Floral Artist: Joan Mercer

01st Aug2011

Floral Artist: Joan Mercer

by Dinah Wulf

Since I started blogging, I always have my eyes open for local Artists and Craftsmen. I think it is a great honor and privilege to meet talent in person and learn firsthand about their creations.

I just got back from an amazing vacation in Maui with my husband. We rented a car, but stayed on the south side of the island in Wailea. We traveled and explored the entire island. Along the way, we found handmade jewelry makers, sculptors, painters, and carpenters. I met a Sculptor in Kapalua and a Carpenter in Lahaina. I ended up finding my favorite right in our hotel during a midafternoon arts and crafts fair in the lobby on our last day.

The first thing I noticed when I met Floral Artist Joan Mercer, owner of Kula Jungle, was the fabulous necklace and matching earrings she was wearing. Of course, a product of her own design, this set was one of many beautiful pressed flower leis among her collection. Her booth was filled with beautiful window ornaments, earrings, leis, and framed art that were constructed and artfully designed from very own garden.

Joan informed me that, with twenty years of experience, she mastered a technique to preserve the natural colors of her flowers. Over the
years, she has developed a following of collectors. Each year she creates a new lei design, and expires the piece after one year. Each unique piece, fashioned from the plush garden in her back yard.