Almerinda Fernandes Louro – The Art of Dried Flowers
I have been creating handicrafts with materials and treasures found in nature since I was a child. I would collect flowers and leaves, weave baskets from rushes, and later, at school, I learned a variety of techniques, including working with and shaping clay, reusing containers, macramé and painting.
By the age of 18, I was already creating pictures with pressed dried flowers and leaves, both as gifts and to decorate my own home. I still remember being in Lisbon when I happened to browse through an issue at a kiosk explaining the proper methods for collecting and transporting flowers, leaves and fruits. I was immediately fascinated and quickly decided to collect the entire series and complete the wonderful encyclopedia “The Art of Dried Flowers”.
That was where my passion truly began! From then on, I started looking at nature with even greater attention and care, discovering all the little details the forest can offer for floral creations.
I am particularly fascinated by the entire process of drying flowers, technically known as desiccation.
Over time, I not only developed my art but also refined the way I collect my natural materials. My aim is to preserve the quality and colours of the flowers as well as possible through careful conservation.
When collecting natural materials, it is important to consider the characteristics of each element – its shape, pigmentation and water content, as well as the right time for harvesting. The day and time of collection are also important, as a plant's level of hydration varies depending on when it is harvested.
I worked in the hospitality industry for around 23 years. Alongside my professional life, I continued pursuing my passion as a hobby, perfecting my techniques for drying, pressing and storing flowers, as well as methods of preservation and colouring, such as dyeing flowers with aniline dyes.
Over the years, that little passion grew into something much bigger – and today I am a professional artisan.
On 21 February 2021, I created and launched my own brand, LOURO’ Art.
I create dried floral arrangements such as bouquets, table centrepieces, bookmarks and framed pieces. I mainly work with dried flowers, but I also combine them with many other materials, including fabric, paper, clay, EVA foam, sand, wood and branches.
Every arrangement I create is a new challenge for me. To me, the most important and beautiful characteristic of craftsmanship is that each piece is created by hand – with sensitivity, skill and care.
No two pieces are ever the same!
I am fascinated by creating with colour and combining different materials and textures. It has been a world of enriching experiences for me – always discovering something new and mastering new techniques!
