We are so thrilled to introduce y'all to Roiann Ridley! Hailing from Bowling Green, Kentucky An accomplished gardener, forager, florist, designer, artist and teacher—Roiann's creative journey originated with her adventures traveling around the world, inspiring her diverse artistic talents. With over fifty years of both formal and informal experience in the realm of flowers, Roiann's creative outlet finds its expression in her botanical art designs and products. Her work mirrors her profound reverence for nature and her unwavering commitment to preserving its beauty through painstaking patience. Her original designs are created from organically grown specimens and responsibly foraged discoveries from nature's bounty. Her finds are delicately deconstructed, methodically pressed, carefully stored, designed with an artist eye and reconstructed with a colorist heart. Well + Wonder's first ever foraged botanical collection launches on Thursday at 11am EST and the countdown for Roiann is ON! Until then, get to know this talent by reading our new artist questionnaire - Pardon Me, Roiann Ridley?
What is currently on your nightstand?
- Photos of my 5 grandchildren
- Flower Magazine & Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- A vase of flowers from a friends garden
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
I have 2 - 1 living, 1 deceased
- Marian McEvoy because of her style, work ethic, abundance of talent and multi-faceted career. She began her publishing career in Paris as the Editor of Women’s Wear Daily and W; was the founding editor of Elle Decor, former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful. She now creates art with her unique pressed flower designs and amazing obelisks finished with slices of cork, pieces of twigs, acorns & pinecones. Marian also designs custom lamp shades, paper products and textile patterns for Schumacher - all of that while preparing divine porch dinners for her fortunate friends. Follow her on instagram as ‘gustthepoodle’.
- 18th Century artist, Mary Granville Pendarves Delaney, 1700 - 1788. She began her life as an artist in England at age 72 in 1772. See her original collection of works by appointment at the British Museum: Dept. Of Prints And Drawings study room and read a well written story of her life by poet Molly Peacock titled “The Paper Garden, an artist begins her life’s work at 72”.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
As a teenager I was involved in designing, opening, and selecting merchandise for our family boutique—my first buying trip to the Dallas market was a very big deal for me in 1975, as I was featured in the Dallas Morning news Sunday fashion section sporting my new haircut and wearing one of our main designer's dresses.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Archival glue
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My bedroom primarily because it feels luxurious and houses so many of my favorite things—original artwork, found objects, family heirlooms, vintage linens, antique finds, photographs of my sons and grandchildren—as well as my own stylized botanicals.
What is your biggest score online?
A book published in 1929 in the Netherlands which is in great condition and full of original hand colored individual cards depicting more than 5,000 botanical species of plants - which is fueling my imagination and future product developments.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
A collective [such as Well + Wonder] presents a skillfully curated collection of artworks to help guide both novice and experienced buyers select a piece or hone in on a particular medium. My advice is to trust your gut…choose art that stirs your heart and brings joy.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
The Downing Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Not only is this museum architecturally stunning as it was designed to emulate the structure of a tobacco barn, but also because Joe Downing’s paintings, collages and sculptures are so beautiful and fascinating. Each time I explore the museum I discover new works or elements. Additionally, I have a personal connection to Joe Downing as I have visited his home in Menerbe, France many times; he was so talented, such a dear person, mentor to my sons and wonderful host.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Landmark in London— a glassed roof eight story dream with a fabulous interior color palette, luxurious bedding, excellent cuisine, great vantage point for people watching and close proximity to Hyde Park and Regents Park.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Chanel 54 Strawberry Red, of course!
I can never get on a plane without….
Earbuds & curated playlist
How did you get into the world of art?
Having been a gardener, forager and florist for most of my life I needed to get outside during the time of Covid isolation. During lockdown I found a motherlode source of four leaf clovers and started collecting and preserving them…which led to becoming fascinated with herbarium art, the technique that involves preserving and arranging botanical specimens to create compositions.
What do you do to relax?
Go to the woods foraging for botanical specimens
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
When in nature surrounded by silence, scents and natural beauty.
Prediction of the Color of 2025?
Hopefully some gorgeous botanical green!
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
For sure both in one evening
Tell us about your favorite piece you have created.
Dogwood branches and blooms which incorporate a pastel palette and resulted in an incredibly unique piece
One piece of advice for buying original art?
It must stir your heart, bring joy and/or personalize your home/workplace in a unique way.
