As members of the creative community, what do you like about Miami? What is a challenge?
"What we love most about Miami is the rapidly expanding art community, especially in the Wynwood Art District (which is now expanding to Little Haiti). It is truly an outdoor gallery. What is challenging, yet inspiring, is the abundance of amazing artists and ideas. It may seem hard to stand out in a sea of talented artists, but at the end of the day, the goal of our project is to affect individuals, not gain recognition. Although, recognition is nice... It helps spread the message."
Do you think it's harder or easier being a young artist in Miami? Do you think the city is nurturing?
"Miami is a great place for young artist because it has no limits. Whether you're a street artist or fine artist or whatever you identify yourself as, there is a place for you here. Also, the city doesn't seem to mind all of the new forms of artistic beauty. It seems that art projects are springing up everywhere — from Downtown to the suburbs. Sometimes you see painted murals on business walls. We would like to believe that people in Miami are falling in love with the art that is emerging throughout the city."
Photos: Courtesy of Flower Bombs
What is your favorite place to eat? Shop? How do you experience Miami Culture?
Arlene: "Right now, I'm obsessed with Pubbelly, a new Asian-inspired gastro-pub in South Beach. My favorite place to shop right now is Lincoln Road Mall, because it has some great sidewalk cafes and unique shops, and I'm really into AllSaints Spitalfields. Cafeina in Wynwood is an eclectic place for a drink; It's a joint lounge, gallery and tapas-style restaurant, so I can get all of my fixes in one place!"
Photos: Courtesy of Flower Bombs
What defines good design to you?
Arlene: "Simplicity, minimalism, good typography, and a solid concept."
Why do you cover your face? Is it part of the message, or just an aesthetic choice?
"The reason we cover our faces is because we don't want to be the sole artists identified with the Flower Bombs project. We want other people to take part in it as well, so it's not so much us hiding our identities as much as it is a representation of the fact that anyone can be the face behind the mask. Any one can be a 'Flower Bomber.'"
Photos: Courtesy of Flower Bombs