Nature has always been an enduring source of inspiration for artists throughout history. Its boundless array of shapes, colors, and patterns has sparked the creation of numerous artworks that aim to capture the essence of the world around us. However, depicting nature is one thing, but then there’s art that is crafted using nature itself, like that of the mixed media canvases by Swiss-Costa Rican sculptor, Daniel Lapp, who gives a new life to roses and creates contemporary pieces that inspire.
Daniel Lapp canvas © elevatedliving
From rainforest sculptures to floral masterpieces
Growing up around the lush flora of Costa Rica’s rural landscape, Daniel has always had an affinity for nature, and exploring the different ways we can use natural materials in art. From kickstarting his career as a wood sculptor, transforming tropical woods (that he would source from local rainforests) into impressive sculptures with intricate and organic shapes, Daniel’s imagination eventually lead him to working with flowers; and in particular homegrown roses from Costa Rica, that could be used for decorative purposes and as floral works of art.
Transforming nature into contemporary works of art
Today, Daniel’s vision emerges in the form of modern-meets-pop culture floral canvases, compromised of dozens of dried roses intricately layered to create textured and bold compositions. His creative process starts with harvesting and meticulously preserving the roses with a floral treatment, followed by painting and carefully arranging them in order to depict iconic scenes from popular culture. The final result is stunning, multi-dimensional artworks that bring to life the subject matter in a unique and captivating way. Each of Daniel’s pieces are a testament to his creativity as an artist, and ability to transform simple natural materials into works of art. His creations not only serve as decoration for your home, but give a new purpose to flowers, that can be used for creative practices and appreciated all-year round.
What do you love most about art?
I love being able to transform my thoughts, emotions and feelings into art that can positively impact and give happiness to the viewer. It’s the exciting process of coming up with new ideas, and of course, the challenge of working on a difficult design and seeing the final result.
What is your favourite piece at the moment and why?
It’s difficult to choose, but there was something extra special and freeing about working on the No Roses Club series of hand painted roses. Being able to focus on one single rose was very rewarding, and gave me the freedom to experiment and play with different colors and abstract designs. On the other hand, the Evil Eye canvas (featuring more than 600 roses) is very special to me — I enjoyed the challenge of creating a large design and perfecting the shape.
What is your approach to sustainability and ethics?
Besides the fact that we are sourcing natural materials from the planet, preserved roses also have a significantly lower carbon footprint than fresh-cut flowers, due to their long shelf life and low energy storage. We grow and harvest all of the roses under strict parameters, and do not use any environmentally harmful chemicals in the process. From the flower treatment stage, which takes place in a certified plantation in Ecuador, to encasing the final designs within sustainable frames, we implement sustainability wherever we can.
Describe your art in three words?
Playful, contemporary and spontaneous.
ART & COCKTAILS
Discover Daniel Lapp at L'Apero d'ete
Enjoy a festive summer evening discovering the contemporary creations by Daniel Lapp, along with delicious cocktails and more.
Daniel Lapp canvas in living room © elevatedliving
stay up to date
Elevated Living Newsletter
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get inspiration and news delivered straight to your inbox.
