Leopoldo Gomez
Leopoldo Gomez is a renowned international teacher of Floral Design, based out of Mexico City. His style is widely acclaimed and sought after for its striking color palettes, vivid textural combinations, and masterfully crafted armatures and structures. He describes his work as “introspective” wherein the essence of nature can be perceived, and intrinsic treasures can be discovered.
From the ultra-modern architecture to the beautifully preserved historical landmarks, all enriched with life and culture, Mexico City has provided Leopoldo with a very unique setting in which to draw inspiration for his intricate works.
After several years of working and teaching for Smithers-Oasis Mexico, he co-founded Centro de Arte Floral, which offers a full curriculum for floral professionals and novices. Leopoldo teaches to nationals year-round at his school, and offers international courses on-site at the facility as well as intensive courses abroad.
Through his traveling stage presentations, demonstrations, and workshops, he has taught floral students all across the globe (England, Spain, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Italy, and all around the United States and Mexico). In 2020, as he expanded his workshops to an online sharing platform, Leopoldo furthered his reach to intrigued floral students in India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Africa, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Russia, Holland, Canada, Israel, Iran, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.
An exciting 2016 began with Leopoldo placing 5th in Barcelona’s World Flower Cup early in the year, followed by the distinguished honor of being invited to present a program on the Main Stage at AIFD’s National Symposium as one of their International Guest Designers.
In 2018, Leopoldo placed 1st in America’s Cup, which qualified him for the honor that he regards as his highest thus far, representing his beloved country of Mexico in the world’s most prestigious floral design competition - Interflora’s World Cup 2019. Later that same year, he also placed “Gold” status at Huis Ten Bosch’s floral competition in Japan, and won the trophies for “Best Use of Color” and “Most Innovative Design.”
Leopoldo’s captivating body of work has been published in numerous periodicals including, Fleur Créatif (Belgium), Flowers& (USA), Florists’ Review (USA), Reforma (Mexico), Today Magazine (Korea), Revista Clip (Spain), and Nacre (France). The most notable publication thus far is Isabel Gilbert Palmer’s trendsetting book, Formidable Florists (2015).
Show Notes
Florist shops seem to focus on selling for a holiday. We need to start thinking of floristry in broader terms and look to incorporate home accents, interior design, etc.
If we start showing there more techniques in floristry, the customer will see greater possibilities and options for purchase.
As a teacher you must ask the same of yourself as you ask of your students. “If I ask you to be creative, I have to be creative”.
Leopoldo explains what sustainable means to him. As a business it means being a able to sufficient enough to support itself. Also, taking 100% of the resources of what you have around you and actually using them. Nothing is trash.
Apply the same use of color in art and use it in floral design.
Culture is very impactful and has a great influence in his work, but it doesn’t have to be a literal reflection. “I need to show where I am, and what I am in an elegant way that represents multiple points of view”.
His attitude is not failure but ‘falling forward’. Always Try and never be afraid to take a risk. Explore new ideas and techniques!