Potter Profile
Sansai - Czech
By Tom Benda.
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Tom Benda
‘I'm Tom Benda from Czech Republic. I'm living in a beautiful historic town of Tábor with my family, (including) bonsai trees and kiln.
I brought my first tree in 1990, that's when my love for bonsai started. During my "-teens" I focused more to music and girls, but around 1998 bonsai took over my time completely.
Soon I needed some pots, but didn't have enough money to afford one. So I started to think and plan about my own pots. My first pots were made in winter 2001/2. The dream about my own kiln came true in 2008. I started to travel with my pots and in 2011 I felt the chance to turn from garden architect into full time bonsai potter.
Producing high quality bonsai ceramics is now Tom’s full time job, he is one of the few potters who has been able to leave full time employment and make a career from this craft.
Now a highly regarded potter throughout Europe and beyond, his work is in high demand. In America, Tom’s pots are only sold by Ryan Neil, at possibly the most highly regarded bonsai nursery in the States, Mirai. When your work is this sought after, it is obviously hard to keep up with demand and please everyone, so we are delighted to be able to offer everyone an insight into Tom’s work, and a chance to acquire one of his pots.
‘I have many sources of inspiration. First were European potters showing their works in magazines and discussion forums. Later, after giving up to developing my own style at all costs, I finally fell in love with the Chinese and Japanese classics. I was strongly craving for the perfect craftsmanship, I couldn't stand the feeling, when looking at a beautiful lotus shaped pot and not knowing how to make it, so I started to learn by copying. When some skills started to settle in my hands, brain and eyes, I had a new feeling. I was ready for my own creations. Since then I can find, see inspiration everywhere, or just catch it flying by in the air. Some friends gave me the idea, that in pottery I've found a new playground for my passion for architecture.’
Contact: Tom Benda
E-mail: Alex@Europeanbonsaipottercollective.com
Website: www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com
Commissions can be requested through us here.
(although Tom can rarely accept commissions as very busy.)
‘I'm Tom Benda from Czech Republic. I'm living in a beautiful historic town of Tábor with my family, (including) bonsai trees and kiln.
I brought my first tree in 1990, that's when my love for bonsai started. During my "-teens" I focused more to music and girls, but around 1998 bonsai took over my time completely.
Soon I needed some pots, but didn't have enough money to afford one. So I started to think and plan about my own pots. My first pots were made in winter 2001/2. The dream about my own kiln came true in 2008. I started to travel with my pots and in 2011 I felt the chance to turn from garden architect into full time bonsai potter.
Producing high quality bonsai ceramics is now Tom’s full time job, he is one of the few potters who has been able to leave full time employment and make a career from this craft.
Now a highly regarded potter throughout Europe and beyond, his work is in high demand. In America, Tom’s pots are only sold by Ryan Neil, at possibly the most highly regarded bonsai nursery in the States, Mirai. When your work is this sought after, it is obviously hard to keep up with demand and please everyone, so we are delighted to be able to offer everyone an insight into Tom’s work, and a chance to acquire one of his pots.
‘I have many sources of inspiration. First were European potters showing their works in magazines and discussion forums. Later, after giving up to developing my own style at all costs, I finally fell in love with the Chinese and Japanese classics. I was strongly craving for the perfect craftsmanship, I couldn't stand the feeling, when looking at a beautiful lotus shaped pot and not knowing how to make it, so I started to learn by copying. When some skills started to settle in my hands, brain and eyes, I had a new feeling. I was ready for my own creations. Since then I can find, see inspiration everywhere, or just catch it flying by in the air. Some friends gave me the idea, that in pottery I've found a new playground for my passion for architecture.’
Contact: Tom Benda
E-mail: Alex@Europeanbonsaipottercollective.com
Website: www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com
Commissions can be requested through us here.
(although Tom can rarely accept commissions as very busy.)
Showcase - Sansai Pots
Some examples of past works from Tom Benda:
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The ‘European Bonsai Potters Collective’ is brought to you by topshelfbonsaipots – at www.bonsai4me.com
Tom Benda is a member and some of his works will be available for sale at www.bonsai4me.com/shop
Tom Benda is a member and some of his works will be available for sale at www.bonsai4me.com/shop