Don’t Be Too Shy to Win a $25 Gift Certificate

This is the planting that I want you to critique. It’s from from Kiki Bonsai. Go ahead, make my day Just write a little critique of the planting above. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it doesn’t even have to make sense. We’re short on entries, so anything is better than nothing. And who knows? You just might win, and even if you don’t, you might learn something in the process. The details are here Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment The only English language penjing book is now on sale for $14.95 (originally $39.50).

$100 Contest: Eight Down, Two to Go

Contest entry number eight by Jonathan Pessin. There’s something going on with this little juniper, though I’m not sure where’s it’s headed. Cascade? In any case, it’s potential will have a hard time developing in such a small pot. Most of the best shohin are grown in larger pots (or even in the ground) and then reduced. As it is, unrefined potential is probably the best description. I do like the heavy little trunk and think that over time and with some work the deadwood might add character. Maybe it could go all the way down to the base of … Continue reading $100 Contest: Eight Down, Two to Go

Contest Critique #5: Bonsai Metaphor

This image is from a video entitled ‘growth’ by Richard Lantz. Bonsai as metaphor Richard Lantz’s entry is less about bonsai than it is about what it means to be human; specifically (according to Amanda Rataj’s comments on Richard’s site) “control and the desire to better understand the place of the individual in society.” Bonsai as bonsai I enjoyed Richard’s video. His flowing drawings are quite mesmerizing and his talent is undeniable. However, from a purely bonsai perspective, none of the drawings taken alone achieve a presentable bonsai, and the ones with potential are either ruined (intentionally, I think) or … Continue reading Contest Critique #5: Bonsai Metaphor

Contest critique #4: Uncontrived & Natural

This elegant five tree planting was submitted by Michelle Dougherty (Bunjin Journal). A simple, natural look If you’ve been following our Great Debate posts, you know that some people see a dichotomy between naturalistic and traditional bonsai. If I had to put Michelle’s drawing into one of these two groups, it would be naturalistic. Though the placement of the trees may or may not have been influenced by traditional Japanese guidelines (the odd number certainly conforms), the overall effect seems uncontrived and natural.

Contest Critique #3: First Thought, Best Thought

This simple entry by João Pires reminds me of the sumi brush paintings from long ago and far away (at least as long ago as the origins of bonsai and as far away as the wild and rugged Yellow Mountains of China). A few simple strokes Perhaps the best way to approach this kind of art is just first thought, best thought. So here goes: I like its simplicity and movement. With a few brush strokes you have an old pine clinging to sheer cliff. That and a lot of space for your imagination to roam. Anyone else? This is … Continue reading Contest Critique #3: First Thought, Best Thought

Contest Critique #2: More of a Dream

This was the first entry in our contest. It’s from Jim(?). We had posted a bonsai paint-by-numbers (see image and explanation below) as a starting point for the contest and Jim is the only entrant to use it. A troubled slumber Here’s what Jim has to say about his entry: “First eh? Well here’s my entry. It’s more of a dream than an entry. I awoke from a troubled slumber and put it down really. My eyes were thick with crust and my heart racing. Hope everyone likes it.” Sense of humor I think sense of humor is way up … Continue reading Contest Critique #2: More of a Dream