Thinking Ahead Two Years

It’s not so far fetched Most of the time we think day to day or even moment to moment. Occasionally, we need to think a little further out (time wise that is). This is especially true if you want to exhibit a bonsai or perhaps become a vendor at the 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Or, given the pressures on your schedule, if you just want to attend. Though it may seem far fetched now, if you don’t plan ahead, other obligations might worm their way into you schedule. BTW: The 2nd was a roaring success.

In Training Since 1795

Here it is. It’s a Pinus densiflora (Japanese Red Pine) that was donated to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum by The Imperial Household of Japan. It has been in training since 1795. The Japanese Collection It’s right here in North America and it’s one of the best collections of bonsai anywhere. Here’s an excerpt from the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum’s website: “The Japanese Collection began with the gift of 53 bonsai from Japan on the occasion of the American Bicentennial in 1976. The trees, which were from private collections, were selected by the Nippon Bonsai Association with financial … Continue reading In Training Since 1795

BCI’s Fall China Tour

This enchanted (and somewhat fuzzy) scene if from BCI’s (Bonsai Club International) web pages on their upcoming China tour. China anyone? It’s too bad the photo above isn’t sharper. Still, it’s clear that the scene beckons you to sail amongst those towering cliffs (at least in your imagination). I doubt if BCI’s tour includes sailing, but you will enjoy plantings like this one. Disney World? Nope, it’s a little piece of China. From BCI.

Drawing Your Bonsai

A page from Bonsai Today issue 34 (all in stock Bonsai Today issues are currently 25% to 35% off). The artist (bonsai and sketch) is Yukio Karino (mistranslated last name?). You can do it! We’ve featured bonsai drawings way back in the early years of Bonsai Bark (2009). We still think it’s a good idea and suggest you try your hand at it. Contrary to the pervasive poverty mentality many of us have about these things, you can do it if you just take your time. The drawings (you can call them sketches if that helps) don’t have to be … Continue reading Drawing Your Bonsai

Bonsai Art: Deshojo Japanese Maple

Deshojo Japanese maple by Bill Valavanis. It’s been Bill’s day in the sun lately with a successful 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition under his belt, so why not show another side of his talents? One thing that strikes me about this photo the are the five strong colors (black, vermillon, whitish, green and shades of blue) that stand in sharp contrast to each other. This play of colors in such high contrast, along with the simple beauty of the tree, leaves little doubt that bonsai, when done well, is elevated to pure art. Here’s something I grabbed off of facebook … Continue reading Bonsai Art: Deshojo Japanese Maple

More Shots (& Big, Big, Big Book Sale)

Another shot from the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibit (here for a post from a few days ago). This one (and the last one in this post) was sent to us by Bill Valavanis; the tireless man behind the whole wild and wonderful thing. Big, big, big book sale at Stone Lantern Just trying to squeeze this in to drum up a little business. Mid-summer always requires some extra effort. All the way from Japan. Kunio Kobayashi was not the only famous visitor (and in this case, judge), but he’s the only one with the title ‘Grand Master’ before his … Continue reading More Shots (& Big, Big, Big Book Sale)

Remember This?

Towering tree or a very strong bonsai? It’s from our $100 Photo Art Contest and it’s by Christian Hansen. It didn’t finish in the money, but I wonder if it might have, had people known it’s a bonsai (a very large bonsai). I didn’t realize it was until Christian sent me the photo below. It’s one of only two photos that were actually of bonsai, even though the whole name of the contest was: $100 Bonsai Photo Art Contest. From top to bottom. I think it’s a Chinese elm. It’s a very powerful tree and there’s a lot to like … Continue reading Remember This?

Shots from the 2nd U.S. Bonsai Exhibition

Nice trunk. Definitely looks like an azalea. The shot is from a video by Alejandro Medina Ibarra of the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Alejandro Medina Ibarra The shots here are all from a video of the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. The video is by Alejandro Medina Ibarra and it’s brilliant. I wasn’t able to attend, so I’m particularly grateful for Alejandro’s efforts. Something powerful and good took place in Rochester last month if this video is any indication. Really, check it out and you too will wish you’d been there (see you in 2012). Bill Valavanis I’m not … Continue reading Shots from the 2nd U.S. Bonsai Exhibition

Bonsai Styles, Book Sale, Warehouse Reopens Soon

A new shipment of Charles Ceronio’s Bonsai Styles of the World just arrived after a prolonged hiatus. It’s an absolute bonsai classic, and though it’s not cheap (now $45.00), it’s so exceptional and unique (see below), that it’s worth every penny and more. Book sale After some trouble with images, our book sale is finally underway. 35% to 45% off all books (it’s never been better). Warehouse closed until Monday We’ll resume shipping on Monday, July 12th. Don’t wait to order though, as orders will go out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Colin Lewis Interview: “They’re All Important”

Faces of a transplanted bonsai artist. From Colin’s’ website. From bad weather to more bad weather Colin Lewis is a Englishman who somehow has ended up in the woods of Maine, where he raises bonsai, teaches, unpacks from his bonsai road show and drinks copious amounts of coffee in his pajamas. Most people who know Colin say that if you can get past his heavy foreign accent (joke!), you can learn a lot from him. Especially when it comes to the art of bonsai. An uncommon mix Among other things, Colin has a somewhat uncommon mix of talents. He can … Continue reading Colin Lewis Interview: “They’re All Important”