Patrick Bergsma

In the Expanding China series, I returned to my fascination with chinaware. Humanity has a long tradition of making and decorating ceramics. I love the contrast between the polished porcelain and the handmade natural elements I add. Over the years I developed my own techniques to create bonsai trees moss and flowers.

I combine the Asian arts of ikebana, bonsai and penjing with antique porcelain. In the Netherlands, Eastern influence has a long history: even Delft Blue began as an imitation of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. I often use these "imitations" and merge them with my handmade natural forms.

Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, I treat cracks and breakage as part of an object's history. In my work, nature seems to take over that role, growing through these cultural remnants and reshaping them into something new.