography when working with brands, emphasizing that brand work and personal artistry go hand in hand. The interview delves into the artist's struggles with mental health, particularly during the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing uncertainties, Flower Blocks turned to personal projects as a form of meditation, crafting pieces daily and finding solace in the creative process. This candid narrative unveils the resilience of an artist who, in the face of adversity, not only overcame challenges but also discovered a renewed sense of purpose through the art of Flower Blocks.
Photos by
Joe Horner
