
This tree isn’t exactly eccentric. Just powerful, handsome and unique. It’s by Budi Sulistyo and graces the cover of his excellent tropical bonsai gallery book (you can see the whole cover below).
Such a contrast
I think this next tree (below), also by Budi, falls into the eccentric category.

This ficus microcarpa by Budi Sulisyo from an album entitled ‘Stone Pot’.
Continue reading ‘Eccentric Bonsai: Two Trees by Budi’
This distinctive Japanese red pine appears in Andy Rutledge’s web book ‘Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design.’ The original image (left) came from a back issue of Bonsai Today magazine. The black lines on the right hand image were drawn by Andy to illustrate how “the smooth but erratic curves of the trunk are carried over into the branching.”
Take a look – it’s worth it
Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design provides a wealth of material for anyone who wants to take their bonsai to the next level. Andy Rutledge approaches bonsai with respect for the depth and breath of the art, and it shows in this well thought out, well organized web book that just might be worth a few minutes (perhaps much more) of your time.
Continue reading ‘Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design: WebBook by Andy Rutledge’
Here’s some of our new tools (there are more) by Bonsai Aesthetics. From left to right: Rook hook, Extra large branch jack, Extra large branch bender, branch lever, and Large branch jack.
Good tools and the price is right
A few months ago we introduced some of Robert Steven’s new line of bonsai tools. Robert is the author of Mission of Transformation and Vision of My Soul, and is one of the world’s most innovative bonsai artists. Like many of us, Robert realized that Japanese tools are gradually being priced out for many people, while Chinese tools are coming up in quality. So Robert went to China and hand picked tools that he could stand behind. The result is his Bonsai Aesthetics line of bonsai tools.
More than meets the eye
So far your response to Bonsai Aesthetics tools has been excellent. Hundreds shipped and no complaints. So, we’ve decided to expand the selection. In addition to the ones shown above, the following tools have just arrived: a grafting knife, a draw knife, a folding saw, and a second, different extra large branch jack than the one shown above.
And, if you missed the first batch
The original batch of Bonsai Aesthetic tools that we brought in include a very popular five piece carving set, 8″ concave cutters, 11″ concave cutters, 8″ knob cutters, 11″ knob cutters, wire cutters, wire pliers, and inexpensive light weight, all purpose scissors.
This powerful tray planting leaves little doubt that Robert Steven is a brilliant bonsai and penjing artist. From Mission of Transformation.
It’s on shore and on its way
A truck bearing Robert Steven’s new book, Mission of Transformation, will be ascending our long dirt driveway any day now (maybe today!).
Walter Pall
“Tradition is not the conservation of ashes but the propagation of fire. Robert Steven certainly is propagating the fire. What was started in his first book, Vision of My Soul… is put into practice here in this book. I dare to say that this book will become a classic. It is a must for every advanced student of bonsai… (and) beginners will profit vastly…” Walter Pall is one of the world’s most famous, prolific and outspoken bonsai artists. Walter is well known to readers of Bonsai Bark.
Bill Valavanis
“The bonsai community is fortunate to have Robert Steven as one of the leading bonsai artists who shares his enthusiasm, passion and love for the art… I am certain bonsai artists from around the globe will find Mission of Transformation a valuable addition to their reference library because it contains information not found anywhere so well presented and explained.” Bill Valavanis, Bonsai artist and educator, and publisher of International Bonsai magazine.
Continue reading ‘Mission of Transformation is rapidly approaching’

Robert Steven wiring a very large raft style Pemphis acidula (no common name?). One of many remarkably daring and powerful bonsai that appear in his first book, Vision of My Soul.
Robert Steven is one of the most inspiring bonsai artists and bonsai technicians in the world. His artistic vision and his trees exist on the cutting edge of contemporary bonsai. Many of Robert’s remarkable trees are pictured in his ground breaking book, Vision of My Soul, which was published in 2005. But neither time nor Robert have been standing still, and this summer, you’ll be able to enjoy a second book by this exceptionally creative bonsai artist.
Continue reading ‘Mission of Transformation by Robert Steven’
Sinuous root style Rockspray Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) in splendid fall color, by Bill Valavanis of International Bonsai.
When I first started playing with bonsai almost thirty years ago, nurseries were bonsai stock gold mines. Now, because bonsai enthusiasts have caught on, old forgotten potential bonsai are a little harder to to find. But don’t lose heart, they are still there. You just have to look a little harder.
Bill Valavanis’ sweet sinuous root Cotoneaster (above) is one of many bonsai from nursery stock currently feature on Artofbonsai.org. Some other well-known featured artists are: Walter Pall, Morten Albek (author of Shohin Bonsai), Budi Sulistyo (Tropical Bonsai Gallery) and Robert Steven (Vision of My Soul).

Five piece carving set. Made in China.
For years we’ve resisted importing Chinese tools. Japanese tools were absolutely superior and more-or-less affordable, and Chinese tools, though very affordable, were mostly inferior.
Now, all that is changing. Robert Steven (accomplished bonsai artist, author of Vision of My Soul and major player in the Asian and world bonsai communities), has founded a line of Chinese tools that are quite good. And, compared to the ever increasing prices of Japanese tools, a very good investment; at least for those of us with tight budgets.
Continue reading ‘Chinese Bonsai Tools’
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