Feature of the Day #5: Philanooga

Silver Bonsai on Aragonite Crystal

Greetings!

Today's Feature of the Day is Philanooga, AKA Philip Gardner, on Etsy. Philip is a sculpture artist who works primarily with wire on gemstones. Each tree is carefully placed and crafted on the ideal stone for it. They work together in unison to create a whole piece that is delicate yet powerful. Each wire is twisted into its place with care and precision, just like the branches of the Bonsai from which he draws his inspiration. 

This is what Philip has to say about his Silver Bonsai on Aragonite Crystal (pictured left).

The impression I achieved was of a lone tree in a landscape blanked with virgin snow. I titled the tree, "Winter Solitude". The silver colored wire screams of a tree coated in ice. From my childhood it conjured up images of a winter wonderland. Waking up after a rare Atlanta snow storm, I would get my first look of the wintery scene and could not imagine anything more beautiful. 

Here is what Philip has to say about his work, and inspirations:

Philip is inspired by the natural beauty around him. He and his wife travel and live throughout North America. As he does so, he continually looks for unusual stones that enhance his wire creations. Each tree is unique and suited to the stone it is place upon. Philip began making his impressions of trees in 1982 when he helped a group of students with a Junior Achievement business. He continued to make the trees after the project and perfected his own unique style. His trees were sold throughout the USA during that time. When Philip recently decided to retire from the main stream business world and travel, he found inspiration from the landscapes he encountered and once again started to create his wire impressions. He is thrilled when others find beauty in his work.

Check out his work on Etsy today! 

Bonsai Wire Tree on Lace Agate

~Squirrel Creek Creations

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