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...
E2: Tom Burrows • Art Island S1E2: Tom B...
E3: Moragh Eilish • Art Island S1E3: Morag...
E4: Michelle Nyberg • Art Island S1E4: Miche...
E5: Tony Wilson • Art Island S1E5: Tony ...
E6: Alpen Kelley • Art Island S1E6: Alpen...
E7: Gordon Payne • Art Island S1E7: Gordo...
E8: Elaine Savoie • Art Island S1E8: Elain...
E9: Tom Knott • Art Island S1E9: Tom K...
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.

[@4tarakirk]

I drive by your flower stand on my way to work but haven’t had chance to stop. Will stop for sure now, what a meaningful heart offering. So beautiful

[@stephaniekimbrel5301]

I think you keeping it small w out website keeps it true to you!!! I love the slow paced way of your life. You are truly a beautiful soul and that makes the best artist. If they truly love your art they will find you!!!

[@janemitchell3832]

Such a beautiful, authentic, gentle, and genuine soul. I loved this!🌷💚🌷

[@katella]

What a lovely young woman you are. Your work is sublime.

[@sevedepan]

Inspirante Émouvante Vivante Merci pour toutes ces beautés, et cette magnifique façon de mettre en scène .

[@katnip1201]

your heart was showing and it is soooo beautiful! Thank you for sharing

Looks and sounds soooo good… what a beautiful woman!!!

[@user-vm4to4ri5v]

So beautiful alina❤❤❤

[@flowerfairy1950]

I would 🧡 to see more of the flower farm garden throughout the year and how Alina plants, grows, cuts etc.

[@HornbyArts]

She is truly incredible ☺️ Thank you for watching and commenting

[@marthafuentes2743]

Beautiful garden

[@marthafuentes2743]

Beautiful garden, inspiratonal

[@bonitakapitany8687]

Lovely!

[@liddlemountain7245]

You're so moving, Alina🙏🏼💗

[@clairesweetpea]

Wow what a beautiful video of a beautiful soul, Alina's work is so stunning. I hope I can visit Hornby soon, I will definitely be looking for a piece of Alina's gorgeous work. It really does seem to be a magical place.

[@HornbyArts]

Thank you for watching! Yes, her work is stunning. You can contact her through instagram about when and where you can find her pieces.

[@sunshinemachine6572]

Has the weather changed what you can grow there over the decades?