Lauren Brigham
Botanical Artist & Stationer
Based in Mill Valley, California
The Art of Pressing Flowers
The history of pressing plants spans centuries, evolving from Egyptian burial rituals, to rigorous scientific research in the 18th and 19th centuries, to now a form of art and craft. As the world becomes evermore dependent on technology, I find the process of pressing flowers helps me to stay grounded, close to nature and away from my screens.
Taking a stroll through the San Francisco Flower Mart, or the Marin Farmer’s Market, or simply through the woods to find flowers to press is a sacred weekly ritual. During these excursions, I am able to meet the farmers who grow their beautiful flowers, learn about the different species that spring up throughout the seasons and connect with my community.
Pressing flowers is the epitome of slow art. Flowers often take up to three or four weeks in a flower press to become fully dry. Once ready, a flower’s petals are tissue-paper thin, which means they can tear easily. Their delicate structure forces me to slow down, take my time, and handle each flower with the utmost care and delicateness. This practice of slowing down, respecting nature through the most delicate touch and creating something beautiful with flowers that will last forever truly feeds my soul.