bloomon’s spring bouquets burst with colour and creativity. ATELIER, our most recent collection, is inspired by the way artists create. Over the next weeks, we’ll be stepping inside the atelier to meet the artists who inspire us. From Berlin to Belgium, painting to pottery, their work aims to inspire others to unlock their own inner artist.

Meet Isaac.

Designing with nature

A cavernous space – part atelier, part laboratory, filled with pots and pans brimming with colourful liquids and crystals. Amidst it, is Belgium-born Rotterdam-based Isaac Monté. A unique creator of biological art and design products. His fascination with the intricacies of nature literally shines through his work in his range of self-grown crystal vases. His favourite flower? “Ranunculus. In all possible colours”.

“The biggest inspiration is nature. The idea that I grow my objects in collaboration with nature – it creates awe in others.”

–Isaac Monté

How did you get into your craft?

I studied interior architecture in Belgium and in Norway, then studied product design at The Willem de Kooning Academy, where I also a teach. I’m fascinated by the growth of stalagmites and stalactites. To me, they’re natural 3D printers. Dropping material and a very slow pace. My initial idea was to actually use them as 3D printers – I researched and experimented with a variety of minerals to grow my own stalactites. It was during this that I managed to grow crystals!

Favourite material of choice?

As a designer, I am fascinated by a lot of materials – by how I can manipulate materials. Most of my work consists of manipulations and the reuse of waste materials. I’m currently working on a project where I use cutting waste from the vegetable industry to produce packaging for those vegetables.

Describe your creative process

I always start the day with a fresh cup of coffee and switch on some music. To me, they’re the ingredients of a creative day. I have a very hands-on method – I’m one of those designers who doesn’t know how to draw or sketch, but I love working with my hands. Whenever I have an idea, I start making and experimenting. Usually, it’s a process of trial and error. I keep experimenting until I create what I had in mind.

Have you had mentors along the way?

As a student I had great mentors and I still surround myself with people who guide and mentor. I have been strongly influenced and inspired by Katharina and Thomas of Studio Mischer’traxler (where I did my internship). Also, one of my favourite teachers was Lise Lefebvre , also a flower and green lover, like me!

What does the art of creating mean to you?

I want to surprise people. At first, they see a beautiful object, but when they hear the story behind it, discover how the object has been made or what materials were used to grow it, they get even more excited. The biggest inspiration is, of course, nature. The idea that I grow my objects in collaboration with nature – it creates awe in others.

One last thing – anyone you find really inspiring right now?

The drawings of Ernst Haeckel . You can look at his illustrations for hours and keep discovering new details and over and over – you are being surprised by the beauty of nature. Also, my sister – Monica Monté . She’s a photographer. She has an incredible eye for detail.

Unlock your own inner artist with flowers! Our spring bouquet collection is available to order – grab your overalls, a paint brush or clay and let our ATELIER bouquets inspire you with their colourful spring style.

Order flowers

Find out more about Isaac and his work on his website