Robert Steven & the Tao of Bonsai

Movement and stillness. Robert Steven’s skill, energy and enthusiasm have done much to move the art of bonsai forward. Even though there’s nowhere to go. These photos are from a facebook album that presents some samples of Robert Steven’s bonsai. A simple tree with its gnarled time-twisted trunk, leans into the darkness. Sentient trees in a ancient forest, a floating world. Robert Steven is a frequent contributor to Bonsai Bark. In addition to being an acclaimed bonsai artist and teacher, Robert is bonsai author, with two very notable books under his belt (Vision of My Soul and Mission of Transformation) … Continue reading Robert Steven & the Tao of Bonsai

Wire Cutters: A Little Tip from Graham

Graham Potter of Kaizen Bonsai holds up his stainless wire cutters so you can get a good look. From one of Graham’s excellent bonsai instruction videos. No more twisting I always thought bonsai wire cutters were shaped the way the are (with stubby blades) so that the tip of the blade doesn’t damage the bark when you remove wire. I still think this is true. However, Graham Potter says that it’s designed this way so the wire doesn’t twist when you cut it. This is news to me, but as I reflect on it, I think it makes sense. Anyone … Continue reading Wire Cutters: A Little Tip from Graham

Mugo Pines: A Well Kept Secret

This powerful, well groomed yet craggy Mugo pine jumps off the page. It would be exceptional even if it didn’t have that wild and strange piece of deadwood that doubles back on the trunk; a feature that makes this tree uniquely distinctive and even more wonderful than it would be anyway (though I might remove the straight stick at the end that goes behind the trunk). I might also take issue with the crown; it’s a touch too perfectly groomed and symmetrical for my taste, but still, this is an exceptional bonsai. Worthy of the finest collections anywhere. I found … Continue reading Mugo Pines: A Well Kept Secret

Mistakes & Apologies All Around

Our first mistake (see below) has to do with those of you who have already ordered this book. If you are not familiar with it, it’s our famous Pine book and it’s coming back in April (maybe May). We recommend it for anyone interested in growing pine bonsai. If you are interested, you can pre-order now and you’ll receive two discounts: $5 (for pre-ordering and pre-paying) plus a 10% to 30% book sale discount. First mistake (don’t read this unless you’ve already ordered our Pine book) Yesterday we took our Pine book off our site because of our new book … Continue reading Mistakes & Apologies All Around

Wouldn’t You Like to Find a Tree Like This?

Wouldn’t you like to find a tree like this when you are out collecting? This is a cropped version of Autumn, by Giacomo Pappalardo. From his facebook wall photos. I assume it is Giacomo’s, though I find no mention of it anywhere; just the photo. A trunk with everything This funky (in the good sense) trunk has everything: shape, massive girth, aged bark, a natural looking hollow (sabamiki) and a perfect touch of deadwood. Though you could make an argument for hiding some of the trunk’s heaviness near the top (the dark hole above the jin), I imagine Giacomo decided … Continue reading Wouldn’t You Like to Find a Tree Like This?

Returning Soon: Our Famous Pine Book

Our most popular book. So popular in fact, that we ran out almost one year ago. Now, due to popular demand (really!) we’ve decided to bring it back. $5 Discount if you order in advance Two good things will happen if you order yours now. First, you’ll receive a $5 discount. Second, you’ll be first in line when it arrives some time in April.

Thinking Ahead to 2012: The Show & the Books

If you only go to one event every two years, this is the one. Don’t miss it. It’s not far fetched… … to think about an event this important seventeen months in advance. If you don’t, time slips by, your calendar fills up, and the next thing you know you’re kicking yourself for missing it. Limited printings After each Exhibition, Bill Valavanis puts out a world-class album. We still have some from 2008 and 2010 came in not long ago (purchase them both and save). However, if you want to have them all for your collection, don’t wait. A limited … Continue reading Thinking Ahead to 2012: The Show & the Books

Dead for One Thousand Years

Only countless years and the ceaseless ravages of weather born hardship can account for the character that this astounding dead tree displays. It looks like a Bristlecone pine from the White Mountains just east of Owens Valley in California (I found it on Bonsai Mania and they’re not saying anything, but I’d bet my first born grandchild on it). Dead for one thousand years?! I’ve heard that Bristlecones can stand for up to a thousand years after they have died. It’s hard enough to fathom living for up to five thousand years (really!), but dead trees standing for another thousand … Continue reading Dead for One Thousand Years

A Touch of Spring

The flowers are white, and we’ve got plenty of white stuff on the ground here in Vermont. That’s as far as it goes, but we can dream. The photo is from Bonsai Guest House Osaka (facebook). Here’s their website. It’s hard to tell for sure, but I’m guessing it’s a Ume (Flowering apricot). I’m told that Ume is one of the few deciduous trees holds deadwood for a long time. More than just a touch. I like it when azaleas show some leaves when they bloom, like this one. Sometimes you see them completely covered with flowers, which can seem … Continue reading A Touch of Spring

That Natural Look

This popped up on Bonsai Mania from a photo of Roelof Jansen van Vuuren’s. It caught me because of its light airy feel and natural look. A small cut or two? This sweet Japanese maple (var?) planting reminds me a bit of the Sugar maples on the edge of my property. Sometimes I imagine them small and then start making mental cuts. These trees have the same effect on me; I wouldn’t mind grabbing my scissors and making a small cut or two. Especially on that long left branch on the tree on the right (I think I just disturbed … Continue reading That Natural Look