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Artist Turns Metal Wire into Bonsai Trees That Will Live Forever

wire tree art

Love the beauty of bonsai trees, but worry about caring for one? No fear, wire artist Matthew Gollop has you covered. His company, Metal Bonsai, specializes in wire tree art, with a focus on bonsai trees.

Gollop's trees are inspired by the beauty and strength of bonsai, each sculpture lovingly crafted for a unique result. By shaping multiple strands of metal wire, sometimes using almost 500 feet per tree, the bonsai take form. The final product is even placed inside a bonsai pot, for the full experience.

The artist's passion for wire has a unique beginning. While fiddling with the muselet from a champagne bottle—the wire part that holds the cork in—he unconsciously began forming a tree. As he'd had an interest in bonsai, it was only fitting that he sculpted that particular tree. From there, the idea took off.

The wire sculptures are available in a wide range of styles, both with bright pops of color or subdued monochrome finishes. It's even possible to select a bonsai tree based on species. Or instead, maybe you're curious about how to make your own wire trees? Gollop has you covered with an infographic to take you through the process.

Gollop has his bonsai for sale through his website, Metal Bonsai. Prices range from $55 to $355.

wire tree art

wire tree art

wire tree art

wire tree art

wire bonsai

wire bonsai tree

wire tree art

wire tree art

wire tree art

wire tree art

Metal Bonsai has also been experimenting with glass beads, which add a touch of glamour to their bonsai.

wire tree art

wire tree art

Metal Bonsai: Website | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use images by Metal Bonsai.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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