This season artist Andrea Zanatelli adorns our message cards with his myth-inspired symbolic designs. Here he explains more about his inspiration.

Influences and Inspirations

My primary sources of inspiration come from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, the Arts and Crafts movement, and the Pre-Raphaelites. The late 19th century serves as an eternal source, influencing my taste and research. The costumes, symbolism and craftsmanship of this period have a strong influence on my taste and research. But I also love to explore myths and folk tales. I would describe my work as standoffish, dreamy and foreboding.

Creative Process

I usually approach a new project with a strong sense of excitement and eagerness. The foundation of my creative process lies in research, providing a continuous sense of discovery, akin to that feeling of finding hidden treasures. When working on a new commission, I throw myself into the project, combining different periods, themes, and influences to generate the final artwork.

Collaboration With The Floristry
The Daffodils draws from the myth of Persephone and Hades, according to the myth, daffodils were the last flowers that Persephone plucked before she was taken to the underworld. Forced to spend six months in the afterlife and another six on Earth, the artwork refers to the moment when the first daffodils bloom, announcing the arrival of spring and Persephone’s return to the earth’s surface. The artwork also takes its inspiration from Florence Welch’s song Daffodil.

The Circle of Protection is inspired by pagan traditions of the magic circle, a protective barrier between you and the one you are summoning. The artwork also refers to the phases of the lunar cycle.

Lastly, Heartsease finds its roots in Christina Rossetti’s poem Balm in Gilead, specifically the lines:
Heartsease I found where love-lies-bleeding, Purpled all the ground:, What flowers I missed unheeded, Heartsease I found.

Mythology, Symbolism, and Folklore

I consistently incorporate symbolism, folklore, mythology, and pagan rituals into my work. Veiled symbols, references to ancient times, and nods to myths and folklore traditions play a significant role in my creative expression. The Rite of Spring, a ballet exploring folkloric themes, serves as a recurring inspiration. Springtime holds a special meaning, with the gentle, warm light that caresses our interior and objects. Daffodils, lilies of the valley, and irises are chosen for their symbolic meanings in the language of flowers. Nature mainly materialises as inspiration in the symbolism of flowers. Specifically, the symbolism of flowers attributed in the Victorian and Edwardian ages is a recurring subject in my artworks.

The Art Of Collecting

Collecting plays a crucial role in both my personal and artistic life. Living with my partner, every antique object in our home represents us and reflects our interests. I have a deep love for collecting and wearing antique jewellery. These pieces serve as reminders of times long gone and act as protective talismans.

Receive one of three designs by Andrea with any purchase from The Floristry this season.

Discover the tapestry of Andrea’s work and life @andreazanatelli

Discover The Floristry's collection of flower bouquets and flowers jars each made to order by our florist team and available for flower delivery in Hong Kong.