There is going to be a Bonsai overwintering lecture and tour on November 14 at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. If you haven’t been there, it’s a rare treat. Mark you calendar.
John Naka’s famous Goshin and numerous other world class trees reside at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.
First place
Finally, after building excruciating suspense, here it is, our winner of our bonsai art contest ($50.00 gift certificate to Stone Lantern)! This sweet tree on a cliff by João Pires has captured my imagination. Not that it’s the only one I like, actually I like them all. So much so that we are awarding a second places ($25.00 gift certificate), and three honorable mentions ($10.00 gift certs each).
Ten years later. This Japanese beech is from an air-layering that we began showing several weeks ago (part one and part two). We promised a third installment (and almost forgot), so here it is. You can see the whole ten year process in detail in Bonsai Today issues 48 and 49.
It this technique really simple?
Though each step is fairly simple, there are so many steps that you might question our original notion that this is a simple technique. I guess your view of relative simplicity might depend upon your experience and your patience.
Step 9 (one year after starting the process). Gently remove the soil from around the layer. Then remove the piece of wire and cut off any roots that grow upward or downward so that only a level row of roots remains.
Continue reading A Simple (?) Air-Layering Technique: part 3
This image is from a video entitled ‘growth’ by Richard Lantz.
Bonsai as metaphor
Richard Lantz’s entry is less about bonsai than it is about what it means to be human; specifically (according to Amanda Rataj’s comments on Richard’s site) “control and the desire to better understand the place of the individual in society.”
Bonsai as bonsai
I enjoyed Richard’s video. His flowing drawings are quite mesmerizing and his talent is undeniable. However, from a purely bonsai perspective, none of the drawings taken alone achieve a presentable bonsai, and the ones with potential are either ruined (intentionally, I think) or just left that way. This unrealized potential may work well as metaphor, but leaves us hanging a bit when it comes to bonsai.
This Pemphis acidula is just another example of Robert Steven’s artistry. But the real question is; how did he arrive at this level of artistry and how can you get there too. Robert’s goal with Mission of Transformation is to answer these questions.
More than just another beautiful bonsai book
Robert Steven wants to share what he knows about creating powerful bonsai. As evidence, here’s the table of contents in Mission of Transformation: Introduction, Bonsai and Nature, Transformation, Designing, Aging, The Principle of Good Bonsai Design (Balance, Movement and Rhythm, Emphasis, Simplicity, Contrast, Proportion, Space, Unity), Transformation Studio, Critique, Gallery, Chronicle of Premna’s Adventure.
An in depth look
For an in depth look at Mission of Transformation, visit Knowledge of Bonsai. Or better still, go to Stone Lantern and purchase it and take advantage of our site wide sale (up to 40% off-starts tomorrow Sept 10th) while you’re at it.
This elegant five tree planting was submitted by Michelle Dougherty (Bunjin Journal).
A simple, natural look
If you’ve been following our Great Debate posts, you know that some people see a dichotomy between naturalistic and traditional bonsai. If I had to put Michelle’s drawing into one of these two groups, it would be naturalistic. Though the placement of the trees may or may not have been influenced by traditional Japanese guidelines (the odd number certainly conforms), the overall effect seems uncontrived and natural.
The last time (until next year)
I just finished this year’s final fertilizing on my potted bonsai and my future bonsai that are growing in the ground. Check out our last post for more on fall fertilizing.
Here’s what I used (per gallon of water):
Two tablespoons of Neptune’s Harvest Liquid Fish/Seaweed. 2-3-0.5
One teaspoon of Neptune’s Harvest Liquid Seaweed. 0-0.2-1
1/2 teaspoon of Dyna-gro Bloom 3-12-6
Last year I used Dyna-gro 7-9-5 instead of Bloom. This year, because I’m a little later than I like to be (for northern Vermont), I decided you use something a little lower in nitrogen. If you live in a mild climate, there’s no problem using 7-9-5 (or something similar) this time of year.
Fish seaweed is mild and well-balanced for fall fertilizing.
Reduced nitrogen
Horticulturists, bonsai teachers and others have long been advising people to reduce nitrogen fertilizing in late summer and fall. The keyword is “reduce.” Some nitrogen is necessary when you fertilize otherwise the phosphorous, potassium and other nutrients can’t do their job properly.
Fall growing season in mild climates
Here’s what Michael Hagedorn of Crataegus Bonsai has to say about nitrogen and the fall growing season: “We might also begin thinking about fall fertilizing. I think fall fertilizing is more important for bonsai, particularly developed ones, than spring fertilizing. In Japan more fertilizer is sold for bonsai in the fall than in the spring. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or other areas with a long, mild fall, re-fertilizing the trees is very wise as it is as long and nearly as productive a growing season as spring.
This simple entry by João Pires reminds me of the sumi brush paintings from long ago and far away (at least as long ago as the origins of bonsai and as far away as the wild and rugged Yellow Mountains of China).
A few simple strokes
Perhaps the best way to approach this kind of art is just first thought, best thought. So here goes: I like its simplicity and movement. With a few brush strokes you have an old pine clinging to sheer cliff. That and a lot of space for your imagination to roam.
Anyone else?
This is not much of a critique; but in keeping with first thought, best thought and the simplicity of the painting, it will have to do. Anyone else?
Continue reading Contest Critique #3: First Thought, Best Thought
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 classic. It is a must for every advanced student of bonsai… (and) beginners will profit vastly…” Walter Pall is one of the world’s most famous, prolific and outspoken bonsai artists. Walter is well known to readers of Bonsai Bark.
Bill Valavanis
“The bonsai community is fortunate to have Robert Steven as one of the leading bonsai artists who shares his enthusiasm, passion and love for the art… I am certain bonsai artists from around the globe will find Mission of Transformation a valuable addition to their reference library because it contains information not found anywhere so well presented and explained.” Bill Valavanis, Bonsai artist and educator, and publisher of International Bonsai magazine.
Continue reading Mission of Transformation is rapidly approaching