THE CREATIVE TYPE

Benjamin Avery

It’s not just a love of the outdoors but a true connection to nature that shapes the refreshingly surreal work of this part-florist, part-sculptor.

AS TOLD TO Gavin Kirk

PHOTOGRAPHY Phillip Castleton

Floral designer Benjamin Avery in his studio.

As a kid, I was constantly outdoors with my brothers.

Our childhood was split between the Blue Mountains and the Mid North Coast of NSW. The four of us were always hiking, snorkelling, sailing and caving. Spending so much time in the natural world drove my imagination and playful spirit, and ultimately shaped who I am today.

Covid pushed me to start working for myself.

I founded Colourblind Florist in 2021, which evolved into Colourblind Studio in 2024. The name change felt truer to my work, which is sculptural and surreal, playful and grounded in materiality.

Am I actually colour blind?

Yes, I have deuteranopia. But I tend to not think about colour too much when designing. I focus on shape, texture and the poetry of movement when working in muted tones. If I have to play with colour, I generally try and find vivid and loud contrasts so that, to my eyes, the difference is obvious, enhancing the contrast for those who can see in colour.