The collaboration between ceramic artist Jonathan Cross and bonsai master Ryan Neil blends the ethereal with the earthly. The series, which features one-of-a-kind creations on view exclusively at Casa Perfect, allows the demarcation between plant and vessel to almost disappear, marrying Neil’s mesmerizing living sculptures with the rustic geometry of Cross’ celebrated work in ceramics.
Each plant is sui generis, range in scale and complexity, leading Cross to design specific vessels to contain them. Some play with verticality, allowing a tree’s winding leaves to cascade down; others mirror the plants ancient contours, with primitive forms that give the appearance that the tree and the vessel have been fused by time. Innovative and eye-opening, the collaboration elevates an ancient technique to fine art.