Stichting Kunstboek BVBA – serie

Jordi Gómez: Unlimited showcases the dynamic visual world of photographer and multi-disciplinary artist Jordi Gómez, capturing his 25-year journey. From his early analog work to his exploration of digital photography, this collection highlights his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a signature blend of fantasy, glamour, and sex appeal. Born in 1978 near Barcelona and based in Ibiza since 2002, Gómez draws inspiration from hedonistic Ibiza and global cities like London, Miami, and Tokyo. His eclectic portfolio includes geisha, sumo wrestlers, ballerinas, models, and celebrities from music, fashion, and sports. Pushing creative boundaries, Gómez merges photography, graphic design, and AI to craft immersive installations. His art extends beyond galleries into hotels, restaurants, and private collections, even appearing on furniture, fashion, and wine bottles.Jordi Gómez: Unlimited is a tribute to his limitless imagination and groundbreaking artistic expression.Text in English and Spanish.

The ultimate reference in every rose-lover's library! The mysterious story of a more than four-centuries old quest for the black rose. Does the black rose exist, or has it ever existed? The complete history of this noble flower, based on authentic research, shows that the quest goes back to the very earliest botanical writings - references to dark roses cropped up in the early European botanical literature. Their further evolution can be easily traced by rose drawings, from the end of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth century. Later, rose collections came into existence, rose collectors became famous and, from the end of the eighteenth century, rose gardeners received more and more recognition for their selections.This prestigious book, in a velvety soft cover, brings the full story of the black rose, based on original research, from the oldest historical images to the most recent developments, and prominent florists of world-renown show their creations with roses.

No one who wants to explore the world of floristry can do without the basics. They are even more essential for those who want to experiment. This handy book contains eleven basic techniques that every florist just has to master. All of these techniques are explained by master florist and teacher Gudrun Cottenier and explained in step-by-step instructions. Every technique comes with four or five compositions that show the possible variants on each theme. An indispensable manual for every hobby florist!Also available:Bouquets: Creativity with Flowers ISBN 9789058561886 £22.50Christmas: Creativity with Flowers ISBN 9789058562074 £22.50Interior Decoration: Creativity with Flowers ISBN 9789058561893 £22.50

The history of orchids teems with tales of temptation and passion. This stunning book combines the most luscious and tactile photographs with surprising and informative texts about orchids. The first part of the book tells the tale about the discovery of orchids through history and describes the way in which orchids are perceived. In the East the emphasis lies mainly on positive characteristics, grace and generosity. In the West orchids personify procreation and sex. Why are orchids the way they are? Why those amazing, complicated shapes? Why those incredible colours? In Orchid: The Fatal Attraction Anne Ronse discusses everything orchids have stood for in the course of history.

Ryusaku Matsuda is generally considered one of the most important and influential 'masters' of traditional and modern Japanese floral art. He has been the head of Studio Matsuda since 1993 and has written several highly acclaimed and successful books that never fail to surprise. What drives him are the motives of a true artist: 'I've tried to discover the reasons why I create works that take both so much trouble and time and I've realised that my motives are likely to stem from my desire to spend as much time with plants as possible'.

Table Arrangements is the seventh volume in the successful series Creativity with flowers. Life3 arranges floral ornamentations that will bring some sparkle to your table, will stun your table guests and will add greatly to the ambiance of any party. Table Arrangements provides you with numerous ideas and looks to create when a special get-together is in order. Casual or stylish, delicate or eye-catching; these centrepieces will both dress up your table setting and provide your guests with a conversation starter. Also Available: Plant Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563521Passionate Emotions ISBN: 9789058563217Arrangements ISBN: 9789058562791Bouquets ISBN: 9789058561886Christmas Emotions ISBN: 9789058562401Christmas ISBN: 9789058562074Interior Decoration ISBN: 9789058561893 Sympathy ISBN: 9789058562548Wedding Emotions ISBN: 9789058561756 Wedding Flowers ISBN: 9789058563095Life3: Ten Years of Inspiration ISBN: 9789058564139

It is not an exaggeration to say that today we live in an age of unprecedented sexual freedom. Far from over, the sexual revolution seems on the contrary to have gained a new momentum. Globalised and digitalised, it is spreading its gospel like wildfire. The objects and their creators that feature in "Made for Love", reflect this new evolution and its corresponding styles and attitudes. Some names of designers as well as brands will be surprisingly familiar. Sensual pleasure objects, furniture, varying home accessories - they all have a naughty spirit in common, combined with quality, design, a certain flair, and sometime ingenious engineering. Avoiding the trashy in favour of the classy, "Made for Love" is a treat for anyone wanting to indulge in a sensual experience.

Over the last ten years, the Bonsai Association Belgium has been organising a yearly international bonsai exhibition in the Belgian town of Heusden-Zolder. Each year, all exhibited pieces were photographed by professional photographers, resulting in a wealth of archive material. On the occasion of the tenth edition of the Noelanders Trophy, 250 photographs have been selected for publication. This gallery of photographs guides you through bonsai culture in Europe. Nature has shaped these bonsai over the ages but human craftsmanship, respect and patience made them a collection of living art. This book showcases a unique collection of beautiful pieces by Bonsai specialists from all over the world.

In this book, photographer Henk van Cauwenbergh introduces us to the marvellous worlds of matador Jean-Baptiste Jalabert (France) and prima ballerina Francesca Docli (Italy). The public's favourite 'Juan Bautista', born in Arles, France and ballet dancer Francesca Dolci, a flamboyant member of the Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, are the representatives par excellence of a world in which sports and art seamlessly melt together. Follow both top athletes/performers during their daily preparations, become a privileged witness to the particular rituals preceding each performance and be a spectator of a dazzling sham fight at the Mediterranean!Text in English, French and Dutch.

Seven years after his first book, Bart Lens and his team Lens°Ass show how the direction they have chosen can lead to fascinating projects. The formulation of a clear and precise concept forms the basis of every single design. A concious choice of materials and elaborated detailing bring forth creations that express tranquility and serenity. The clear line-work emphasises the pure emotions that originate in the union of design and light. The great care that goes into the elaboration of the interior in all its facets is a constant preoccupation for Les°Ass. The book presents a wide variety of projects: new constructions, remodelling assignments, interior designs, even objects such as furniture and lamps. The introduction of a basic idea, a theme, forms the foundation of every project, no matter what its scale might be. This same vision is also the starting point for the recent large-scale architectural projects.Text in English and Dutch.

After the success of Ikebana Today (9789058562081) and Contemporary Ikebana (9789058562692), Ikebana Through all Seasons completes the trilogy dedicated to this ancient art form.Ikebana Through all Seasons goes back to the very heart of Ikebana and focusses on the diversity of the arrangements through the seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter give rise to a great variety of Ikebana expressions. The book illustrates the essence of Ikebana: its seasonal diversity, the growth process of the plants and the interaction between the arrangement and its natural surroundings. For the compilation of this book and the selection of works, an international team of Ikebana specialists, representing all major Ikebana schools, worked together to create an invaluable source of inspiration, not only for Ikebana aficionados, but got anyone with a passion for floral beauty.

Seventeenth century Flanders was a cultural hotspot for both the fine and decorative arts. With well-established ports in Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent, it became an important transit region for both the export of local produce and the import of highly ornamental luxury products and valuables, such as lacquer boxes and ornamental lacquer cabinets imported from the Orient. These oriental high-gloss items, richly inlaid with wood and intricate mother of pearl motives, were built to stand the test of time. As the demand for these luxury items increased, Flemish craftsmen mastered the skills and techniques and created their own lacquer tradition. They didn't merely imitate Oriental lacquer decoration, but designed a peculiarly Flemish lacquer style that has long been overlooked in art history. This is the first comprehensive book on 17th century Flemish lacquer works and an in-depth study to help preserve the skill and the survival of this part of Flemish cultural heritage.

Waterlily Pond speaks to those looking to make a truly unique aesthetic statement. Fusing Eastern and Western design principles, the San Francisco based floral design company creates innovative customised floral art. Waterlily Pond has become recognised for their outstanding artistry, and for crafting exceptional, large-scale works commissioned by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the deYoung Museum. And the service doesn't end with flowers. Waterlily Pond offers complete event design for weddings and corporate and social events. Studio owner and lead designer Natasha Lisitsa is known for using bold flowers in adventurous colour combinations and a variety of interesting natural materials. Natasha has a reputation for seeking out the freshest and most exceptional flowers and materials, from exotic orchids to French silk ribbons. Her work has been described as modern, free-spirited, exotic, adventurous, organic, nature-inspired and sexy. A unique personality, captured in a multifaceted book.Also available:Moniek Vanden Berghe ISBN: 9789058563408Zhanna Semenova ISBN: 9789058563248

Marcel Vrignaud is the founder and permanent professor of the Ikebana Floral Art Centre, an association he set up in 1966 after spending three and a half years in Nagoya (Japan), devoted to the specific art of Ikebana. Being a genuine pioneer in the art of Ohara, Marcel Vrignaud trained teachers all over Europe. My Ikebana offers an overview of his fantastic output. Readers can discover many original combinations of plants, gathered during different seasons, and displayed in the most unusual containers, reflecting all the categories of bouquets of the Ohara School: moribana, heika, landscapes, rimpa, bunjin, morimono, free style, ikebana sculpture, micro ikebana, transparencies etc.

2012 sees the tenth anniversary of Life3, the successful partnership between florists Per Benjamin, Tomas De Bruyne and Max van de Sluis. A festive event calling for some special action. Flower Moments: Ten Years of Inspiration is a festive retrospective of their work. A best of, putting their impressive body of works - until now compiled in no less than 11 books - into the limelight, a tad nostalgic but spiced up with brand new and refreshing designs. The three designers of Life3 give their best in this splendid and varied collection of table decorations, wedding designs, plant arrangements, bouquets, eye-catchers for the home interior, Christmas decorations... staying faithful to their own signature styles and at the same time ever so innovative and original. Life3 not only inspires, but wants to share its creativity, trendy concepts and expertise with colleagues and flower enthusiasts all over the world.Also Available:Plant Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563521Passionate Emotions ISBN: 9789058563217Arrangements ISBN: 9789058562791Bouquets ISBN: 9789058561886Christmas Emotions ISBN: 9789058562401Christmas ISBN: 9789058562074Interior Decoration ISBN: 9789058561893Sympathy ISBN: 9789058562548Table Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563231Wedding Emotions ISBN: 9789058561756Wedding Flowers ISBN: 9789058563095

Florist Daniel Santamaria's Christmas decor and flower arrangements are unique. They combine unexpected colours and materials without losing the traditional twinkle or the festive spirit of the holiday season. His style is tasteful and subdued, steering clear of the over the top 'Kitschmas' decor. Scented centrepieces, evergreen wreaths, festive garlands, table pieces with a twist, glittering ornaments,... this book brims with extraordinary ideas to make the house bloom with holiday cheer. It is the perfect gift for the green-thumbed party host(ess) and an inspirational treasure trove for those who are passionate about the holiday season.Daniel Santamaría is Master Florist at the Escola d'Art Floral de Catalunya, acknowledged by the FEEF. He completed his teacher's training courses at the Generalitat de Catalunya and perfected his art during specialised courses with master florists such as Benedicto Llum I Alonso, Montserrat Bolet, Gregor Lersch, Wally Klett, Nicole von Boletzky and many others. Together with Brigitta Ohlrogge he teaches pedagogy courses for floral art teachers in Hamburg and at the Escola d'Art Floral, where he has been a teacher since 1997. Daniel Santamaría teaches and gives lectures and workshops in different training centers throughout Spain, Europe, Latin America and Asia. He realises exhibitions and floral art demonstrations in companies and entities in the floral sector, both national and international. He was champion of the Catalunya Floral Art Cup (1996) and of the Spanish Floral Art Cup (1997) and runner-up in the European Floral Art Cup in 2003. In 2005 he assisted in the Spanish Floral Art cup. Since 2003 he owns his own company Floristik Projekt in Hamburg, and since 2009 he is the artistic director and coordinator of the Escola d'Art Floral de Catalunya. Also available:Christmas: Creativity with Flowers ISBN: 9789058562074

Thanks to cocooning and a hype around DIY, crafts and upcycling, our homes are increasingly becoming warm nests and a playground for creative minds who seek to inspire us through the use of colour and innovative designs that make a statement not only about who we are but the internal space we occupy, the space we call home. Plants and flowers have become favourite tools in interior design. Whether you like Scandinavian design or a classical romantic style, there are flowers and combinations to suit every interior. Interior Emotions contains a wealth of stylish floral art for the home, using different environments and styles, ranging from subdued to colourful, playful, small scale to wallscapes. This collection offers inspiration not only to the professional florist but to amateurs, who will be able to pick up ideas and get creative in their own homes. Featuring the work of three unique and internationally respected designers, this volume focuses on creating individual style with ideas are inspiring and original, bringing an additional natural element and splash of colour and style to any internal space lifting it from being a room, to an environment that lives and breathes.

Surrounded by flowers from a very young age, the decision to become a floral designer was anoabvious one for Hideyuki Niwa. To keep on challenging himself, Niwa often takes part in competitions and tries creating and photographing a new design every day to get a thorough understanding of the characteristics of flowers and their possibilities. His classic, linear style and minimalist expression with careful placement of plant materials, quintessential characteristics of the Japanese aesthetic concent wabi sabi, rightfully won him a Bronze Leaf in the 2010/2011 editio and he Gold Leaf in the 2012/2013 edition of Stichting Kunstboek's prestigious International Floral Art.Text in English and Japanese.Also available:Ryusaku Matsuda, Contemporary Floral Art ISBN: 9789058562999Naoki Sasaki, Japanese Contemporary Floral Art ISBN: 9789058562647

François Hannes is passionate and driven by beauty. He loves the good life. He thrives on the tranquillity of a landscape and nature, but finds the dynamics of the urban environment equally inspiring. Uncompromising in his designs, he aims for extremes and these are a feature of his highly individual and original work. His designs are calm and thoughtful and the different elements seem to naturally co-exist. They are exciting and bold, creating inspiring interiors with unique style and flair.Hannes's style of working and design is increasingly recognised and respected both nationally and internationally. His creativity, focus, drive and architectural insight make him a first-class designer. Sennah Studio designs and creates interiors where living well and finding enjoyment in personalised comfort are paramount.Text in English and Dutch.

Ethiopia is an amazing and mysterious country. People are moved by its rich nature, culture and history, which are linked both with the Western and Islamic worlds. Ethiopia is the home of coffee and khat, the place where the oldest human being in the world was found. It harbours the source of the Blue Nile in the west and numerous treasures of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Rock hewn churches and their relics lie hidden in the majestic mountainous landscapes of the north. In the east, people and landscapes blend into different customs, scents and colours, almost unnoticeably. In this warm fertile lowland, the impressive Harar is found: the city of a hundred mosques. Further south, there is a land of promise with lush meadows, glittering lakes and natural parks. This is the region of many colourful peoples with their centuries-old values and customs. In this country of rich traditions much is changing. In Ethiopia, modernisation has begun, not only in terms of construction, technology and education, but also in the minds of its inhabitants. With its diversity of peoples, landscapes, cultures and traditions, this creates a stimulating force. Ethiopians are proud, friendly and religious. Regardless of whether they are Christian or Muslim, or worship ancient nature gods, religion provides most Ethiopians harmony, a foothold and hope. Ethiopia: Footsteps in Dust and Gold is an amazing journey through an incredible landscape, beautifully illustrated with evocative text and illuminating photographs that fully capture its colourful diversity.

Whispering Flowers showcases Ikebana arrangements especially inspired by the beauty of a single kind of flower - their colours, lines, shapes and meaning. This book goes back to the basics and has seasonal flowers (that can be found all around the globe and in every climate) dictate the shapes, materials and colours of the arrangements. This approach, letting one kind of flower play the leading role, leaves room for a lot of interpretation and can give rise to both the traditional arrangement as well as more contemporary Ikebana pieces. A colourful addition to our previously released books on Ikebana: Ikebana Today, Contemporary Ikebana and Ikebana through all Seasons.

Christophe Hardiquest, chef of Restaurant Bon-Bon in Brussels, earned his second Michelin star earlier this year. Culinary guide Gault Millau awards him a top ranking too: with a score of 19 out of 20, Restaurant Bon-Bon is in the top 5 of the best culinary addresses in Belgium. With the alphabet as a guide Hardiquest presents his favourite products. He talks about his passion, his drive, inspiration and his entourage. Twenty letters stand for his most cherished ingredients, products that characterise his kitchen and around which the chef works out his exquisite signature dishes. Forty gourmet creations give the reader a taste of the craftsmanship and the impeccable taste palette of Bon-Bon. Master chef Christophe links the remaining letters of his kitchen alphabet to a keyword that brings his culinary philosophy and his personality into the picture.Text in English, French and Dutch.

Celebrations and dinners with friends and family are excellent opportunities to show off the culinary goddess in you. But wowing your guests doesn't have to end with what comes on the plates. A festive decoration of the party table, the home interior, garden, front door... all add up to a joyful ambiance. Therefore anyone hosting a party better had better have some decoration tricks ready up their sleeve. Nowadays, a nice table setting goes well beyond that one showy silver candlestick or that pompous white floral centrepiece. Florist Gudrun Cottenier shows how it's done, with style and ease. Her tips will guide you to the floral tablescapes of your dreams - without too much effort, costs or sleepless nights. Gudrun Cottenier favours materials that won't cost you an arm and a leg, but can simply be gathered in the garden or in nature. Unpretentious materials that can be transformed into a unique eye catcher without too much hassle. A minimum of effort, but with a maximum effect. This book presents a variety of tables, in a multitude of styles and colours. From minimalist and natural Scandinavian to casual and romantic. Stylish white or bold and colourful. Smaller matching accents and complementing arrangements around the house make for a picture perfect whole.

The word Ikebana rings a bell for most, but not many people can define it or grasp its essence. Exploring Ikebana seeks to change this. This book is a comprehensive introduction into the art and unveils some of the secrecy and philosophical ideas projected into this ancient Japanese style of flower design. A no-nonsense but nonetheless respectful approach to the art, that will demonstrate that Ikebana arrangements are achievable for all. After a thorough introductory chapter on materials, the different schools, techniques, dos and don'ts, tools, colours, schemes and (viewing) angles; this books presents arrangements in traditional and modern styles, made with natural and contemporary materials. Every arrangement is richly illustrated with detailed step-by-step photographs of the creative process, making it easy for even the novice to follow and to come to a correct and enjoyable result. And in the end, enjoying the fleeting beauty of flowers to the fullest is what Ikebana is all about.

Xavier Lust is certainly one of the most relevant characters on the contemporary design scene. His distinct and essential approach to design, his ingenious and refined touch, and his ability to synthesise clearly imply a special talent. The great John Keats wrote: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever; its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness". For Xavier Lust, dedication to beauty is the answer to eternity and this forever is actually built everyday through constant work, research and curiosity. Always focused on innovation and research, specifically tension and induced motion, he likes to experiment, explore and discover the natural transformations of materials. On the strength of his experience with metal, he confronts all kind of materials, challenging himself too in the process. Xavier Lust pushes the boundaries of technical possibilities while making a statement with each of his pieces and overriding preconceived ideas. Design Stories aims to give a wide sense of Lust's work in the different fields of design from creation to production to final destination. Text in English and French.Also available:Xavier Lust ISBN 9789058562111

With an impressive career of over 40 years that has resulted in the installation of large-scale art projects in numerous public spaces, artist/sculptor Luk Van Soom needs no further introduction in Belgium and the Netherlands. This beautifully designed art book is a first retrospective on his life and career. In a series of discussions and interviews with the artist, author Johan Pas sheds some light on the influences, philosophy, thinking and themes that have been vital for Van Soom's artistic development: the relation between life and passion, travel and art, etc. Together, these texts present a kaleidoscopic image of Luk Van Soom's life and work that is just as multifaceted and compelling as his art. At the age of seventeen Van Soom took his first tentative steps as an artist. Now 40 years later, he has an impressive curriculum including many exhibitions, commissions and projects both in his home country and abroad. Moreover, he created more than 50 monumental works for the public space in Belgium and the Netherlands, among which some very well know sights, such as Walhalla (1993, Antwerp), The Man from Atlantis (2003, Brussels), The Wharfinger (2005, Zwolle) and Walking to Magdalena (2012, Ostend).Text in English and Dutch.

The wreath is Japanese floral artist Manabu Hashiguchi's preferred floral shape. Its symbolism is universal. With no beginning or end, the wreath represents eternity and the endless processes in nature. Hashiguchi's designs are so graceful that they look as if there has been no artist's hand involved, and nature created the shapes by accident. Even the humblest of materials get the chance to shine and tell their story. Discover this intriguing collection of seasonal wreaths, which balance on the thin line between classical floristry and land art.Text in English and Japanese.

Japan is a land of diversity and contradictions with a unique, somewhat mysterious culture. It is a place where you will find ancient temples, shrines and customs cherished and unchanged for over thousand years, as well as cutting edge technology and trendsetting architecture. Visitors will be amazed by the courteous and warm way travellers are welcomed and the delicacy of Japanese food and art. Although in Japan the majority of the population lives in vibrant contemporary cities like Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, historical places like Kamakura, Kyoto and Nikko are always close. The Japanese archipelago consists of thousands of islands that are often densely forested and mountainous. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire the highly volcanic activity in the region has shaped over time stunning landscapes with many natural wonders to discover. Marc Popelier's frequent visits to Japan and life-long interest in the country and culture have crystallised into the pages of this book. It is a perfect introduction to Japan and will surely tempt anyone to visit this fascinating country.

Yasser 'Mierkat' Booley started producing photographs in 1993 on the eve of the 'new' South Africa. Raised within the tension of a conservative Cape Malay home in politically fraught South Africa, he soon became an observant apprentice, set on mastering the essence of the electric 'rainbow nation'. This book is a celebration, an indulgent vision. Booley's South Africa shows ordinary people caught at a crossroads, entangled in a dishevelled unity. He brings to light the beauty of humanity through all religious and cultural differences, through class and gender diversity. His character and style reveal an unbridled optimism, sprinkled with an accidental whiff of irony.Text in English, French, Dutch, and German.Also available in the Africalia series:Grassroots Upgraded ISBN 9789058563910Calvin Dondo ISBN 9789058564214Julius Mwelu ISBN 9789058564030Kiripi Katembo ISBN 9789058565174Teddy Mazina ISBN: 9789058565167Sammy Baloji ISBN 9789058563965