Art Island S1E1: Alina Milek - Flower Farmer, Florist, and Jeweller

Step into the garden and studio of florist, jeweller and flower farmer Alina Milek, whose flower growing and arranging practice is, foremost, about sharing natural beauty with both neighbours and visitors to Hornby Island. Through designing flower arrangements, Alina found her connection to making and artistic practice. She also shares her fine jewellery work, which serves as a more “permanent” balance to her impermanent flower designs. A Hornby Island native, Alina is heartened by the way her creative practice connects her to people. In this interview she explores the significance of how she can give back to her community through leading a creative life.

[About Alina Milek]
At the heart of Alina Milek’s creative practice is her passion for flowers. Growing up on a small farm on Hornby Island, BC, Alina started growing flowers at the age of 2. Now, she grows and designs spectacular arrangements for weddings and community events, and sells her flowers locally through her roadside stand, the island grocery store, and at the seasonal Farmers’ Market. In 2014 she began designing jewellery using sterling silver and semi-precious stones. Her love of colour and nature inspired by years in her flower garden shines through in her designs; she incorporates flowers, leaves and seed pod castings into her delicate silver pieces.

[Art Island: Perspectives from a Creative Community]
Who are the individuals that comprise the vibrant artistic community of Hornby Island? This 10-episode docu-series looks into the personal lives and artistic perspectives of local artists — our community members. Expanding on how they became artists, what inspires their art, challenges they've encountered, and how they persevered, Art Island is a deep dive into why artists feel art is important and how it has the power to affect us all.

[Credits]
Director & Cinematographer - Zsofin Sheehy
Associate Producer - Emma Walter
Assistant Director - Kris Krüg
Sound Mix & Design - Nick Kold
Animation - Grigorii Kniagnitskii

For more episodes follow the links below:

E1: Alina Milek    • Art Island S1E1: Alina Milek - Flower...  
E2: Tom Burrows    • Art Island S1E2: Tom Burrows - Sculptor  
E3: Moragh Eilish    • Art Island S1E3: Moragh Eilish - Mixe...  
E4: Michelle Nyberg    • Art Island S1E4: Michelle Nyberg - Pa...  
E5: Tony Wilson    • Art Island S1E5: Tony Wilson - Musici...  
E6: Alpen Kelley    • Art Island S1E6: Alpen Kelley – Paint...  
E7: Gordon Payne    • Art Island S1E7: Gordon Payne - Artist  
E8: Elaine Savoie    • Art Island S1E8: Elaine Savoie - Pain...  
E9: Tom Knott    • Art Island S1E9: Tom Knott - Artist  

New episodes coming soon — Subscribe to stay in the loop and watch more videos.

Thank you Dr. Andrew Mark for helping this project come to life by visioning and securing funding.

Thank you Vix Fitz for the space, wise words, and cute kitties.

This project is supported by funding from Canada Council For the Arts and British Columbia Arts Council.