2023

3D-Printed PLA Transparent Filament

11 x 11 x 15 inches

Yūrei, a transparent 3D-printed bonsai tree, stands as a haunting embodiment of the digital realm's artistic potential and the convergence of nature and technology. Yūrei serves as a commentary on the how technological advancements have blurred the lines between what is natural and what is human-made. As an artist exploring the dynamic interplay between the organic and the artificial, I sought to capture the essence of bonsai trees, traditionally revered for their delicate beauty and connection to the natural world, while imbuing them with a sense of immortality through digital craftsmanship.

Bonsai trees, a time-honored art form, are a testament to humanity's desire to control and shape nature's growth, forcing trees to be small and conforming them to human ideals of beauty. Yūrei takes this concept to the next level by making it completely artificial, a creation born from the fusion of human ingenuity and cutting-edge technology. It raises questions about the role of art in altering the natural world, blurring the line between the authentic and the manufactured.

The transparency of the sculpture allows glimpses into its intricate structure, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship that blends organic forms with digital precision. The piece serves as a testament to the coexistence of the natural and the synthetic, inviting us to embrace the fusion of traditional and cutting-edge artistic techniques in the pursuit of capturing the essence of life's fleeting beauty.

Ultimately, Yūrei stands as a timeless, ethereal figure symbolizing the transcendence of bonsai trees into a realm of immortality through the convergence of human creativity and digital innovation.