Robert Steven’s digitally enhanced version of a Trident maple by Carl Morrow (the photo Carl submitted is below). The original photo. Robert’s comments Despite the details, bonsai design is all about composition, and the pot is one of the most important composition elements. A well chosen pot can reflect and enhance the best features of a tree and effect the overall image, adding both nuance and balance.
Robert’s digitally enhanced version of a Yew that was submitted by Andre Flores (see below). The photo that Andre submitted. It’s really too small (we want 500 pixels wide), but Robert went ahead a critiqued it anyway. Robert’s critique The first impression when you look at this bonsai, is that there is something disturbing to our eyes. This is not unusual, and often we cannot tell what it is that bothers us. There are few issues : The main issue is the right branch. This branch’s line is different from the other lines; it is too straight whereas overall the … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques a Yew
Robert Steven at work. A very easy decision I just received an email from Robert Steven suggesting that we offer his critiques of your trees on Bonsai Bark. Needless to say, I hesitated about 1/10th of second (maybe less) in accepting his offer. About Robert Robert Steven is one of the most innovative and prolific bonsai artists in the world. Robert possesses enough vision, daring, imagination and masterful control of technique to fuel dozens of us more ordinary bonsai lovers. If you don’t believe me (overstatement is not unknown around these parts) check out his books: Vision of My Soul, … Continue reading Robert Steven World Famous Bonsai Artist, Teacher & Author Will Critique Your Tree For Free
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, … Continue reading Robert Steven’s Unique New Book is in Our Warehouse and Ready to Ship
Coming soon Robert Steven’s long awaited new book Mission of Transformation has just pulled out of port for it’s halfway round the world journey from Indonesia to Vermont. We hope to see it pull up to our warehouse sometime in August (no guarantees!). While we (and you) are waiting, we’re offering a pre-order, pre-pay special at $49. (retail $55.), with double discounts during our book sale. Here’s what a few bonsai notables have to say about it: “I am certain bonsai artists from around the globe will find “Mission of Transformation” a valuable addition to their reference library because it … Continue reading Robert Steven: Mission of Transformation
Robert Steven wiring a very large raft style Pemphis acidula (no common name?). One of many remarkably daring and powerful bonsai that appear in his first book, Vision of My Soul. Robert Steven is one of the most inspiring bonsai artists and bonsai technicians in the world. His artistic vision and his trees exist on the cutting edge of contemporary bonsai. Many of Robert’s remarkable trees are pictured in his ground breaking book, Vision of My Soul, which was published in 2005. But neither time nor Robert have been standing still, and this summer, you’ll be able to enjoy a … Continue reading Mission of Transformation by Robert Steven
Robert Steven has done it again. This time it’s a perfect root-over-rock bonsai (I couldn’t find the variety). Here’s what Charles Bevan has to say about it: “This is unbelievably perfect. One quick glance at this tree brought me to a state of nirvana.” The three trees shown here are from Robert Steven’s timeline. No varieties given, and though we would rather know what they are, we can still enjoy simple bonsai beauty, with or without a name. Even though we don’t know what the trees are, one thing we do know about this forest planting is that it is … Continue reading Root Over by Robert
Which one do you like best and why? This exercise is proposed by our friend Robert Steven. It’s one thing to glance at something and decide if you like it or not. It’s quite another to examine and express your reasons. One of things I like about Robert Steven is the way he challenges us to think about what we like and the choices we make. You might even go further and say that he challenges our whole approach; how we view the art of bonsai and what we are trying to accomplish. Robert posted this particular challenge on Komunitas … Continue reading Robert’s Bonsai Challenge – Which One Is Best?
Premna is all Robert Steven says about this remarkable tree, but maybe that’s enough; it can tell its own story of a wild life with more than its fair share of abuse (like some people we might know). As you may have noticed, we feature Robert Steven’s bonsai more than any other artist, so maybe it’s time to issue a disclaimer. But before we do that, we’ll note that Robert is one of the most prolific and talented bonsai artists we know. Beyond that, he teaches bonsai to a depth seldom seen and he expresses boundless energy and enthusiasm in … Continue reading Robert’s Bonsai & Our Disclaimer
Several super mini Premna microphylla arranged on an impressive stone. This planting and the rest of the mini bonsai shown here are by Robert Steven. All good things… Today is packing up and leaving day. The end of an excellent vacation. I’ve been trying to post every day,* even if it means dipping into our archives. This one originally appeared in 2010. I’ve made a few changes, but it’s still about the same amazingly small bonsai (all Premna microphylla). The smaller the more difficult… Robert Steven sent us these incredibly tiny bonsai a few days ago. Here’s what he has … Continue reading Robert’s Super Mini Bonsai