Evergreen
~ Bonsai

ceramic, glaze, engobe, 2023


                     


Inspired by the traditional Japanese art of bonsai, The Evergreen Bonsai reimagines this ancient practice with a playful and intricate ceramic sculpture. Originally captivated by the idea of cultivating a small tree to reflect the beauty and complexity of its full-sized counterpart, the artwork delves into the careful control and manipulation that bonsai requires.

This piece brings a whimsical twist to bonsai traditions, featuring a miniature, artificial tree with exaggerated forms and vibrant colors. A twisted trunk and unconventional leaf shapes emphasize the artificiality of the sculpture, highlighting the human intervention inherent in bonsai cultivation.

Crafted entirely from ceramic, The Evergreen Bonsai comprises three detachable and interchangeable parts: leaves, trunk, and pot. This modular design expands the creative potential within bonsai artistry, inviting viewers to experiment with different combinations and arrangements. The Evergreen Bonsai not only celebrates bonsai’s elegance but also playfully challenges traditional perspectives, encouraging viewers to rethink the roles of control and manipulation in art and nature.