F I R S T   P L A C E

H A L F   G R O U N D E D
​H A L F   E X P L O R I N G
Contemporary Glazed

ANTONY SMITH
​WILLOW BONSAI LLC
Colorado, USA
​2025

3 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches
Stoneware, Slip-Casted, Finished by Hand, Glazed
Molds created using CAD Software and High-Definition Resin 3D Printers
Slip-Casting for Main Body
Press Molding Techniques for Feet and Space Tiles
Fired to 2300ºF (1260ºC)

One half grounded, the other half exploring, a tale of two concepts and two ways of life that are still united as one. Not fitting neatly into a singular category, but always seeking to push boundaries and explore. It leaves behind beauty, nature, and all that is familiar to embrace the wonder and adventure that awaits.

The design features two contrasting sides. The round side symbolizes Earth, with its shiny blue glaze representing our blue planet, and delicate feet that signify nature.

​In contrast, the hexagonal side represents the technological frontier of spacecraft exploring other planets. It depicts a view through the windows of a rocky, cratered landscape on a distant planet.

This pot challenges conventional design through its innovative form and construction process. It was created using CAD software and printed with high-definition resin 3D printers. Plaster of Paris was utilized to create the different molds for the main body, feet, and heat shield tiles.

A B O U T   A N T O N Y   S M I T H

Willow Bonsai consists of Antony, Mavourneen, and Neil Smith. The company was founded in 2016 in South Africa by Mavourneen and Antony. In 2024, they relocated to the United States, where Neil joined the team to embark on a new chapter in their ceramics journey.​
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Follow Antony Smith on these platforms:

Website: www.willowbonsaishop.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/antonysmith2861/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/antony.smith.10420
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/willowbonsaishop/

T H A N K   Y O U   T O   O U R   S P O N S O R S

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

For Learning Seminars tickets, lodging, transportation, merchandise, and all other event information, please visit the American Bonsai Society website.

ABS Website