This Brazilian Rain Tree’s lush, perfectly balanced canopy almost shimmers with life. It comes from Photos from Bursa Bonsai Indonesia. It was added by Budi Sulistyo. Budi is a well known Indonesian bonsai artist and author. I don’t know if the tree belongs to Budi or someone else (though I imagine someone will clue us in soon).
Another vacation resurrection (from March 2011). Thanks to our friend Jose Luis Rodriquez, we now know that the tree does in fact belong to Budi Sulistyo and that he grew it from a pencil sized cutting that he got in India, and that two years ago it was 15 to 20 inches tall.
It speaks for itself
This tree is strikes me as a good example of an unselfconscious naturalness that’s not always that easy to find. It looks like it just grew that way, no human hand necessary (except that it’s in a bonsai pot). The overall balance is right on, the trunk is strong and full of texture and movement, and the canopy speaks for itself. Bonsai perfection.
I just now (August 4th, 2013), found this Nia Buxifolia by Budi. Though, to my eye, it doesn’t quite express that same simple beauty as the tree above, still…
Both are nice trees and given they are different species with different growing habits (both in the wild and in pots) will always offer a different perspective when viewed. I think also that the bottom tree should be placed slightly off centre on the stand as it seems a little unbalanced. Not seeing all the stand gives this iimpression and may look different if such a shot was posted. Either that or a slightly smaller stand.
For those interested in following Budi he will be in Australia next August (2014) on the Gold Coast in Queensland at the BCI/AABC 27th National Bonsai Convention. Given the climates are similar between his home and Australia it will be interesting to see and hear what his demonstrations will cover. Not doing anything (or want a holiday with good weather) look up the official web site and book a place. The weekend Convention is spread over three days with many other external events and opportunities planned. See you there.
Or you could see him in April 2014 at the MidAtlantic Bonsai Societies 31st Festival in
East Hanover, NJ for less money and traveling.
Alan,
Thanks for your observations and for the info on Budi and the shows.
If you’d like to see the Nia with the whole stand, there’s a link in the caption. I sometimes crop stands when I feel that they are photographed in a way that distracts from the tree.