From Car Parts to Sculpture: The Lloyd Kia Carlisle Bonsai Tree

Buying a new car doesn't usually lead to a 162-hour art project, but Mark Hamilton isn't your typical customer. After chatting about his metalwork with Head of Business, Roy Holliday, he left with the challenge of creating a bonsai tree entirely from Kia parts. The Korean connection made perfect sense—bonsai has deep roots in Korean culture, so it felt like a natural fit with Kia.

The finished sculpture now sits proudly in the Lloyd Kia Carlisle showroom.

Read on to hear about the skill, process and thought behind creating this impressive piece.

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ABOUT THE CREATION

Hello Mark, what inspired you to create a bonsai tree out of Kia metal parts?
"Kia and their commitment to a sustainable and innovative manufacturing process."
 
How did you come up with the idea and was there a particular moment or spark that started it?
"I create metal and wood trees and always wanted to sculpt a Bonsai Tree. I bought a new Kia Sportage in 2024, and I got chatting to Roy Holliday about what I do, and the idea grew from there."
 
How long did the project take from start to finish?
"162 hours, there was a little design time before that."
 
Which Kia parts did you use to make the tree?
"Various bolts, gear parts, brackets, not too many, because the shape of the tree required a minimal space to place the car names into the piece."
 
What was the most challenging part of putting it together?
"Creating a piece of work that was substantial in appearance, but light in weight."
 
Did you use any special tools or techniques to shape or assemble the parts?
"Not really, I have a 35yr background in welding/fabrication, so it is mainly hand tools, a welder, and a oxy propane torch."
 

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CONNECTION TO LLOYD KIA

Do you work with Kia vehicles regularly, and did that influence your choice of materials?
"I have not worked with Kia vehicles, it was my first time with any car parts."
 
How do you think this piece reflects Kia’s values — such as innovation, design, or sustainability?
"Kia and their commitment to a more sustainable and unique approach to manufacturing is a leader in their field.  My own outlook on design and creation, is usually focussed on how each piece in the construction sits comfortably with each other. My need to create a sculpture using upcycled and found materials, with a natural theme, is very similar."

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SUSTAINABILITY  & CREATIVITY

Using recycled materials is a big theme here — was sustainability part of your motivation?
"If I could create a 100% sustainable sculpture, I would be complete, but unfortunately I use techniques, such as welding which requires welding wire or rods and electricity. I do have solar panels though that generate while I’m working if the sun is shining!"

Do you think projects like this can inspire others to think differently about waste or engineering?
"I truly hope others are inspired by my work. Even if one person looks at the world around them in a different and more sustainable way, then that's great."

What’s next — do you plan to create more art pieces like this?
"The challenge would be to create an upcycled sculpture, themed to each country /car manufacturer, a sustainable nod to what is happening in the global car market. Saying this, the thought of creating another 12,000 leaves, as I did for the Kia Bonsai, makes me wince and laugh at the same time!"
 

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A huge thank you to Mark for creating this impressive sculpture that now stands proud in our Lloyd Kia Carlisle showroom. It's a unique centerpiece you won't find anywhere else so why visit us and see this one-of-a-kind piece for yourself? 

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