The Master Course in Dutch Floral Design at the Boerma Instituut of International Floral Design is the next step of study for students who have had successfully completed their training in the Professional and Advanced Professional Courses in Floristry.

The Boerma Instituut being a modern classical school of Floristry, has always endeavored to cultivate and instill in their students a solid foundation in all the technical aspects of the art. Being in the Floristry business for over 4 generations, has only but strengthened and re-enforced our belief for this necessity in our training of  successful international artisans in this field.

 Thus our emphasis especially during the Basic Professional Course on good if not impeccable technical abilities. Even during the Advanced Professional Course a lot of emphasis is continuously stressed on technique. All the while we quietly nurture and give credit to the creative side of our students.

The Master Course is when the student’s individual  creativity and style is actively awakened and guided; and constantly stimulated to allow him or her to realize the inherent Master Floral Designer within. Undoubtedly a very exciting and challenging task which a student in order to bring to fruition will need all the essential technical skills, as well as the guidance and knowledge of established and successful Masters.

'And the day came when the risk to remain, tight in a bud was more painful, than the risk it took to bloom.'                                                                                      quotte- Anais Nin.

 In a nutshell this quote surmises the feeling of  many contemplating or already decided to follow the Master Course.
They have either through continuous study or a combination of work and study, reach the point and the need to be a  Master, to take that extra step.
To be one’s own Master, to take oneself a step higher in the echelon of the Floristry Profession.

When one attempt to undertake this step alone, it can be a lonely and at times frustrating process. It demands a heavy toil even on the most dedicated and inspired.

We, at Boerma Instituut have through the years, witnessed a lot of students wrestle with this dilemma. It is because of this reason, our Director, Mr. Theo Boerma and his staff undertook to design and develop the Master Course many years ago.

Our aim has been and still is to provide an opportunity for those who wish to literally flower in their personal talent; to find their niche in Floristry and become a Master in his or her own right in any of the many fields of the Art, such as  a Top Florist, a Floral Designer, an Avant-garde Floral Artist or the Cultured and Achieved Home-Manager.

Student from U.S.

... from Japan

 
... from Korea

 During the Master course, students follow a specially designed program of topics a modern day Master Floral Designer will encounter. 

Topics may range from individual floral works, both large and small scale group projects and assignments to simulated 'real life' situation professional challenges.

A sample of topics...

A sample of topics a student may encounter during the course:

Ø               A different approach to floristry
 Students are challenged to design and create from a specially selected array of floral and fauna materials pieces which must focus and highlight on the materials used. Unconventional to say the least, but it is the breeding ground for new trends and styles; as well as a journey into new approaches to technique and design.

Ø              A themed project on a budget
Grouped into 2 or more, you are then required to create an original piece of work with a theme on a budget. An opportunity to learn the realities of a marriage between art and finance,  practicality and beauty. It brings one down to  earth and the fact that the real life Floristry creations  must also be commercially feasible.

Ø              Practical Avant-Garde
Cross boundaries of the accepted, plunge into creations you have always wanted to do but were not allowed. Shock the world and yourself . Not the sky but outer space  may be your limit. The only twist is that your ideas and creations must be realized that they will endure the requirements of durability and solidity as all good works should.

Ø              Gala works
 Once again, real life situational assignment when one has to work together with one’s peers. A lesson of not only in compromise and acceptance but also in interpretation and realization of other’s ideas. A very useful tool for success in the commercial world. These are groups works that can range to decorating a double Decker bus or an electric tram to a yacht. Dauntingly large-scaled, but good planning and preparation will make it highly enjoyable.

Ø              A bouquet is but a bouquet
Not true. These are originals. Your very own creations, to be made from the most unlikable and unthought of materials and techniques. Sometimes you may even be required to develop your own binding techniques and help materials. Original to the core.

Ø              Art or Hype
 A lesson in which you immerse yourself and your work to emerge with the realization that nothing is old fashioned. Everything style and trend is dictated by so many factors. Ultimate practice for the up and coming Floral artist.

Students work

These are but a cross section of topics covered during the Master Course. Subjects and topics can overlap as such. Therefore the program is never identical. Though certain essential topics do remain the core. As afore-mentioned, the main aim is to allow the Floral Designer to learn and experience first hand the varied type of works and situations which he and she will confront in the world of Floristry.

Most important of all, we aim for the student in the process to discover his or her own artistic self. The strengths to be cultivated and weaknesses to be corrected.

So, who will be guiding and leading the students through this maze of studies and experiences. The obvious answer is Top Floral Designers in their own chosen field of specialty. Nationally and Internationally acclaimed successful professionals who have been through it all and are able to guide and share their hard earned knowledge and experience.

Once again, due to the fact that the program of study is not always fixed; the guest master instructors are invited according to the topic taught or covered. We endeavor to provide the instructor we consider most suitable for each particular topic.

2005 Talking about their work

Some of the resident and guest instructors you may encounter during the
Master Course in Dutch Floral Design are:

Ø              Peter Boeijkens
Top Dutch Master, winner of numerous  national and internationally Awards. Peter is a familiar face on the international stage of Floristry. His works include demonstrations, floral fairs and large scale events the world over. He is a former student of Theo Boerma and his classes are always well received and enjoyed by all. Peter can take you into the complexities of simplicity and then confound you with the most unexpected.

Ø              Pim  van den Akker
Author of floristry books, Pim’s approach and concept to floristry is very modern and unconventional. His bridal bouquet designs are world renown. Pim is a Dutch Master who conducts demonstrations and floral exhibitions all over Europe.

Ø              Bart van der Elsken
A very practical Dutch Master who is well known for his no-nonsense approach. Bart will certainly be the man for those who need to be a little bit more commercial. You will learn a lot tricks of the trade from this master, if not how to bring home the beacon...

Ø              Aad van Uffelen
Aad van Uffelen is floral designer since 1965. His roots come from a growers family. Since 1995 he teaches flower art, at first in Den Haag and 8 years on the Dutch master course.
At this moment he is working as free lance floral designer and teacher. He teaches floral art for 32 years. First in Den Haag and till 2006 at Holland College, in De Lier and also a couple of times per year at the Boerma Instituut.

Ø              Jacqueline Boerma
 A  Dutch Master who is literally born into the world of Dutch Floristry. Jacqueline stems from a long line of Dutch Florists and Masters. Her work has taken her from Israel to Japan and other numerous countries. Her meticulous approach and technique will certainly inspire you to strengthen your technique and brush up your manner of working.

Ø              Theo Boerma
 Master of the Masters. His humble and unassuming demeanor hides an accomplished and successful artist. Theo has been celebrated and received all over the world in his long career in Floristry. He turns a bunch of greens into a sellable work of art. For those fortunate enough to attend one of his master classes, it is like stumbling into the Aladdin cave of floristry.

Pim van den Akker

Johan Huisman

Aad van Uffelen

Just as instructing masters are matched to the subject covered, so it goes without saying that the presiding instructor will also be responsible in the choice of materials used. Generally there are almost no do’s and don’ts during these lessons. It is a case of guidance and steering for each individual to express and discover him or herself.

We see this course as a sort of grand final preparation before our students take flight from the nest to find and secure their niche in the World of Floristry. A whole series of test flights in fact before they embark or continue with their respective careers.

Ø              Every course day consist of 2 lesson units made out of 2 ½ hours duration each

Ø              Lessons are from 10.00 to 15.45, with a coffee- and lunch break.

From 9.00 to 9.55 and from 15.45 until 17.00; students are expected to utilize these allotted times for preparations and research for their thesis and assigned examination projects.

Ø              Course code VMI1D. Details on course dates and fees can be found in the Course Calendar.

During this Master Course there will be two practical examinations. One will be a group project and the other a personal assignement. The Diploma of Master in Dutch Designer, Boerma Instituut will be awarded to candidates who succelfully pass these two said  examinations.

These 2 pieces of floral work assignments form the examination topics; and will be made known to the candidate during the second day of the Master Course.

Three of our Master Course lecturers will judge and evaluate these arrangements of the examination. Re-sits are possible when necessary. The-afore mentioned examination are practical ones.

These Master Floral Design works will be judged and points awarded according to the following criterion:

1.      Design

2.      Technique

3.      Creativity

4.      Choice of colors

5.      Choice of materials

6.      Assignment book.

Diplomas are handed out and..

Buffet after.. in Clemens Briels Art Centre in Aalsmeer

ü               A varied and huge assortment of the necessary floral and green materials

ü               All essential accessories and technical aids.

ü               Refreshments such as coffee, tea, soft-drinks and lunch

ü               Master Course in Dutch Floral Design Diploma in English.

Ó   Materials needed to practice at home;

Ó  Hotel or room rates;

Ó   Airfare and insurances;

Ó   Meals and transportation not specified on this Web Site.

Come to Boerma Instituut in Holland and join the course of your life for an unforgettable learning experience that will help you in the rest of your career.

Consider this Course as an investment, which can be the start of a worthwhile career.

We hope this information has been helpful to you and that we can welcome you to one of our courses at Boerma Instituut in Holland.