Bart Hassam
World Champion Celebrates Local Connections
Bart Hassam’s passion for floristry has seen him reach unimaginable heights. Yet this world champion from Bundaberg keeps his feet firmly on the ground, always striving to better his craft – whether he’s creating a bouquet at his Brisbane store or exhibiting his breath-taking work internationally.
Bart discovered the wonders of floristry at a young age, with his grandmother introducing him to garden shows and events. Even as a teenager, Bart would dedicate his school holidays to helping out at a flower shop. Then, while most 19-year-olds were still figuring out their life path, Bart headed to Japan to follow his dreams. Inspired by the country’s obsession with aesthetics, he spent ten years there – honing his skills in floral design and forging his unmistakable style.
Although almost impossible for an admirer to detect, Bart’s floral work includes painstaking precision. Bart is more like a floral engineer, carefully constructing and assembling floristry formations that seem to defy the rules of nature. Often a repetitive base structure acts as a canvas, with flowers then added for a spectacular contrast. Bart treats each flower with the upmost respect, giving every bulb, stem and petal the freedom to radiate its ‘perfectly imperfect’ beauty.
Bart enjoys the unpredictability of working with flowers. Unlike other materials, such as metal, there is always something different to discover.
“A particular leaf will have a particular curve, or a rose will wilt in a particular way,” Bart says.
“The skill, in my profession, is working with the difference that comes each and every time. Just because you get a certain ten roses one day, there’s no guarantee they will look or feel the same next time.
“For me, that spontaneity is the joy of working with flowers.”
Bart was crowned the 2019 World Champion in Floral Art, building on an already impressive list of accolades from around the globe. Like most artists, he sees his work as the sum total of his experiences.
“I encourage anyone looking to pursue floristry to embrace the world around them. You never know where the information will lead you,” Bart says.
“When you’re travelling, look at the flower shops. When you’re at the markets, see where things are sourced from. And touch as many flowers as you can, from everywhere. That’s how you learn. The education of the hands is the most important thing in this line of work.’’
Despite Bart’s international experience, he is a big believer in supporting and forging local connections. He is committed to seeing the local flower industry bloom.
“Floral design draws inspiration from a range of fields, and there is currently no single, dominant trend. However, more and more people are embracing a return to naturalism – with a focus on organic, locally sourced products that aren’t necessarily perfect,” Bart says.
“When buying materials for our Brisbane shop, Maison Fleur, we support a lot of smaller growers. They don’t grow everything – but instead focus on growing two or three things really well.’’
For Bart, the Main Beach Flower Festival is an opportunity to celebrate local connections and the beauty on our doorstep.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that there are just as many beautiful and interesting things right where we are – not just overseas,” Bart says.
“Supporting local businesses, supporting local talent and supporting local products is vital to a strong, secure and progressive community. And it needs to be fostered.
“If you attend local, go local, buy local and support local – you’ll be amazed at the beauty, talent and quality products that are available.”
Bart reflects on how most people enjoy going to their local coffee shop or farmers’ market.
“It’s because we like to have a relationship between people and products,” he says.
“We have those conversations about origin – where things come from, how they’re grown and how they’re made.
“It means you have a connection to the product, so it doesn’t just become that thing on the shelf you forget about.”
Anyone who has the pleasure of encountering Bart’s work feels a connection. His floral arrangements are not just memorable, but mesmerising.
You can check out Bart’s floral design work online, as part of the Main Beach Flower Festival. To see more of Bart’s work, visit barthassam.com.
Interview by Elly Begley