Cuttings

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

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”

What About Refining Bonsai?

One page of a sixteen page article on refining branches, from Bonsai Today issue 13 (long out of print, but we’ve bought back a few old issues and are offering them at antique prices at Stone Lantern). Do you really care about refining bonsai? Years ago I heard an old Japanese master say that the primary difference between Japanese and Western bonsai is refinement. I concur; at the time, most Westerners we not taking the time and trouble to develop fine branching (and other things) to the extent that the Japanese were. Now, though much has changed and Western bonsai … Continue reading What About Refining Bonsai?

Juniper: Before and After

After: By Michael Hagedorn, Crataegus Bonsai. Michael says the container is approx 30 gallons. This should give you some idea of the scale (it’s bigger than it looks). Michael says it’s a Juniper procumbens, but it looks a lot like a J. procumbens ‘nana’ to me (that’s the dwarf cultivar), especially in the photo below. What’s surprising about this is, that if it is a ‘nana’ it’s a monster, with a trunk whose thickness defies the normal limits of the variety. The most over-used tree in North America Juniper procumbens ‘nana’ is ubiquitous in the North American bonsai scene. Especially … Continue reading Juniper: Before and After

The Sweet Sounds of Bonsai

Diego Stocco, a computer, a few simple instruments, some powerful little mikes and a little (very commercial and very over-potted) bonsai get together to make some music. I found it on Alejandro Medina Ibarra’s facebook page. It’s entitled: Music from a Bonsai. Bonsai tool sale at Stone Lantern

Three Bonsai Masterpieces

This full cascade Japanese Katsura tree Kadsura vine is from Bonsai Today issue 5. Its overall height (not including the stand) is 31 inches (79 cm). Bonsai Galleries During its heyday, Bonsai Today magazine was known for its excellent how-to articles by Japanese and other masters, and for its  world class bonsai galleries. The three trees featured here are from long out-of-print issues, and present just a very small taste of what lies beneath the covers of Bonsai Today.

Tool Sale & Warehouse Closed Next Week

Another photo I found on a folder on my desk. I think it’s from Bonsaimania. They specialize in these kinds of shots. If you know for sure where it came from, please let me know. I’m never completely comfortable with putting up unattributed photos, yet they do seem to show up. I’ll have to be more diligent with my photo record keeping in the future. Tool sale started today Stone Lantern is offering 35% off all tools with an additional 10% off for orders over $100. Plenty of non-tool items are also discounted. Warehouse closed from July 5th thru July … Continue reading Tool Sale & Warehouse Closed Next Week

Beware the Terriers!

A good mix of freshly carved and aged olive wood. The carving was done by Graham Potter. The aged wood is courtesy of Mother Nature and Father Time. Graham’s video series The shots here are from a wood carving demo by Graham Potter; one of many in an excellent, ongoing series.

Waiting for News

While we are waiting for photos from the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, thought you might like to see the National Award Masterpiece from the 1st Exhibition. It’s a Sargent’s juniper by Jim Gremel. You can find it and a host of other world class bonsai in the 2008, 1st National Exhibition’s Album. It is also featured on International Bonsai’s website. Patiently waiting Though we’ve heard some rumors, as of now, we have no official word from the 2010 Exhibition. It will be a while until the album is out, but I expect some news and a few photos to … Continue reading Waiting for News