 NAME: James
Christopher Rochester
POSITION: Owner
DUTIES:
Head Designer, Creative Director, Chief of Advertising,
Illustrator, Web Developer, Receptionist, Delivery
Man, and Janitor
BACKGROUND:
Christopher developed his love of flowers while picking
Marguerite daisies and oriental poppies from his mother's
garden in his childhood home of Arcadia. This area
of California is particularly well known for extraordinary
gardens and flowers. The Rochester's home was only
a short drive from the Huntington Library and Descanso
Gardens, both of which Christopher was fortunate enough
to visit regularly. The world-famous Rose Parade was
staged yearly in the neighboring town of Pasadena.
In 1984 the family moved to Tucson Arizona and Christopher
has since developed a reverence for the muted tones
and minimalist starkness that are inherent to the
desert landscape. These elements would heavily influence
Christopher's design sensibilities. He seems equally
adept at creating works of wild abandon, which call
to mind scenes from his mother's garden, and highly
structured floral compositions reflecting his interests
in architecture and engineering.
In the fall of 1998 Christopher began working in
the floral shop of Wild Oats Foothills Market where,
under the expert guidance of his supervisor and mentor,
Maureen Lostutter, Christopher developed his artistic
sensibility and mastered the technical specifications
of proper floral design. In November of 2003 Christopher
created J. Christopher Design, and on New Year's day,
2004 he completed his first commissioned project,
a wedding at the Arizona Inn in Tucson Arizona. Christopher
is currently in his final semester at the University
of Arizona. He plans to graduate in May with a BA
in art history. Christopher hopes to translate his
web-based business into a retail location in the future.
The J. Christopher retail store is projected to open
in the spring of 2006.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
James Christopher Rochester, owner of J. Christopher
Design has background and experience in architecture,
graphic design, web development, art history and floral
design. He has achieved a balance between the artistic
and the technical that enables him to approach each
discipline with an artistic sensitivity and knowledge
of design that is enhanced by the technical integrity
of each project. This unique combination of talent creates
results that are anchored and mirrored in nature but
somehow entirely new to the eye. As a result each design
is homage to the primordial elements in nature that
cannot be reproduced but are newly interpreted through
the eyes of a visionary.
"OMIGOD! I wish you lived in Chicago! The
flowers are exquisite, the vase beautiful, the way
you wove in the curly willow in the water so artistic----you
are wonderful!"
Maxine - Chicago
IL
"I can not tell you how much both of my parents
enjoyed the delivery of the plant and the flowers.
You were truly very kind in the manner and timing
in which you may the respective deliveries. Thank
you truly."
Allison - Tulsa OK
"I want to let you know the flowers I received
as a gift yesterday are STUNNING. I have added your
information to my address book and will be using you
for all my gift/flower deliveries in Tucson."
Sarah - Tucson AZ
"The arrangement we ordered for my mom
in Tucson was exceptional. She absolutely loved it!
As we are in Florida, ordering via the internet, we
were so pleased that the arrangement was as beautiful
as the photo! You are a true talent...keep it up!"
Martin - Ft. Lauderdale
FL
"I want you to know that my wife was absolutely
overjoyed at the beautiful arrangement. Additionally,
the staff at [large company] stated that of all the
flowers that have been delivered to their company
over the years, yours was the most beautiful they
had ever seen! Many of them wanted your business card
and I hope that they use your services. I know I will
definitely refer others to you and use you each time
I need floral services. Thanks again SO much for the
hard work you put into making my order so beautiful."
Jeff - Tucson AZ
"I am Mrs. Kramer's asst. and love the
flowers you did for us. Fabulous!!"
Linda - Tucson AZ
"I love all your stuff and am so glad I
found you!"
Sarah - Tucson AZ
"Your artistry is beyond words!
The piece you created for Kelly Davis was incredible. I received a call from Kelly and her family the moment the graduation party ended. She was thrilled with the arrangement and her mother (my friend), Jane, was just bubbly about it. Jane described it in great detail.....you have a new set of fans! Thank you, thank you!"
Denise - Boston MA
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