A devotion to crafted florals
- Pablo is an artificial flower designer, art conservator and restorer
- He handcrafts talc and silk flowers for churches and religious processions in Spain
- His delicate floral creations can take more than three weeks to make
Pablo Ruiz Banús began his practice by creating talc-based artificial flowers, a decorative and religious tradition that has existed in Spain for centuries. “I have always loved nature, and this was a way to explore and deepen my appreciation,” he explains. At first, Pablo stuck to traditional materials like aluminium wire and costume jewellery to craft his floral pieces, which can be found in churches and heritage institutions across the country, from Seville and Madrid to Barcelona. Around 2022, he began widening his cultural lens, looking to places such as Japan and Malta for inspiration. The latter, known for its tradition of flowers made of silk and adorned with elaborate glass beads, motivated Pablo to take his craft to the next level by sourcing fine fabrics, gold and silver beads, coral fragments and gemstones from Europe and Asia.
Interview
- How much planning goes into your work?
- When I start working on a new piece, I have a rough idea of what I want to make. I do not draw anything, but I have the concept in my head. However, I do improvise as I go, depending on the design and malleability of the materials.
- What inspires your floral creations?
- I want to take this craft beyond its traditional religious contexts. I am interested in fashion and jewellery, and I look to a variety of global references for inspiration, such as the way Japanese women put flowers in their hair.
- How do you challenge yourself every day?
- If I am making a series of flowers in a bouquet, I will challenge myself to make the second and third differently from the first. I am always trying to innovate, pushing myself to explore different techniques and processes.
- What advice would you give to aspiring makers?
- Even if your objects are not finding an audience, prioritise social media and good quality photography. Most of my clients discover my work through my digital presence. A client from the Vatican City recently commissioned a pair of my bouquets.
Pablo Ruiz Banús is a rising star: he began his career in 2020
