James Ammann: About the Artist

James Ammann: About the Artist
Pushing the boundaries of moss art.

In a world that moves quickly; James Ammann builds spaces that ask you to slow down.

As the creative force behind Moss Art Installations, James has quietly established the premier moss art studio in the United States. From his San Diego workshop, he fuses nature with design; sculpting moss, wood, stone, and sand into elevated, architectural pieces that ground the viewer and bring nature indoors.

Rooted in over two decades of craftsmanship, James’s process is both precise and poetic. His art isn’t just made; it’s composed. Each piece tells a story of stillness, texture, and transformation; capturing the essence of the wild with the polish of fine design.

 

An Artist Formed by Nature; Built by Hand

James’s creative journey began not in a gallery, but in his grandfather’s garage. It was there; building half pipes and skate ramps from scratch; that he first understood the joy of shaping raw materials. What started as play soon evolved into purpose. By high school, James had traded skate tools for chisels; diving into woodshop classes where he built his first coffee tables and bookshelves; learning to finish wood by hand and respect its grain.

As his eye sharpened and his hands learned the language of craftsmanship, he began experimenting with bold, contrasting materials: concrete and walnut; resin and steel. Custom desks. Live-edge slabs. Hand-poured inlays. Every piece was a chapter; each one a study in form, balance, and tactile beauty.

 

Elevating Moss Into Modern Art

Today, James brings that same rigor and curiosity to moss art. But this isn’t your grandmother’s terrarium. These are statement pieces; living, breathing meditations made from preserved moss, exotic wood, and natural elements.

Inspired by untouched forests; flowing rivers; and quiet trails; his works are not simply decorative; they’re immersive. Sculptural centerpieces. Textured wall art. Custom botanical installations. All crafted to invite calm and evoke wonder.

Whether it’s the rich greens of Rainforest Botanical Garden; the desert echoes of Red Rock Canyon; or the ocean-kissed blues of Rio Azul; each piece is a reflection of James’s deep reverence for the earth, and his passion for sharing its beauty through intentional design.

 

A Practice That Never Stops Evolving

More than an artist; James is a student of the material. Every new piece is a chance to explore, stretch, refine. And while the tools may change, one thing remains constant: his commitment to honoring nature through artistry.

His work is quiet but powerful; simple but rich; humble but unmistakably bold.

In James’s hands; moss becomes sculpture; and walls become sanctuaries.

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Explore the full collection at mossartinstallations.com
Discover the stillness; the texture; the transformation.