John Caleb Pendleton’s artistic vision is nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder and creative director of Planks & Pistils, a Chicago-based floral studio, Pendleton has built a reputation for transforming live blooms into powerful artistic installations that center and celebrate Black stories (Because of Them We Can). Originally from Grove Hill, Alabama, he credits his parents for inspiring his love of woodworking and flowers—two crafts that ultimately shaped both his identity and the name of his studio. What began as a simple, heartfelt hobby of arranging flowers for his wife gradually evolved into a full-time artistic practice that merged craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural history (Chicago Tribune).

Pendleton has become known across Chicago not just as a talented florist, but as an innovator working to reclaim public space through art. His installations use living flowers to evoke emotion, foster reflection, and highlight narratives connected to Black history and Black joy. In an industry where Black male floral designers remain rare, Pendleton has carved out his own lane, channeling both beauty and meaning into his creations (Essence).

“Flowers force pause,” Pendleton shared in an interview (Because of Them We Can). He believes their fleeting nature makes them the perfect medium for community-centered work: “They don’t last long, so you have to appreciate them while they decay. By creating installations of fresh flowers, I force a communal pause to listen to and take in the story we are trying to communicate.” He connects this ephemerality to the experiences of Black ancestors — lives that, though brief in the broader timeline of history, left monumental legacies. Pendleton’s work intentionally honors these moments of resilience, beauty, and transformation (NPR).

His recent installation, “All These Weeks,” commemorated the 128 weeks between the Emancipation Proclamation and the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas receiving word of their freedom — the historical origin of Juneteenth. As part of the installation, Pendleton gave out 128 hand-tied bouquets, symbolizing each week in that painful yet significant period. When the bouquets were gone, the remaining elements—baby’s breath, cotton, chain links, and wire—served as visual metaphors for the painful remnants of slavery and the enduring strength of Black communities (Associated Press).

“Intention is key for storytelling,” Pendleton explained. Every bloom, texture, and color carries meaning, carefully chosen to provoke questions and emotional engagement. “I want people to ask ‘Why?’ when they see my installations in honor of Blackness. Because there’s always a why,” he said (Because of Them We Can).

Pendleton draws inspiration from his ancestors, grounding his work in the stories of those who came before him. He frequently reflects on their sacrifices, including memories of his grandmother Earl Dean Pendleton—affectionately known as BigMama—who worked tirelessly cleaning homes and later served as a school janitor. “I am thankful for my ancestors working so hard to get me here to this life where I get to create for vocation,” he said. “Every time I mop my studio floor, I think of her. I don’t take it for granted, which is why every Black-focused installation gets my all” (Chicago Tribune).

Pendleton’s work has already earned national recognition. He has been featured in Munaluchi Bridal Magazine and Florists’ Review Magazine, and has collaborated with major brands such as Nike, Joe Fresh Goods, Smarties, GOYA Foods, Ferrara Candy, Jamila Woods, and even the Office of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Known for his deeply personalized approach, Pendleton often tailors arrangements using meaningful details like birthdates, birthplaces, or state flowers to create pieces that resonate on an intimate level (Essence).

Looking toward the future of Planks & Pistils, Pendleton plans to expand both the floral and woodworking sides of his studio, branching beyond Chicago and developing a brand that blends craft, culture, and creative experimentation. “The vision is to create a multifaceted creative brand that causes people to think and feel deeply. I want Planks & Pistils to be a brand unafraid to try new creative endeavors. And I want our Black-focused installations to be done nationally,” he said (Because of Them We Can).

Pendleton’s work stands as a reminder of art’s power: to honor history, build community, and create moments of shared contemplation — one flower at a time.