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T H E T R I B U T E D I S P L A Y
Above
Alhambra Fountain 2024 Spain Edition From the last Triskele collaboration with Andrew Pearson Created by Andrew Pearson and Nick Hopes Discover Potters Collection 
Above
One of Andrew’s famous unglazed pots featuring Mushikui and floral designs, which became one of his most recognizable signature styles. This style earned him gold in the unglazed category at the Gafu-ten. Discover Potters Collection |
In Memoriam
A N D R E W P E A R S O N S T O N E M O N K E Y C E R A M I C S Kent, United Kingdom 1968-2024
A dedicated family man, Andrew was a loving husband and father, and a loyal and caring friend to many. Andrew Pearson of Stone Monkey Ceramics will be long remembered by many for his kind heart, his extraordinary craftsmanship, and the impact he had on bonsai ceramics globally.
From when he began making pottery in 2002, Andrew's pots continued to improve in finesse and popularity. A definite style developed, to which Andrew stayed true, even as his work evolved and he experimented with different types and styles of bonsai pots over time. His attention to detail was outstanding, in both the razor sharp lines and relief carvings. In 2015, with the encouragement of Peter Warren and Akiyama San, Andrew was invited to take part in the 10th Annual Shohachi contest at the Gafu Ten in Kyoto, Japan. An incredible honor, especially as non-Japanese were not previously eligible to participate. Not only was Andrew the first non-Japanese artist invited to participate in this world leading contest, but he went on to take gold in the unglazed category. In so doing, Andrew helped strengthen the bond with Japanese bonsai, and also open the gates for other leading artists across the world to be able enter this prestigious event. Andrew was a founding member of the Triskele group, together with artists Tom Benda and Thor Holvila, a collective of world-renowned bonsai potters who meet annually in different locations to create unique artisanal pieces that fuse their three distinct styles. |
In a professional capacity, Andrew spent 7 years as a paramedic before joining Transport for London in 1998, to which he dedicated the next 26 years. After just 3 years he had become a fire compliance specialist, at which he excelled. A decade later, in 2011, Andrew progressed to Fire Engineer, which he continued to thrive at until his untimely passing. At the end of January 2025, Andrew was due to retire from his work at the London Underground, to concentrate on his ceramics full time.
Andrew was very well known in the global bonsai community. He was a multi-award winning artist, and was the feature of a multitude of articles in various magazine and book publications. Andrew's influence reached North America, with many bonsai potters, including some of North America's most celebrated, have benefited from the help and words of advice of this great artist. Andrew liked to share his knowledge to the benefit of other artists and to improve bonsai ceramics in general.
Instrumental in the formation of the EBPC in 2017 and Discover Potters in 2022, Andrew was not only a major source of inspiration but also a steadfast supporter of both from the very beginning. Andrew's legacy will live on, in those touched by his generous nature, in his thousands of exquisite creations, and through his impact on North American and global bonsai ceramics.
Andrew was very well known in the global bonsai community. He was a multi-award winning artist, and was the feature of a multitude of articles in various magazine and book publications. Andrew's influence reached North America, with many bonsai potters, including some of North America's most celebrated, have benefited from the help and words of advice of this great artist. Andrew liked to share his knowledge to the benefit of other artists and to improve bonsai ceramics in general.
Instrumental in the formation of the EBPC in 2017 and Discover Potters in 2022, Andrew was not only a major source of inspiration but also a steadfast supporter of both from the very beginning. Andrew's legacy will live on, in those touched by his generous nature, in his thousands of exquisite creations, and through his impact on North American and global bonsai ceramics.
H O N O R I N G T H E L E G A C Y
O F A N D R E W P E A R S O N
B O N S A I M I R A I
O F A N D R E W P E A R S O N
B O N S A I M I R A I
L E S S O N S F R O M
T H E S T O N E M O N K E Y
T H E S T O N E M O N K E Y
Before Andrew Pearson passed away, he maintained a YouTube channel where he shared his knowledge, wisdom, and experience.
It’s still there, continuing to teach and inspire the next generation of potters.
Grab some clay and enjoy these videos from Andrew.
It’s still there, continuing to teach and inspire the next generation of potters.
Grab some clay and enjoy these videos from Andrew.
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W O R D S B Y A N D R E W P E A R S O N
"I have been making ceramics since 2002. My interest first started with Bonsai in 1993 of which the pot is an intrinsic part of the finished image. I was introduced to Ceramics and I had a go at making my own pots and with a lot of time and practise I started to get better. After purchasing a small electric kiln, I started to make, glaze and fire Bonsai pots. At first, I made them for my own enjoyment and for my own trees, however members of my local Bonsai club started to ask for pots for their trees and I also sold some to a local Bonsai Nursery.
I gained a lot of inspiration from other great Potters and this drove me to search for my own individual style, however Japanese ceramics always, and still does, have a huge influence over me. Over the years I attended several courses at colleges and universities in my quest to improve and better myself. These courses have included throwing pots and glaze formula. In the early part of 2003 I purchased a potter's wheel and a 9 cubic foot gas kiln. Again, there was another learning curve with new glaze recipes and reduction firing. Eventually I progressed enough to sell my Bonsai ceramics all over Europe via shows and also from my website under the name of Stone Monkey Ceramics
I also have a huge interest in Studio Ceramics and I am just starting to deviate from the field of Bonsai Ceramics on a different but complimentary journey. I am an avid fan of the "Leach Tradition" as this stemmed from the Japanese ethos of producing pottery of which I try to portray in my work. I love subtle lines and quite forms and the ceramic pieces I create must have "Wabi-Sabi", beauty in in-perfection and aged things. In 2010 I saw the Japanese potter Ryoji Koie at a demonstration at the V&A Museum, he had a huge impact on the way I work now and how I approach the clay. I like to think now that my ceramics have a voice and are an extension of me, embodying a little of my way of freedom, spirit and life.
Bonsai ceramics form the backbone of my repertoire and it is a form that I associate closely with and very much love. The Japanese write Bonsai with two Kanji, the first meaning pot and the second meaning planting. One without the other is not Bonsai and the pot in which the tree sits is an essential part of the finished image."
- Andy
(from www.stonemonkeyceramics.co.uk)
I gained a lot of inspiration from other great Potters and this drove me to search for my own individual style, however Japanese ceramics always, and still does, have a huge influence over me. Over the years I attended several courses at colleges and universities in my quest to improve and better myself. These courses have included throwing pots and glaze formula. In the early part of 2003 I purchased a potter's wheel and a 9 cubic foot gas kiln. Again, there was another learning curve with new glaze recipes and reduction firing. Eventually I progressed enough to sell my Bonsai ceramics all over Europe via shows and also from my website under the name of Stone Monkey Ceramics
I also have a huge interest in Studio Ceramics and I am just starting to deviate from the field of Bonsai Ceramics on a different but complimentary journey. I am an avid fan of the "Leach Tradition" as this stemmed from the Japanese ethos of producing pottery of which I try to portray in my work. I love subtle lines and quite forms and the ceramic pieces I create must have "Wabi-Sabi", beauty in in-perfection and aged things. In 2010 I saw the Japanese potter Ryoji Koie at a demonstration at the V&A Museum, he had a huge impact on the way I work now and how I approach the clay. I like to think now that my ceramics have a voice and are an extension of me, embodying a little of my way of freedom, spirit and life.
Bonsai ceramics form the backbone of my repertoire and it is a form that I associate closely with and very much love. The Japanese write Bonsai with two Kanji, the first meaning pot and the second meaning planting. One without the other is not Bonsai and the pot in which the tree sits is an essential part of the finished image."
- Andy
(from www.stonemonkeyceramics.co.uk)
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This display is brought to you by
European Bonsai Potter Collective & Discover Potters Pottery photography by Discover Potters |
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T H A N K Y O U T O O U R S P O N S O R S
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D I S C O V E R P O T T E R S I S P R O U D T O S P O N S O R T H E 2 0 2 5 N O R T H A M E R I C A N B O N S A I P O T T E R Y C O M P E T I T I O N
