Master Florists

Conny Van der Westerlaken

Netherlands

BIOGRAPHY

Conny van der Westerlaken is a Dutch floral designer and fine art (underwater) photographer, based in the Netherlands and working internationally as a freelancer. She graduated as a graphic designer and began her career as a photographer, before shifting her focus to floral design in 2015.

Since then, Conny has participated in exhibitions and competitions, given workshops and demonstrations, worked in flower shops, and designed for major events and trade fairs. She has worked across the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, England, Ireland, Hungary, Germany, India, Oman, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and America.

In addition to her freelance work, Conny is also an ambassador for Floral Fundamentals since 2018 and for FLOOS The Crafter’s Secret since 2025.

Conny constantly challenges herself, always ambitious to learn new skills, explore materials, and master techniques. Her inspiration comes from nature, various art disciplines, fashion, and architecture — but, as she believes, inspiration can be found anywhere: from a microscopic detail to a large-scale architectural design.

Her floral designs are known for their intricate details, organic shapes, and feminine touch. She uses a wide range of techniques and materials to create unique and expressive compositions.

 

PHILOSOPHY

As a floral designer and underwater photographer, I explore the balance between nature, creation, art and imagination.

I find inspiration in flowers, forms, emotions and water.

Through creativity and imagination, growth and impermanence, emotion and meaning intertwine.

Through learning and observing and by combining different artistic disciplines, I discover new ways to create and hope to inspire others.

 

AWARDS

▪ Fusion flowers International Floral Designer of the year 2018

2 silver & 2 brons awards

▪ 2ND Place Fusion Flowers International Floral Designer of the year 2019

2 gold & 2 silver awards

▪ Fine Art Photography awards 2024/2025

( l’)Eaf. Silence in the midst of storm : Nominee award cat. Nudes

▪ Fine Art Photography awards 2024/2025 :

On the edge of darkness. The silent world below surface Nominee award cat. Conceptuel photography.

Publications

▪ The Annual Floral Art Book (stichting kunstboek)

▪ Fusion Flowers

▪ Floral Fundamentals

▪ De Pook/Dpk

▪ Clip FlowerMagazine

▪ Floristic Russia

▪ FLOOS, The crafter’s secret

▪ Groei & Bloei