By Gerard Toh AIFD
As a member of the floral family and AIFD, most of us, it is often said, will always be flora focused but I think most of us will also agree that there will come a point in time where we are compelled to reassess our goals, and the different things that define us begin to change.
Ralph Null AIFD is an ever the consummate floral artist and exceptional educational specialist of floristry. His years of experience is coupled with expertise in conveying beauty wrapped in an enthralling tale; the hallmark of his teaching style. Today, as he reaches this fork in the road we call retirement, his artistry takes a turn to another medium: painting,. Below are some of his incredible works. These pieces are being donating to be auctioned off to benefit the AIFD Foundation at ROOTS symposium this year.
I was so enthralled reading his tale of wonder at this turning, not a break but a curve. His words echoed so many poignant instances to mine as I also have come to this fork where we are ready to re-imagine our lives. Read on for his story, and I hope that you too will be mesmerized by his fabulous new journey, and cheer this hero on!
Ralph Null AIFD
Sometimes life is so preplanned, and every day has such a schedule, that it actually makes it rather simple to move from day to day. I often joked that I could not tell you where I was last week or the week before, but I could always tell you where I would be next week, and the weeks following. I always called that living in the future when the next opportunities prevailed. I know the schedule works, and it worked for me for many years prior to my decision that it was time to step back and refocus my life on the things that were part of living the “good” life, and for my own mental happiness. The decision did not come quickly, but it came with utter clarity. The time had come to step away from the career and become retired, whatever that might mean.
I never, in almost 2,500 presentations, ever disliked doing the job. It was always inspiring, emotionally fulfilling, and helped me to become better and more responsive to the needs and desires of the attendees. I learned very early that it was not about the program that I wanted to do, but what would be best and useful for those attending. Teaching classes, designing concepts, entertaining, or selling a product or service, each had their own challenges as classes, programs, and exhibitions were conceived and executed. There is a distinct difference in teaching, demonstrating, and entertaining; the best presentation will have some of each, but proportioned to the objective of the event as the focus should be always on the learner and the most effective method for achieving successful understanding.
I have always been a great fan of travel as I have found that when I am outside my own comfort zone, my vulnerabilities make me much more open to new stimuli, ideas, food, customs, and helped me to face my own prejudices, my narrow mindedness, and my fears. Some of these travels were before I was entrenched in the floral industry but they definitely helped to form many of the concepts and styles of my own creativity. As a young, just out of college student, making the decision to travel alone for three months, around the world from west to east, with a carry-on bag, was definitely outside my comfort zone. Yet that was perhaps my most transformative and enlightening life experience.
Having said all of that, what happens to someone such as I, as they move into another dimension of life, RETIREMENT.
The skills that we each possess don’t end when you retire, unless you decide to let them expire. And for those who wonder what they will do with all the time, I have the answer: your town, city, or neighborhood has many needs that are waiting for you. This is where I found myself. All those things that I had pushed back till the future were now. It seemed I had less time that I had before as every day there was a new need or opportunity. I found those things that gave me the self-fulfillment that I desired often provided a service to others. It was the Columbus Arts Council which provides a public gallery, teaching spaces, and a performance stage, is a city jewel, but always had needs for volunteers, funding, leadership, and promotion. That is where I found my place to serve.
Painting has always been an interest of mine, and that was stimulated more by a class that I took from a wonderful painter several years ago. She was a good teacher who made you desire to do more, stretch your skills, and don’t be afraid to do it over and over again. Actually not much different than what we had taught all those years in floral design.
Life was good, Fred and I were traveling 12-15 weeks a year, and we had become avid cruise ship lovers. There is something about unpacking once and being waited on every day that was quite appealing. The waters of the ocean were relaxing, and every day brought a new place, new people, or experience. Then Covid struck. We canceled 8 cruises and depression was real. Then one day I went into my studio and started to paint. It became my Covid salvation.
I did not make a plan to paint every day, but we were isolated here. The restaurants were closed, civic, church and cultural events canceled. Of all the events that were cancelled, perhaps the most painful was having to cancel Fred and my 50th Anniversary Party. Painting was the thing that I could do every day. And I did.
My comfort zone was botanical, as that is what I know and most of the work was of flowers. I started with small canvases but then grew into larger ones. If I did something well I would repeat it with different sizes, colors, and technique. When I found that I could not do something as well as I wanted, it got done over and over again. Forgetting to eat, answer the phone, or getting dressed for the day was often the result. Trees were my greatest challenge. They were done and redone many, many times. Sometimes the paint built up quite a bit but the final tree on top of all the mistakes was finally acceptable. It is so rewarding when a tree painting sold. Affirmation!
The joy of exploration and trial and error is a means for growth and development. I ventured into some abstract expressionism and found that it was quite fulfilling. Perhaps my long experience with color and form was an influence. Seeing the movement and expressions found in swirls of color, stroked with light and dark, are so fascinating, as well as the malleably creative space that develops. Even the challenges of poured glaze finishes were exciting and often ending in unexpected results, both wonderful and even sometimes terrible.
It is interesting to me to look back and see the growth and changes that have occurred during the past two years in my style and execution. I keep searching for that expression, style, and competence that allows me to be successfully creative. After more than 300 canvases, I am still searching. The next will be the best.
Dear Ralph,
Your message as always was more than inspirational. You have been a respected mentor for so many including me!
I remember listening and watching you present when Rocky found me, thinking wow what a brilliant and talented man.
Your kind words, friendly demeanor and encouragements have been invaluable in the growth cycle of this man. You subtlety helped more than you will ever know. Your new chapter will be wonderful and I wish you good health to enjoy all of life’s offerings.
Only my very best wishes and overwhelming respect. Bert