We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Dalton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a young age, I’ve always had an overactive imagination. I’ve used many mediums throughout the trajectory of my artistic growth; painting, drawing, collaging, ceramics, cooking, music, and floral arranging. I’m a very tactile learner, so the tangibility of a creative career and getting to work with my hands is important. To me, art provides a platform for self-discovery and reaching new heights within my own creativity, and allows me to share my unique perspective and experience with the world. It allows me a way to communicate my feelings in a meaningful way!
Floral arranging is my chosen artistic career for many reasons. It helps marry my love for the environment and natural beauty, with my artistic eye in a way that brings out something truly special. I love the ephemeral nature of using fresh flowers and perishable goods; it brings a unique sense of urgency and change to each piece, as every day it could look somewhat different. I try and specialize in using all local flowers, produce, and greeneries for their far superior quality. It helps me build relationships with local farmers, and really emphasizes a sense of place, creating art with something that was grown right here.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud and excited about getting to use local, organically grown flowers and produce for my art! There is something so special about using materials that are cultivated from right here.. They are filled with such a sense of place and space, like they capture an exact moment in time. I love getting to form relationships with the local farmers who grow these beautiful things, which in turn forges a relationship between me and the land I’m on.
My first job after college was working on an organic flower and veggie farm, which imbued me with a deep appreciation for farmers, and for the flowers themselves. It is extremely hard work! But also some of the most rewarding I’ve done. The satisfaction, after months of slogging and weeding and watering, of getting to harvest your first few buckets of ranunculus or poppies.. it makes it all worth it. And that energy is then conveyed in my floral arrangements and installations. I feel that is why they are so impactful, and is the energy I hope to convey to anyone who sees them.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oooh yay!! I love this question.
To start, I love Evergreen Butcher + Baker for pastries and coffees and some fancy little kitchen amendments (think: olive oil or european butter). Or for a full on brunch my partner and I loveee Bread and Butterfly in Inman Park! Or if you’re in Decatur, B-Sides for bagels and pastries!! There are so many good breakfast/brunch options.
Then I would go on a long stroll through Oakland Cemetery. It is so beautiful there, and dog friendly. 🙂 Park-wise, I love Piedmont Park, and Central Park. Or a long roller skate session on the Beltline is always fun! If you’re someone who’s never been to the aquarium, ya gotta go!!
Then I would head to Larakin in midtown for a cheeky little afternoon wine and a snack.
For dinner I would either do Ticonderoga Club, Miller Union, or Talat Market! You can’t go wrong with any of those three. I love Atlanta for its food and drink scene! There are so many amazing places to eat and drink here.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my Great Aunt Sally; the woman who taught me my love for flowers, plants, and the outside world.
Instagram: @flowerkissser
Other: my email for inquiries! flowerkisser.flowers@gmail.com