Revisiting the Great Bonsai Debate

A naturalistic Norway spruce (Picea abies) by Walter Pall (from Bonsai Today issue 106) A blast from the past. This post originally appeared here in July, 2009, our 6th month Barking (this means we’ve been doing this for almost ten years). I don’t know if the topic is still relevant to any of you, but there was a time when it created a bit of a buzz and I think many of us can learn something by reading what Walter Pall has to say about the topic (below). As always with reruns, I’ve made a few changes. In the expanding galaxy of … Continue reading Revisiting the Great Bonsai Debate

Another Trident: More Fall Color

This monster Trident maple has it all; massive trunk, fluid natural looking nebari (some maple nebari seem overdone), good lines, perfect pot, healthy green moss, everything (you might question the placement in the pot). The artist is German Gomez. They’re popping up everywhere A few days ago we featured a very impressive but unattributed tree that we found on facebook. Turns out that it belongs to German Gomez, of Medi Bonsai in Valencia, Spain (thanks to Pedro Paes), as does the tree featured here. When I first visited German’s website I was amazed that I hadn’t heard of him. But … Continue reading Another Trident: More Fall Color

Fall Color: Writ Small

Trident maple from the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, North American Collection in Washington DC. Donated by Brussel Martin. You can tell by the color It’s most definitely fall here in Vermont (you can tell by the color and the swoonable luminous sunny days). But even though our fall color is renowned, we’re not the only place with such good fortune. Washington DC, Japan, Germany, pretty much everywhere there are distinct seasons have their own psychedelic displays. This time it’s a Japanese wax tree (Rhus succedanea) in Japan. The photo is from Bonsai Today issue 26. Fall color in Germany. … Continue reading Fall Color: Writ Small

Roy, Walter, Shinji, Isao & The Ichiban

Isao Omachi using the part of the Ichiban blade that is designed for cutting wire. Isao Omachi’s comments Here’s part of what Isao Omachi has to say about his Ichiban: “Compared to a normal pair of bonsai scissors, these are light and comfortable in the hand; you barely have to raise your elbow. You can multitask with ease, cutting swiftly through branches and wire… In addition to Ichiban’s unique design and efficiency, any level of bonsai student can have fun using a pair…” Roy Nagatoshi, Walter Pall, Shinji Suzuki and Isao Omachi So far Marco has sent us testimonials from … Continue reading Roy, Walter, Shinji, Isao & The Ichiban

Mission of Transformation is rapidly approaching

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 … Continue reading Mission of Transformation is rapidly approaching

The Great Debate part 3: More from Walter

A naturalistic Norway spruce (Picea abies) by Walter Pall (from Bonsai Today issue 106). This tree was awarded third place overall in the Bonsai Today/Art of Bonsai 2006 photo contest. Walter also won first and second place in the overall category. The Naturalistic Bonsai Movement? In the expanding galaxy of accomplished Western bonsai artists, Walter Pall’s bonsai skills and dedication to teaching and promoting the art of bonsai make him one of the brightest stars. Walter is also one of the most prominent proponents of what could be called the Naturalistic Bonsai Movement (or something like that). In our last … Continue reading The Great Debate part 3: More from Walter

Get Out Your Camera! AoB Awards Coming Up

This Red escallonia (Escallonia rubra ‘Woodside’) by Mike Page is from the Bonsai Today/Art of Bonsai 2006 photo contest. If you are interested, you can find the winning photos in Bonsai Today issue 106. Don’t be shy Stone Lantern and Bonsai Bark are delighted to announce that we one of the sponsors of The Art of Bonsai Project’s annual photo contest. The contest provides an excellent opportunity for you to delve into preparing and photographing your bonsai. Two practices that will open your eyes in ways that may surprise you. Really, don’t be shy and don’t think your trees have … Continue reading Get Out Your Camera! AoB Awards Coming Up

Robert Steven: Mission of Transformation

Coming soon Robert Steven’s long awaited new book Mission of Transformation has just pulled out of port for it’s halfway round the world journey from Indonesia to Vermont. We hope to see it pull up to our warehouse sometime in August (no guarantees!). While we (and you) are waiting, we’re offering a pre-order, pre-pay special at $49. (retail $55.), with double discounts during our book sale. Here’s what a few bonsai notables have to say about it: “I am certain bonsai artists from around the globe will find “Mission of Transformation” a valuable addition to their reference library because it … Continue reading Robert Steven: Mission of Transformation

The Great Debate part 2: You Be the Judge

This Scot’s pine (Pinus sylvestris) by Walter Pall is from the cover of Bonsai Today issue 104. It was presented by Walter as an example of a naturalistic bonsai. “… too many of these bonsai look like they are made of plastic…” The whole quote, which was written by Walter Pall, and appears in Bonsai Today issue 104, goes like this: “I have seen that the trend in styling is toward more and more refinement, which often takes away all the naturalness. I find that too many of these bonsai look like they are made of plastic and are not … Continue reading The Great Debate part 2: You Be the Judge

The Great Debate: Naturalistic vs Abstract?

This Rough bark shore juniper is by Boon Manakitipivart. It originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 108. Though it certainly has a rugged, natural feel, does it also have some features (aside from the pot) that are more characteristic of bonsai than of trees growing in the wild? Is there a clear distinction? Back two or three years ago, I was hearing and reading a lot about naturalistic bonsai versus more abstract bonsai. Though I’m not sure that the difference is always that obvious, or that there are only two categories when it come to this discussion, I do get … Continue reading The Great Debate: Naturalistic vs Abstract?