The idea for Bonsai Island came to me during a walk through Epping Forest. I saw two trees connected at their roots, with their branches intertwining above, and I immediately thought of the strong bond shared by Anna and Dasha, the two friends who commissioned this piece. Anna is from Ukraine, and Dasha is from Russia. Despite the conflict between their countries, their friendship is inspirational and a beautiful symbol of unity and peace. I wanted the design to reflect this, so I based the concept on two abstracted trees connected at the roots, with branches that weave together, symbolising how nature and humanity can coexist harmoniously.

The process of creating Bonsai Island was both artistic and highly technical. I started with hand-drawing because I believe that even with digital tools, having a human touch is crucial for creating compelling stories. From there, I moved into digital design, using algorithmic techniques to add fine detail and texture. This approach of guiding with human intuition and refining with digital precision mirrors the care and artistry involved in cultivating bonsai trees—a harmonious collaboration between human creativity and the natural world's inherent, algorithmic patterns. Bonsai trees are also a symbol of peace and harmony, reflecting the balance and connection I sought to capture in this project.

Working with clay in 3D printing presents unique challenges, especially because clay shrinks unevenly during drying and firing. To address this, I conducted extensive tests, 3D scanning the results to study how the material deformed. I used these findings to adjust my designs, ensuring the final tiles matched the digital files closely. This process of trial, error, and adaptation was crucial to the success of Bonsai Island. Another challenge was printing the curved tiles for the rounded corners of the kitchen island. These tiles needed to be printed in a non-planar fashion so they would fit the curves perfectly, requiring precise control over the printhead’s movements. An intimate understanding of the material is essential to finely choreograph the printhead movements, blending the physical and digital worlds in a process I refer to as digital craftsmanship.

I see Bonsai Island as more than just a kitchen island; it’s a statement about how we can integrate nature, technology, craftsmanship, and storytelling in design. This project shows how digital tools can be used to create bespoke, emotionally resonant pieces that tell a personal story. I believe this nuanced approach to technology will be key to making an impact in the design world, and I hope the piece can inspire others to explore similar paths.

For Anna and Dasha, Bonzai Island represents a symbol of peace and unity. Their reaction to the project has been incredibly positive, and they see it as a reflection of their friendship—despite the conflicts in their home countries, they remain connected and supportive of each other.