Simona Turco: Bringing Blooming Art to Life
We are thrilled to introduce floral artistry into our exhibitions for the first time. Florals aren’t just a decoration—they’re a form of art, a way of bringing vibrancy and texture into a space that words alone can't capture. To mark this moment, we sat down with Simona, founder of Melbourne’s Stelo Studio, to dive into her journey, creative philosophy, and passion for sustainable floral design. Simona’s artistry transforms flowers into sculptural forms that engage the senses and captivate the imagination.
Simona’s journey into floristry began at just 18, working in a small grocery store flower shop as a high school job, a start that bloomed into something much more. While studying architecture and design at university, she continued working with flowers, bridging her knowledge of 3D spatial thinking and a keen eye for form into her designs.
“My experience with architecture brought a deep understanding of structure, texture, and form,”
Over time, she began working with event florists she admired, gaining skills in visual articulation through colors, shapes, and textures. Merging these influences, Simona ultimately created her arrangements and installations, blending her architectural background with floral artistry and establishing Stelo Studio—a floral design studio that brings an added dimension to flowers by turning them into immersive, thoughtful displays that speak to the essence of each event.
Central to Simona’s practice is a commitment to sustainability, a value that took root during her architectural studies, where responsible design was instilled as a foundational principle. As she transitioned into floristry, she noticed the industry’s environmental impact through imported flowers, pesticides, and non-biodegradable materials. Determined to approach things differently, she prioritized sourcing locally grown flowers, mainly from farms in Victoria that avoid plastic packaging. She also steers clear of single-use tools, using chicken wire and water tubes as alternatives to floral foam—a quiet rebellion against unsustainable industry norms and an affirmation of nature’s beauty.
“Floral arrangements are just like sculptures,” she tells us. “They’re three-dimensional pieces using perishable materials and can be presented in so many different ways. It’s amazing to see how different artists use the same medium to create completely unique pieces.”
At Stelo Studio, flowers are treated as sculptural elements, forming fluid, organic structures that tell stories and challenge our perceptions of floral design. Simona’s creative process is a delicate balance of planning and spontaneity, a method shaped as much by the unpredictability of farm-grown flowers as by her own vision. “Farm-grown flowers are affected by weather, pests, and animals, making their availability unpredictable,” she reflects. “I try to lean into the spontaneity of it and let the qualities of the flowers I can source guide the shapes I create.” While she is someone who loves planning, her practice constantly encourages her to embrace unpredictability and trust in the ever-changing nature of her materials. Her work is an invitation for others to see floral design as more than table arrangements or bouquets—it’s an art form with a delicate, fleeting beauty.
When people experience her creations, Simona hopes they feel the unique beauty of flowers in their ephemeral nature, captivating and ever-evolving. “There’s a certain unpredictability in flowers,” she says, “and as florists, we’re at the mercy of the earth, with each bloom shaped by forces beyond our control.” Beyond floristry, Simona draws inspiration from art, design, architecture, and fashion, all of which have shaped her approach to floral arrangements. Japanese architect Tadao Ando, known for his integration of nature and light, is one influence that resonates deeply with her, enhancing her sense of spatial awareness and materiality. Through her creations, she brings flowers to life as if they were sculptures, transforming spaces with arrangements that harmonize with light, structure, and color.
Simona’s story and her creative philosophy remind us to look at floral arrangements with new eyes. Through her artistry, Simona brings nature’s beauty into the every day, crafting pieces that resonate with her clients’ vision while staying true to her values. It’s this commitment to both craft and conscience that makes Stelo Studio a beautiful addition to our upcoming Palette & Palate event. As we celebrate this collaboration, we invite you to view Simona’s arrangements but also floral designs as more than just decorations; they are expressions of art, fleeting yet unforgettable, capturing a moment of beauty that, like nature itself, is ever-changing.
Learn more about Simona’s work by following her journey here. For any questions regarding our upcoming event Palette & Palate, send us an email at info@auctionforchange.com